How to choose a mold temperature controller? Professional guidance on how to choose a mold temperature controller that suits one’s needs

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The mold temperature controller is a highly efficient and energy-saving heating device widely used in industries such as chemicals, composite materials, machinery, new energy, die casting, shipbuilding, textiles, and films. Depending on the industry, there are various models, temperature ranges, and functions available for mold temperature controllers. So, when one needs a mold temperature controller for their own industry, how should they go about selecting the right one? How to choose a mold temperature controller suitable for one’s own host equipment? How to select a mold temperature controller? Firstly, it depends on the actual temperature control requirements of the equipment needing temperature regulation. What kind of performance characteristics must the mold temperature controller possess to meet these requirements? The key factors to consider when selecting a mold temperature controller are detailed here. These include five aspects: the heat transfer medium, temperature control range, cooling method, power rating, and structural type. First: Determining the heat transfer medium. Since mold temperature controllers fall under the category of water-based or oil-based temperature controllers, their applicable ranges and usage scenarios vary depending on the heat transfer medium used. The maximum operating temperature for water-based heat pumps is 180°C, while that for oil-based heat pumps is 400°C. First, it is necessary to decide whether to use heat transfer oil or water as the heat transfer medium. Within the allowable temperature control range, due to water’s excellent thermal conductivity, the water-based system is preferred. (1) For water-based mold temperature controllers, when the required mold temperature does not exceed 95°C, the controller operates in an open mode. When the temperature exceeds 95°C, a closed mode must be selected to maintain a certain pressure within the system and prevent the heat transfer medium from evaporating. (2) Oil-type mold temperature control: The temperature control range for oil-type mold temperature controllers is 45°C to 350°C. Depending on the temperature control requirements you have, Oueneng Machinery offers a variety of series for your selection. II: Temperature control range and accuracy. The temperature control range of a mold temperature controller refers to the highest temperature that needs to be achieved using it, as well as the requirements regarding temperature control accuracy. For example, in the plastics industry where the operating temperature is 90–100°C, water-based heat exchangers or oil-based heat exchangers can be chosen. In the field of heat press die temperature control, where temperatures reach 200–220°C, high-temperature oil heating systems are the only option available. Die temperature control systems offer precision levels of ±1°C and ±0.1°C for customers to choose from. III: Calculation of heating power – The heating power of a temperature control machine is determined based on the heat requirements, through thermal balance analysis. Industries such as mold manufacturing, pressing plates, rollers, and reaction vessels use different calculation methods, which poses a challenge to the industry experience of manufacturers of mold temperature control systems. The selection of heating power is directly related to the stability and energy efficiency of the mold temperature controller during use. IV: When choosing a mold temperature controller as the cooling method, attention must also be paid to the cooling method of the heat transfer medium. Cooling methods are divided into direct and indirect types. The indirect cooling method involves separating the cooling circuit from the main circuit. The heat transfer medium used in this cooling method is generally oil-based. After the heat from the cooling medium is absorbed by the hot medium, it enters the exchange valve directly. In the direct cooling method, cooling water is directly introduced into the circuit, without the need for a heat exchanger. Using this cooling method can **improve the system’s cooling capacity, thereby allowing the heat transfer medium to be cooled down rapidly. Electric valves or multi-stage solenoid valves can be used for control to improve the system’s control precision. 5: In terms of structural format, mold temperature controllers come in various types such as single-circuit, double-circuit, and multi-circuit control systems. First, it’s necessary to distinguish between single-loop, double-loop, and multi-loop control systems. The single-loop control system has a compact structure and small size. There are various series available depending on their temperature control range. A dual-circuit control system is used when the molds’ moving and fixed platens require different temperatures. The temperatures of the two circuits are controlled and the pump flow rate is adjusted based on the different temperature requirements of the two templates. At the same time, the power supply for the cooling water is connected to the main unit’s power supply in the same junction box, thereby reducing the overall size of the device. A multi-loop control system consists of multiple separate loops, each of which is used to control different temperatures required during the product molding process. Therefore, this system achieves perfect results in controlling molds with complex structures and technical products involving special manufacturing processes. The above is the editor’s explanation on how to choose a temperature control machine, and on how to select one that suits one’s needs. I hope this will be helpful for everyone when deciding to purchase a temperature control machine.