Twin Screw Extruder Controls -- Century Extrusion

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Century Extrusion Control Systems

Century Extrusion control systems employ the latest in machine control technology and are designed to meet the demanding requirements of operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Century Extrusion’s HMI (Operator Interface) screens are easy to use and are designed to meet customer’s varying requirements. In addition, Century Extrusion control systems meet NFPA, NEC, CE and SCCR requirements.

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Easy to Use and Factory Tested
Regardless of machine size, the HMI screens utilize the same basic layouts and design principles. The control system is configured to the extruder at our facility to reflect the number of barrels, temperature control zones and the peripheral equipment that will be supplied as part of the system. The entire system is tested before it leaves our factory. The typical Machine Overview screen appears as shown.

System adaptable to machine size
25 mm, 30 mm and 40 mm Extruder: Small in size – Big in capability

Smaller CXE series machines do not sacrifice any control capability. CXE 25, 30 and 40 models utilize the same control package as the larger machines in the series.

Due to the smaller size of the drive and heater zone control circuitry,all components will fit in enclosures located within the frame of the extruder. The touch screen on the smaller machine is located on a support arm attached to the machine.

50 mm, 58 mm, 70 mm, 92 mm and 133 mm Extruder: Big in size – Big in Capability

Control enclosures for the larger machines can be mounted to the machine base or more often they are remotely located in the vicinity of the extruder. Machines of this size require full size enclosures because of the space requirements of the power distribution and heater control circuitry. The HMI can be located on the Extruder or on the door of the enclosure.

Designed with flexibility in mind
Century Extrusion’s standard control system utilizes the *Allen Bradley SLC 5-05 ™ Programmable Logic Controller or Allen Bradley CompactLogix ™ Programmable Automation Controller. These packages can communicate via traditional AB communication protocols or via Ethernet to the plant monitoring software or they can function as a stand-alone system requiring no outside monitoring.

The capabilities of the control system allow it to accomplish the following:
• Operate the extruder and control the PID loops
• Provide interface with peripheral equipment
• Monitor and display machine and process faults
• Store and download process data
• Input recipes

Optional capabilities of the control system include:
• The ability to scan bar codes for recipes which automatically input machine operating parameters
• Synchronization of peripheral equipment by utilizing the extruder or the main feeder as the master and having all other equipment function as a slave.

*While the standard machine control package involves Allen Bradley hardware, optional platforms are available. Please call us to discuss your needs in a control package.