{"id":3938,"date":"2016-09-07T20:35:05","date_gmt":"2016-09-07T20:35:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecc-automation.com\/?page_id=3938"},"modified":"2016-09-07T20:55:07","modified_gmt":"2016-09-07T20:55:07","slug":"extrusion-control","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ecc-automation.com\/work\/plastic-extrusion-machine-controls\/extrusion-control\/","title":{"rendered":"Extrusion Control for Plastic: In Depth"},"content":{"rendered":"

Integrated automation controls for a plastic extrusion plant<\/h2>\n

Whether you are extruding plastic for screwdriver handles or molding, a durable state-of-the-art extrusion control system is needed. Upgrading to one of these electronic control systems allows\u00a0for better accuracy and consistency throughout a high volume manufacturing process.<\/p>\n

Electronic Control Corporation was hired to design, build and test a plastic extrusion control system<\/strong> for a large plastics manufacturer in the United States. This was to replace an older and far less efficient control system for the process.<\/p>\n

ECC-Automation started the upgrade process by first\u00a0identifying the client\u2019s requirements<\/strong>\u00a0for the upgraded extrusion control system. The system was then designed<\/strong>, evaluated for how the new system will integrate<\/strong>\u00a0into the client\u2019s building, and thoroughly tested<\/strong>\u00a0prior to on-site delivery and setup.<\/p>\n

Temperature consistency with extrusion control systems<\/h3>\n

Keeping the temperature consistent<\/a> is the key to a successful plastic process that produces quality products. Starting in a liquid state, the plastic is then heated & pressurized out through the mold. Once in the mold, the plastic is then cooled down to form. So while the temperature is changed during different phases of the process, it must be controlled accurately throughout the system at any given phase.<\/p>\n

Extrusion control panel engineered with durability in mind – SSCRs\"extrusion<\/a><\/h3>\n

The ECC extrusion control panel contactors<\/strong> were hooked up to the thermocouples and resistive temperature detectors at temperature stations throughout the manufacturing facility, to closely control and monitor consistency during the entire process. Solid State Relays or SSCRs<\/strong> were used for durability, and according to the established UL508A<\/strong><\/a> requirements for short circuit current ratings or SCCRs<\/strong><\/a>. Other key components on the plastic extrusion control panel were two fuses, that were installed on separate circuits to protect each heater from overloading.<\/p>\n

Programmable Logic Controllers made it all work<\/h3>\n

The red junctions on the extrusion control panel are PLCS (see image), programmed in-house by Electronic Control Corporation. In this case, relay logic<\/a> was developed, rather than using function blocks during the programming phase.<\/p>\n

Along with a powerful main processor, all individual units on this electronic control system contain expandable input\/output for scalability.<\/p>\n

BMS policy for control panel replacement<\/h3>\n

All plastic manufacturers apply a policy for replacing electronic control systems, depending on the application. Some applications, like sanitary process in pharmaceutical and food, require a much shorter timeline. Others, such as plastic extruders in this case, can apply a longer replacement schedule for components. The new extrusion control panel was interfaced with the plastic manufacturer\u2019s BMS system to help increase monitoring efficiency within the entire manufacturing process.<\/p>\n

All about controlling the heaters on the plastic extrusion system<\/h3>\n

The focus of this project was all about controlling the heat at any given point in the process. So having a state-of-the-art control panel engineered to replace the older was key to gaining better accuracy and consistency. In addition, the efficiency of control and BMS monitoring was improved throughout the entire extrusion process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

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Does your project require custom electronic control design?
\nCall us today at 443-201-9409<\/strong><\/p>\n

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