The combined cable carries heater power and the thermocouple signal inside a single cable. Instead of running two separate cables between the mold and the control unit, a single line is used.
In its construction the thermocouple pairs are positioned inside (0.5 mm²) and the power lines outside (1.5 mm²). This layout reduces the extent to which the magnetic field created by the power lines disturbs the sensitive thermocouple signal.
Its advantage is not only the reduced number of cables: a single connection is made at a mold change, the risk of confusion and wrong plugging falls, and it takes up less room in the cable duct.
The black PVC sheath is resistant to oil and chemicals.
One cable, two functions
The combined cable carries heater power and the thermocouple signal inside the same body. Instead of running two separate cables between the mold and the control unit, a single connection is made. Inside the construction the thermocouple cores are 0.5 mm² and the power cores 1.5 mm² in cross-section.
The practical gain
- Mold change time shortens — the number of connections to be plugged in and out is halved
- Clutter is reduced — fewer cables around the machine, less risk of snagging and crushing
- The risk of a wrong connection falls — the chance of mixing up two separate sockets disappears
The interference side
Because power and signal are in the same body, the first question that comes to mind is interference. In combined cables the thermocouple cores are therefore shielded, and the layout is designed to minimize the effect of interference. On the other hand, over very long distances or in high-current applications it is safer to use a separate thermocouple cable and heater cable.
When it is preferred
In applications where mold changes are frequent, space around the machine is tight and the connection distance is short, the combined cable brings marked convenience. The connection standard must match the mold and the unit side.
