Container heating
MARX
The MARX Smart Container integrates multi-zone resistance-heating cartridges directly into the extrusion container. Each Next Generation cartridge incorporates three sections: powerful zones at the tool and stem ends, with a longer, lower-output zone through the warmer centre.
Overview
Controlled heat, exactly where the container needs it.
The cartridges can be configured to create three to six independently controlled heating zones. In the typical four-zone arrangement, the tool-side zone is divided into upper and lower sections for precise temperature correction. The middle zone supports initial heating and can then be reduced or switched off during production, while the stem-side zone compensates for end losses.
The result is a more homogeneous temperature profile, efficient use of heating power and reduced thermal stress on the container steel.
- Independently controlled heating zones
- 3–6Independently controlled heating zones
- Reported cartridge service life
- 5 yrs+Reported cartridge service life
Specification
What you get.
The features that directly improve container heating, process control and operating reliability.
- Three-zone HPC heating cartridges
- Each high-power cartridge can incorporate up to three heating zones, allowing the output to be matched to different areas of the container. Depending on the application, MARX reports cartridge service life of up to five years and beyond.
- Three to six controlled heating zones
- The number and position of the zones are engineered around the container geometry, press configuration and production requirements.
- Precise tool-side temperature control
- Upper and lower tool-side zones can be regulated separately, allowing the normally cooler lower section to be balanced against the upper section.
- Intelligent warm-up and production control
- The central zone provides additional power during heating-up and can be reduced or switched off once process heat makes the middle of the container the warmest area.
- Stem-side temperature compensation
- A dedicated end zone limits cooling at the stem side and supports a more uniform axial temperature profile along the container.
- Efficient energy use and container protection
- Heating power is applied only where required, helping avoid unnecessary centre-zone heating while reducing temperature gradients, thermal stress and premature container wear.
- Integrated process control
- Visualized control software, multi-point temperature measurement and compatibility with Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms support monitoring, regulation and upgrades to existing heating systems.
- Simplified installation and maintenance
- The Next Generation arrangement can be installed from one side with a single connection. MARX also offers quick-change and compact connector systems for different container-change requirements.
Connection systems matched to your production cycle.
MARX offers two power-connection systems for Smart Container heating circuits. The right choice depends on how frequently the container or extrusion format is changed.
- MARX Quick-Connector
- Designed for extrusion lines with frequent container or format changes. Pressure contacts allow the heating power circuits to be disconnected and reconnected quickly, helping simplify changeovers and reduce connection work.
- MARX Compact-Connector
- Recommended for containers that remain installed in the press for longer production periods. Threaded power contacts provide a compact, secure electrical connection suited to stable, long-term operation.
Specifying a MARX Smart Container or heating-system upgrade?
To engineer the correct configuration, please provide:
MARX will use this information to define the heating-zone arrangement, cartridge configuration, connector system, controls and cooling requirements. We’ll return with a technically matched proposal and a realistic delivery schedule.
- Press manufacturer, model and press force
- Complete container drawing with all dimensions and bore geometry
- Container-holder drawing when a Quick-Connector or Compact-Connector is required
- Billet material and alloy
- New container or retrofit requirement
- Internal or external heating preference
- Existing heating-system details: power, voltage, number of zones and thermocouples
- Available control system, PLC interface or on/off control
- Existing or required container-cooling system
- Expected frequency of container changes