How can solid state relays improve quality and production speed?

How can solid-state relays improve quality and production speed in the plastic industry?

The plastic industry uses a lot of machines that need reliable and quick heating processes, such as extrusion, injection moulding, blow moulding, thermoforming, recycling, and 3D printing machines.

But how can solid-state relays improve quality and production speed if integrated into these machines?

Advantages

Very high reliability and long-lasting solutions

Solid-state relays no longer have a reputation to make in terms of reliability compared to electromechanical relays. SSRs have a higher life expectancy, better resistance to shocks and vibrations, and switch faster than EMRs. Indeed, due to their “solid-state”, no movement is required to switch SSRs, meaning switching is considerably faster, temperature control is then more precise, and there is no mechanical wear and tear.

Cost reduction

Solid-state relays exist in very compact versions (45mm, 22.5mm, miniature housings, etc.), and allow you to save a lot of space in cabinets, leading to cost reduction. SSRs are also available in DIN rail mounts, allowing a significant gain of time and effort during installation and maintenance, and requiring a lot less space than other types of mountings.

Real-time monitoring and diagnostics

Nowadays, solid-state relays integrate new technologies offering real-time monitoring and diagnostics.

Thanks to communications systems, and integrated diagnostic systems, it is now easier to spot failures and short circuits, to control temperatures and to measure load currents, making maintenance a lot quicker.

Solid-state relays are used in many steps of production systems in the plastic industry. Below is a non-exhaustive list of the main applications of SSRs in these systems :

Main applications in plastic injection moulding, extrusion and thermoforming systems

• Barrel heating control. SSRs are used in order to heat up the barrel to melt the plastic material. Key product: Two-phase SSRs with push-in springs terminal - SOBR Series
• Mould heating system control. SSRs are used in order to heat the mould and in order to give the correct form to the plastic material.Key product: Zero-cross single phase SSRs for standard industrial loads (AC-51) - SAL9 Series (702-6781)
• Motor control and automation. SSRs are used in order to control the motor of the extrusion screw.Key product: Zero-cross single phase SSRs for most types of loads - SO8 Series (499-0525)

Main applications in blow moulding systems

• Preform injection. SSRs are used in order to heat up and cool down the temperature during the preform injection.Key products: Zero-cross single-phase SSRs for resistive loads - SO9 Series (499-0452)
• Re-heat stations. SSRs are used in order to control the infrared lamps in the re-heating station of the preforms.Key products: Phase angle controllers - SG4 Series (172-0525)
• Stretch blow and second blow moulding. SSRs are used in order to control the heat during the stretch blow process, in order to give PET bottles their final shapes.Key products: Single phase SSRs and plug-in modules - SUL Series & ECOM Module (917-4850)

Main applications in 3D printing systems

• Filament extrusion. SSRs are used in order to control the heat of the filament extruder.Key products: Zero-cross single-phase SSRs for resistive loads - SU9 Series
• Heated print bed. SSRs are used in order to control the temperature of the heating bed in the 3D printer.Key products: Zero-cross single-phase SSRs for resistive loads - SO9 Series

Solid state relays are then very important in the plastic industry, and represent a lot of advantages. For a more detailed explanation, check out our video :

You can also visit our e-catalogueor contact our technical support if you need further information.