HB-Therm: “Flow-6” for Monitoring and Controlling Temperature Control Circuits

Flow-6 versions with four, six or eight external circuits, optionally equipped with ball valves. (Photo: HB-Therm).

At Fakuma 2026, HB-Therm will present “Flow-6,” a water-based flow meter and controller. The device expands the “Series 6” range and monitors and controls parallel-connected temperature control circuits in injection molding. The flow measurement versions will reach the market in September 2026. Active control is scheduled to become available through a software update in March 2027.

Flow-6 will be offered for medium temperatures up to 100, 160 or 180 °C, with four, six or eight circuits. The ultrasonic measuring system developed by HB-Therm measures flow rates of 0.4 to 40 l/min in each circuit. Because it measures flow in both directions, the system can also detect incorrectly connected circuits. The measuring sections have no moving parts and, according to the manufacturer, are resistant to contamination and pressure surges. HB-Therm provides a lifetime warranty on all ultrasonic measuring sections.

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All components in contact with the medium are made of stainless steel. Investment-cast components designed for efficient flow and large pipe cross-sections are intended to reduce pressure loss. The device can be installed directly in the injection molding machine and connected to the mold with short lines. The eight-circuit version measures 239 × 175 × a maximum of 506 mm. Depending on the version, it weighs between 10 and 19 kg.

All circuits are shown directly on the Thermo-6 display - (Photo: HB-Therm).

During operation, the system monitors and records flow and temperature in each mold circuit. Limit values, sensor monitoring and an alarm system are designed to make deviations apparent at an early stage. Historical process data is stored locally and can be analyzed through the digital twin. Integration with higher-level systems is available via OPC UA in conjunction with “Thermo-6” temperature control units. The “Gate-6” interface server also provides Digital and CAN communication options.

HB-Therm has announced a software update for November 2026 that will add operating, diagnostic and integration functions. After the update, Flow-6 is also expected to operate via Gate-6 independently of a Thermo-6 unit. This will allow older temperature control units such as Thermo-5, as well as devices from other manufacturers, to be connected hydraulically.

The control version uses proportional valves with linear stepper motors. A separate flow rate can be set for each circuit to make the temperature distribution in the mold more uniform. In combination with variable-speed pumps, parallel temperature control can increase the total flow rate and improve heat transfer. If heating or cooling capacity is sufficient, one temperature control unit can also supply several mold circuits.

Fakuma 2026
Friedrichshafen, Germany
October 12–16, 2026
Hall A4, Booth 4205

More information: www.hb-therm.ch

HB-Therm AG, St. Gallen, Switzerland

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