Temperature control unit

The temperature control unit works by circulating a heat transfer medium (e.g. water or oil). The basic steps are:

• Heating or cooling: the medium is either heated or cooled in the unit.

• Circulation: a pump conveys the medium through the unit and the connected systems, such as tools or moulds.

• Return: after heat transfer, the medium is returned and brought back to temperature.

The temperature is measured by integrated sensors and precisely controlled by control mechanisms.

There are different types of temperature control unit, which differ in their field of application and the medium used:

Type	Medium	Temperature range	Typical applications
Water temperature control unit	Water	Up to approx. 90 to 160 °C	Injection moulding, extrusion
Oil temperature control unit	Thermal oil	Up to approx. 350 °C	Tool heating, high-temperature processes
Combined temperature control unit	Water and/or oil	Flexible temperature range	Wide range of industrial applications

Using a temperature control unit offers numerous advantages:

• Improved product quality: even temperature control reduces moulding defects and stresses in the material.

• Process stability: constant temperatures ensure reproducible results.

• Energy efficiency: modern units optimise energy consumption through precise control.

• Longer tool life: even temperature distribution protects tools against thermal damage.

Temperature control units are indispensable in many industries:

Plastics industry

• Injection moulding: exact temperature control of tools for dimensionally accurate, stress-free components.

• Extrusion: controlling die temperature to ensure an even material output rate.

Rubber industry

• Mould vulcanisation: precise temperature control of vulcanising moulds for consistent quality.

• Extrusion processes: control of cooling and heating zones.

Medical technology

• Manufacture of precision parts: accurate temperature control for sensitive materials.

Automotive industry

• Tool temperature control: manufacture of components with tight tolerances.

Operating a temperature control unit can involve some challenges:

• Choice of medium: choosing the right heat transfer medium is crucial for efficiency and safety.

• Maintenance: deposits or contamination in the circuit can impair performance.

• Costs: high-precision temperature control units are more expensive to buy, but pay for themselves through their efficiency.

• What temperatures can be reached with a temperature control unit? Water units reach up to 160 °C, while oil units can handle temperatures up to 350 °C.

• How is the heat transfer medium chosen? The medium is selected on the basis of temperature requirements, material compatibility and process conditions.

• How often should a temperature control unit be serviced? Regular maintenance, depending on the intensity of use, is important to remove deposits and ensure optimum performance.

• Can temperature control units be retrofitted to existing production lines? Yes, many temperature control units can be integrated into existing systems.