Universal Process / Temperature Controllers
Hot Runner Controllers offer injection molding flexibility.
Press Release Summary:
Modular K Series includes models K-10 and K-20 for monitoring up to 60 and 120 zones, respectively. Component options include control cards with or without current measurement, touchscreen consoles, and cabinets with interlocked card access door. Control board LED indicators are visible through front-door window for diagnostic capability, and up to 20 tool settings may be stored. Event Log captures all fault alarms and setting/configuration changes.
Original Press Release:
New K Series Hot Runner Controllers offer Injection Molding Flexibility, Compact Size and Economical Operation
PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA Â To meet the demand for precision control, ease-of-use, and day-to-day reliability, Athena Controls, Inc. (Athena) introduces the new K Series of modular hot runner controllers. The new K Series includes two models; the Model K-10 for monitoring up to 60 zones, and the Model K-20 for monitoring up to 120 zones. Designed from the ground up with the needs of injection molders in mind, each model is very economical to operate (especially on high zone counts), their compact size saves valuable floorspace, and both models are offered with a wide array of component options. These include control cards that are available with or without current measurement, cabinets in various sizes that can also be mounted into machine cabinets for greater system integration, and touchscreen consoles offering the ultimate in operator usability and system functionality.
K Series cabinets are robust, have an interlocked card access door, and include current and ground fault interruption for maximum mold safety. Larger cabinets also have a rear access door. Control board LED indicators are visible through the front door window for additional diagnostic capability.
Up to 20 tool settings may be stored for maximum flexibility. Tool configurations can be saved onto a standard floppy disk for off-line storage or transfer to another machine. The software gives you a greater insight into the molding process with touch-interactive 3D graphs that display recorded data.
COLOR TOUCHSCREEN FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
The Zoom page provides more detail for a single zone, including deviation and power output graphs. The Easyview page, used in conjunction with the picture store facility, provides a photo of the mold, with live mini-panels displayed in the actual zone positions, for greater layout awareness.
The Event Log captures all occurrences of fault alarms, as well as setting or configuration changes, for diagnosis in the event of a molding problem. The diagnostics feature checks the mold for heater, thermocouple, and wiring faults, and can predict an imminent heater failure. A standard network connection enables web-browser remote monitoring from anywhere on your network or the Internet. The console also includes a comprehensive online help manual, as well as multi-language support.
A RANGE OF CONTROL CARDS TO SUIT EVERY APPLICATION
The K Series design allows for a variety of configurations, using a selection of control card options. 6-zone 5A cards, designed for probe zones, offer the most in terms of reduced cabinet size and cost, typically reducing the cabinet volume to less than a third that of earlier models. Higher current output cards are fitted for manifold zones. Molders who prefer to have the flexibility of high current on all zones can choose to fit the 3-zone 15A, 2-zone 20A and 30A cards, and one zone units.
Whichever card you choose, the use of modern surface mount electronics makes them considerably more compact than conventional designs. The powerful CPU on each card enables the controller to switch between Time Proportioned or Phase Angle-Fired modes when required, giving greater heater protection during startup bake-out and superior control of small, sensitive probes.
ABOUT ATHENA CONTROLS, INC.
Located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, USA, Athena Controls, Inc. designs and manufactures digital and analog temperature control instrumentation for applications in the process industries worldwide, ranging from plastics and packaging to food and pharmaceuticals. Athena offers temperature control solutions in three major areas of the control loop: panel and sub-panel controllers, SCR power handlers and solid-state relays, and temperature sensors. In addition to standard products, Athena custom-engineers controllers to meet special customer requirements. Examples include special output types, temperature ranges in thermocouple, platinum RTD, and mA/mV inputs, as well as various display formats and control modes. Athena also provides total turnkey solutions, with custom control modules designed and manufactured to customer specifications.
For more information visit: athenacontrols.com/pdf/catalog/seriesK.pdf
or contact: Doug Crowell, Athena Controls, Inc., 5145 Campus Drive, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania 19462-1129 USA
Tel: 610-828-2490 o Toll-free in USA: 800-782-6776 o Fax: 610-828-7084 o dcrowell@athenacontrols.com
