Heater Blanket Control

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#1

Im looking for a unit that can control silicone heating blankets and was wondering if anyone uses devices other than hot bonders for this type of work? Ive used hot bonders a good bit but am trying to get a significantly cheaper option at present than the £5k upwards for hot bonders. This is for post-curing in semi-structural applications where data logging isnt as critical as hot bonder applications for example
Are there any handheld units that could possibly control smallish blankets (eg 30cm x 30cm) with just one thermocouple or something that would be a lot cheaper?

Thanks v much

#2

I haven’t used one for that use but I imagine a small pid unit would work for that. Can be had for less then $200

edit: just looked at amazon uk and cheap ones run about 20 pounds. you’ll probably need to add a relay to switch the AC power

#3

I got a good PID controller with the solid state relay for like $120. It’s programmable with ramp/soak, multiple programs, etc. Seems pretty good. I haven’t used it yet for my next setup. I did build a hot box using a simpler controller with no ramp/soak, and it works great.

I would think as long as the relay has a high enough rating it would run whatever heater it’s connected to.

#4

I have a couple small bonders. Run 110v and can heat up to 24x24 blankets.
Controls heat and monitors vac. Comes with a pump too. Pm me if you would like one. I don’t use it anymore and you will need to buy your own blankets from wichtec.

#5

“Hb-1 composite hot bonder” is a short video on YouTube I posted for a previous potential buyer but he wanted a bigger unit.

#6

I use one of these.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10A-220V-Digital-Temperature-Controller-Temp-Sensor-Thermostat-90-250V-MH1210W-/141209931067?pt=UK_BOI_Industrial_Automation_Control_ET&hash=item20e0c48d3b

#7

Ah cool, some good ideas there thanks guys. Those simple PIDs are a good idea or that temp controller even in the first instance. Think I could get away with the 110 limit too.
Thanks :slight_smile: