Chapter 2 Hot Runner Temperature Control; Types Of Temperature Control; Open Loop Control; Configuring Zones - Husky Altanium Matrix2 User Manual

User Guide

Chapter 2 Hot Runner Temperature Control

This guide is designed to make sure that users receive the maximum possible benefit from
the use of the Altanium Hot Runner Control Systems.
The Altanium controllers were designed as a processor's tool for hot runner molding. The
fundamental criteria required to operate a hot runner mold is controlling the process
temperature so that it is as consistent and repeatable as possible with respect to the process
setpoint. The closer to the setpoint the process temperature is maintained at, the lower the
setpoint temperature may be set. This equates to less cooling time required (energy in -
energy out), and faster cycle times.
2.1

Types of Temperature Control

The Altanium controller uses two basic types of control:
•
•

2.1.1 Open Loop Control

Without a thermocouple, it is not possible to control the temperature inside the mold, only
the amount of power supplied to the heater. Altanium maintains this power output
accurately with a resolution of 0.1%. This method of control is called manual regulation.
Open loop control is normally associated with tip heaters, where the physical size of the tip
precludes the use of an internal thermocouple.
2.2

Configuring Zones

In an effort to match the energy input requirements of differing types of loads, it is necessary
for the output power delivered to the heaters to be adjusted over a range of 0 to 100%. The
Altanium controller can be set up to achieve this by using either Zero Cross Control or Phase
Angle Control.
Types of Temperature Control
Open loop control with no thermocouple feedback.
Closed loop control with thermocouple feedback. Closed loop can be sub-categorized
as follows:
• Internal Thermocouple - Located inside and as part of the heater assembly.
• External Thermocouple - Located close to but not actually part of a single heater
assembly, and may even be allocated to a group of heaters to form a zone.
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