Second-Generation Control Algorithm Elevates Mold Controller Performance

Husky Technologies, a technology provider, announces the launch of a second-generation control algorithm for its line of Altanium mold controllers. The Advanced Reasoning Technology (ART 2.0) software delivers greater speed, accuracy, precision and repeatability compared to today’s existing temperature control systems, the company claims.

ART 2.0 incorporates advanced auto-tuning and heat-up strategies which deliver higher out-of-the-box performance. It is said to consistently deliver high accuracy and control precision, significantly reducing variability in the molding process shot after shot and mold after mold. According to Husky Technologies, test results show that ART 2.0 delivers up to 42% faster heat-up times with 30% less energy use. 

ART 2.0 includes two complementary heating solutions, which upgrade Husky’s original ART Classic control solution. The primary heating strategy is UniStart which offers uniform and homogeneous heating while promoting even thermal expansion of components in the hot runner. 

A complement to UniStart is AltaStart, a patent-pending advanced algorithm which staggers heating so that all zones reach process temperature simultaneously. Power is not applied to lower mass zones until the last possible moment, reducing material residence time and minimizing degradation in areas like the nozzles with less melt volume. 

ART 2.0 also provides auto-tuning capabilities that ensure a high level of control with minimal to no user interaction. The ART 2.0 system also has more available tuning choices to deliver high-level control. It uses individually adjustable P, I and D values for selection during the auto-tuning routine, increasing the chances of arriving at an optimal result by limiting any gaps that a zone may fall into using the one-parameter method.

Most important, Husky says the Altanium mold controller, powered by ART 2.0, has proven to be the most user friendly based on a standard setup procedure for qualifying new molds. An expert operator achieved a 64% increase in productivity based on understanding the steps to execute adjustments and the number of button presses to complete the steps versus competitive technologies.