Luger introduces the Thermo 6: Size 62 with new performance parameters

The new frame size impresses with higher heating, cooling and pump capacities and now covers a temperature range from 100 °C to 180 °C. The pump flow rate is up to 140 l/min, the standard heating capacity is 16 kW and the cooling capacity is up to 120 kW @ 60 K. Like size 61, the new size 62 uses highly efficient 4T synchronous pumps for units operating at 100 °C and 4S pumps from 140 °C. The same applies to the new, more powerful 6P and 6R pumps with flow rates of up to 160 l/min, with the 6P "Direct Drive" pump also impressing with its exceptionally high efficiency at temperatures up to 100 °C by preventing eddy current losses. All pumps are frequency-controlled as standard for maximum efficiency and performance. Due to the high flow rates, units with 6P and 6R pumps also use connections with larger cross-sections.

The new size 62 units are physically slightly wider, but with a height of 650 mm, they are lower than the previous series 5 models, which has a positive impact on positioning options alongside production equipment. Thanks to their overall height, the new units are very well suited for placement beneath production equipment or in the immediate vicinity of the production environment. The reason for the larger dimensions: the greater heating, cooling and pump capacity potential of frame size 62. However, the potential of this size has not yet been fully exploited. Further capacity levels are being explored for the future, which have so far only been offered in size 3 of the previous Thermo 5 models.

However, this does not mean that Thermo 6 will not also have a size 63 with even higher performance! Over time, HB-Therm will incorporate special performance specifications into the standard range and thus continue to develop it.

Unique: Extended Warranty

In addition to the lifetime warranty on the heating element, which HB-Therm was the only temperature control unit manufacturer in the world to offer with the previous series 5 generation, customers of Thermo 6 units also benefit from a lifetime warranty on ultrasonic flow measurement. All components have been designed to be extremely robust and durable. Martin Braun, Technical Director at HB-Therm, says: "This step was made possible by our expertise in developing Thermo 5 high-temperature water temperature control units for temperatures up to 230 °C!"

Based on the technology of Thermo 6 size 61, the size 62 units have been consistently standardised further and equipped with familiar features, such as a visual alarm via LEDs at the front of the base. Low maintenance requirements also have a clearly positive impact on the operation of size 62.

Energy Efficiency: Built In

HB-Therm regards the standard integration of a pump with a frequency-controlled drive throughout the entire product range as an environmental obligation. With the Energy Control assistant, the optimum operating point can be achieved at any time, even without specialist knowledge. The result is up to 85 percent lower energy consumption. After all, a pump that does not always run at full load not only saves energy but also has a longer service life. In addition, speed-controlled pumps can be used universally for both large and small moulds, reducing the variety of temperature control unit types required. So, one unit for all tasks.

The lifetime warranty on key heating and flow measurement components also applies to the new size, despite the expanded capacity and temperature range.

Thermo 6 units are fully insulated. The innovative hydraulic concept features various modules and simple plug-in connections and has also been optimised through well-designed "piping". The result is not only easier maintenance but also reduced pressure losses in the hydraulic circuit. This in turn has a positive impact on savings, and thus on energy efficiency as well as the CO2 footprint. Put simply, everything flows ideally, optimally, cleanly, without obstruction and without pressure losses. Thermo 6 units have ventilation openings, but significantly fewer than usual. The well-designed heating concept keeps thermal energy inside and transfers it to the medium in the best possible way, minimising heat losses and significantly increasing energy efficiency.

Control, Analysis, Management: Everything on a Large, Brilliant Touchscreen

One feature that immediately catches the eye is the seven-inch Thermo 6 touchscreen. Its operation is clearly based on modern smartphones. In less than ten minutes, operators learn how to operate the Thermo 6 temperature control unit. Individual settings and favourite selection modes, plain-text instructions with additional QR codes, unit setup wizards, swiping and scrolling also make it easy and quick to find the required control pages on the series 6 unit display. Graphic and text pages facilitate intuitive navigation. The expert system assists, warns, reports and thus optimises the operation of the unit. In this way, even complex setup procedures can be handled very easily. Thanks to the clear layout, setters and operators can always quickly find exactly the parameter page they need with just a few clicks.

Intelligent: Network Connectivity

HB-Therm defines digitalisation as contemporary, mobile, independent, useful and supportive. The progressive hardware and software architecture of series 6 enables comprehensive access to the digital world of HB-Therm. In addition to the standard OPC UA Ethernet interface on every Thermo 6, the digital solutions are called "Gate 6" and "ecockpit".

"Gate 6" is an interface server that establishes a connection (gateway) to the "ecockpit" application and the digital services of the HB-Therm world, as well as between several Thermo 6 and/or Thermo 5 units and other external equipment, such as injection moulding machines.

"Gate-6" has access to HB-Therm Cloud functions via a LAN connection. This enables analytical data to be sent, the "digital twin" to be updated in the company's "ticket" system, statistics and reports to be generated, such as customer service reports and maintenance overviews, and preventive maintenance of connected units.

The "ecockpit" application is a mobile app for smartphones and tablets and operates in accordance with the highest security and data standards. Customer data is therefore always secure. "ecockpit" has local access to Gate 6 and the connected temperature control units, but not to production machines such as injection moulding machines. It provides access to the company's "Ticket" portal. Users can use this access, among other things, to process error messages and warranty cases and to obtain technical support. "ecockpit" is a central application that brings together data from several "Gate 6" interface servers and temperature control units and makes it available online. This requires a central data server and internet access. Recorded data and settings are also sent to HB-Therm Support only if approved by the customer and in accordance with the highest security criteria.

Extensive Standard Equipment

In addition to the standard equipment already mentioned, a cleanroom package, an OPC UA interface and pump condition monitoring are now also standard. Maintenance indicators for components in the unit also provide convenience. Depending on the application, they provide timely, targeted information about upcoming maintenance.

With its many standard features, sophisticated and durable technology and extensive digital functions, the new series 6 sets standards for the industry. The company is continuing this success story with the planned capacity expansion to include size 62. HB-Therm is thus continuing on its path towards making good things "simply better".