Description:

The WATLOW ANAFAZE CLS208​ is a compact, single-loop industrial temperature controller designed for reliable and precise thermal management in demanding process applications . Part of Watlow’s respected AnaFaze series, it excels in environments like plastic extrusion and rubber curing, where maintaining tight temperature setpoints is critical to product quality . Its core value lies in delivering exceptional stability—reportedly holding setpoints within ±0.1°C even in electrically noisy factories—combined with an intuitive user interface that simplifies operation and monitoring .

Application Scenarios:

In a plastic injection molding facility, each mold cavity requires precise and independent temperature control to ensure the plastic flows correctly and the final part has consistent dimensions and surface finish. A generic controller might struggle with temperature overshoot or drift caused by voltage fluctuations from nearby heavy machinery.

The WATLOW ANAFAZE CLS208​ is installed on a DIN rail within the machine’s control cabinet for each critical heating zone (e.g., nozzle, mold). A PT100 RTD sensor embedded in the mold provides real-time temperature feedback to the controller . The CLS208’s advanced PID algorithm with auto-tune function quickly learns the thermal characteristics of the mold and heater, optimizing its control parameters within minutes . This results in faster startup times, reduced scrap from temperature-related defects, and consistent cycle-to-cycle repeatability. Its clear LCD display allows operators to verify setpoints and actual temperatures at a glance from across the shop floor .

Note: Some sources reference a multi-loop version of the CLS208 supporting up to 8 independent control circuits . This may indicate a different variant within the CLS200 series. The parameters above are based on the widely documented single-loop CLS208 model. Always verify the exact model number and specifications with the manufacturer or supplier.

Technical Principles and Innovative Values:

The WATLOW ANAFAZE CLS208​ operates on the principle of closed-loop feedback control, continuously comparing a sensor’s measured value to a user-defined setpoint and adjusting its output to minimize the error.

Innovation Point 1: High Precision and Stability in Noisy Environments.​ The controller is engineered to maintain remarkable temperature stability (±0.1°C) even when subjected to the voltage fluctuations and electromagnetic interference common in industrial settings . This is achieved through robust circuit design, high-quality analog-to-digital conversion for sensor signals, and sophisticated filtering algorithms that reject electrical noise, ensuring the control decision is based on an accurate process reading.

Innovation Point 2: Intelligent Auto-Tune PID Functionality.​ Unlike basic controllers that require manual, often tedious, tuning of Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) parameters, the CLS208 features an advanced auto-tune function . When activated, it deliberately perturbs the system (e.g., briefly turns the heater on/off) and analyzes the response—how quickly the temperature rises and falls, and any overshoot. Based on this analysis, it automatically calculates and sets optimal PID parameters tailored to the specific thermal dynamics of the machine it’s controlling, saving significant commissioning and debugging time .

Innovation Point 3: User-Centric Design for Operational Efficiency.​ The controller prioritizes usability with an intuitive front panel featuring responsive buttons and a high-contrast LCD display that is easily readable from a distance . This design reduces operator error and fatigue. Additionally, its compatibility with both RTD and thermocouple inputs without requiring complex recalibration provides application flexibility, allowing the same controller model to be used across different machines and processes within a plant .

Application Cases and Industry Value

Case Study: Improving Yield in a Rubber Curing Press.

A tire manufacturer operated curing presses where precise temperature profiles were critical for vulcanization. Inconsistent temperature control from older controllers led to variations in cure time and occasional under-cured or over-cured products, resulting in a 3% scrap rate and quality rejections.

The plant replaced the legacy controllers on several presses with WATLOW ANAFAZE CLS208​ units. The auto-tune function quickly optimized control for each press’s unique thermal mass and heater response. The controllers’ high stability maintained the required 150°C setpoint within a tight band.

Result:​ Within one month of installation, the scrap rate attributed to temperature variation dropped to below 0.5%. The consistent cure reduced cycle time variability, increasing overall press throughput by approximately 5%. The intuitive displays also reduced operator intervention time for temperature checks. The plant engineer estimated a full return on investment from reduced scrap and increased output in less than six months, demonstrating the CLS208’s direct impact on profitability and quality assurance.

Related Product Combination Solutions

The WATLOW ANAFAZE CLS208​ integrates into a complete thermal management system.

Temperature Sensors:​ PT100 RTDs​ or various Thermocouples (J, K, T, etc.)​ to provide the process feedback signal .

Power Control Devices:​ Solid-State Relays (SSRs)​ or Contactors​ to switch high-current heater loads based on the CLS208’s relay output signal.

Heating Elements:​ Cartridge Heaters, Band Heaters, or Cast-in Heaters​ for the process being controlled.

Communication Network:​ RS485 Network​ components (cables, terminators) and a Gateway or PLC​ (supporting Modbus RTU) to integrate multiple CLS208 controllers into a plant-wide SCADA or DCS for centralized monitoring and recipe management .

Watlow AnaFaze Series Controllers:​ Other models in the series, such as multi-loop controllers (e.g., CLS216) for more complex systems, can be used alongside the CLS208 in a distributed control architecture.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support

Installation:​ The CLS208 is designed for straightforward installation. It can be mounted on a standard 35mm DIN rail within a control panel or directly panel-mounted using its integral brackets . Wiring involves connecting the AC power supply (100-240V), the temperature sensor to the input terminals, and the load (e.g., heater via a contactor) to the relay output terminals. The RS485 communication terminals (A+, B-, GND) are connected if network integration is required .

Maintenance:​ The solid-state design ensures high reliability with minimal maintenance. Primary tasks include periodic verification of sensor calibration and ensuring electrical connections remain tight. The front-panel display provides immediate status of the control loop. If a fault occurs, diagnostic indicators can help isolate the issue to the sensor, controller, or load circuit.

We provide comprehensive support for the WATLOW ANAFAZE CLS208. from initial system design and selection assistance to supply of genuine controllers and compatible components. Our services include configuration guidance, startup support, and troubleshooting to ensure your thermal process achieves optimal performance and reliability.