HBC-4301 Operators Manual - Novatech Controls

2. INTRODUCTION
The HBC-4300 series is a feature-packed hot bonding controller system built to suit the
requirements of today‘s aviation and bonding industries.
It is based on a versatile electronic / vacuum control case and a notebook computer as the
operator interface. The computer is stored in the lid of the HBC-4301 control case. To
operate the hot bonding controller, the computer can be placed on a bench or desk up to 100m
away from the control case.
A network cable is used to communicate between the computer and the control case.
The number of inputs and zones can be increased:
from- 3 zones to 6 zones
from- 16 thermocouples to 32 thermocouples
with the use of an external expansion case (HBC-4301 or HBC-4302).
The system is capable of running two independent task at the same time. The same keys are
used to access the configuration of both tasks. The tasks are enabled from the Main menu by
pressing either the 1 or the 2 keys.
A display and keypad is provided as part of the HBC-4301 control case for backup operation
and for running a repair with reduced functionality.
The HBC-4301 takes full advantage of the technology of the current notebook PC‘s. It uses
the high-resolution colour screen to clearly identify the set point temperature, hottest
temperatures, coldest temperature, vacuum set point and vacuum levels.
The repair temperature graph cycles can be saved and printed later. The alarm messages and
data logs are also saved for later reference.
In addition, a thermocouple / zone map of the repair can be created and a digital
photograph can be linked to the internal database. Both of these can be saved along with the
temperature profile of a repair and can be retrieved for later examination for quality control
records.
The thermocouples are grouped into the zones using the Thermocouple and Zone
Configuration screen. All the enabled zones are scanned for the hottest thermocouple (or the
average temperature, if available from the Thermocouple and Zone Parameter screen) to
determine the temperature to be used for control of the zone. The hottest thermocouple /
average temperature in each zone and the coldest thermocouple in the task are plotted on a
graph. An open circuit thermocouple will automatically be removed from control.
The vacuum can be controlled automatically. The vacuum level can be programmed as
easily as the temperature and will then automatically change as the repair goes through the
temperature cycle. The control system allows the pump to adjust to any changes in the leak
rate of the repair and still maintain the same vacuum level. It may even stop the air supply to
the pump if the vacuum is close to the set point. A second vacuum pump is included for two
simultaneous repairs with manual electronic on/off control.
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