Lets make this process go step by step from simple temperature switch up to a Ramp-and-Soak step controllers.

First of all, you have to decide between control mode  - just ON-OFF , Proportional, Integral or PID (proportional integral derivative).

ON/OFF mode temperature controllers

There are a lot of applications where a simple ON-OFF function will be enough to secure proper temperature for your device / process:

• HVAC
• catering
• water heating control
• cooling fans
• refrigerated cabinets
• water/air temperature
• incubators,
• R&D and lab equipment,
• hot plates
• furnaces
• plastic processing machines.

Most typical is to keep desired temperature range in the distribution or automation cabinet by switching on extraction fan when temperature reaches MAX setpoint and turn off once it drops to the MIN level. If you need to keep your device warm - to turn electrical heater on when temperature drops below MIN setpoint and deactivates it when temperature reaches MAX level.

You can use ON-OFF mode for applications such as cooling, freezing, frying, boiling, or steam generation when some deviation from the desired temperature is acceptable. If your process allows for a tolerance of 1 to 5 degrees fluctuation (like for example you have set the freezer for -18C and it fluctuates fluctuates between -20°C and -16°C and this isn't critical for you)

In all of these applications, you can use ON-OFF control mode. The only thing left to decide is how your temperature controller will be installed. Here you have two options - DIN rail mount and panel mount.

DIN rail-mounted devices are used when you need to measure temperature inside cabinet / enclosure / panel and controller itself should be located within that panel. Definitely the internal temperature must remain within the controller's operating range, to prevent overheating or freezing the controller.

Panel-mounted devices offer more flexibility, such as a wider temperature range, better visual monitoring, and the ability to control from a distance. Usually, you can choose a temperature probe with the temperature range and wire length you need.

 

Here the list of ON/OFF control mode devices

PTOT100 - simple din rail-mounted thermostat , temperature controller / temperature switch, for cooling applications, temperature range 0-60°C, hysteresis around 5°C.

PTOT001 - simple din rail-mounted thermostat , temperature controller / temperature switch, for heating applications, temperature range 0-60°C, hysteresis around 5°C.

DT-321DIN - DIN rail mounting heating-cooling digital thermostat / temperature controller, temperature range -30ºC ...+150ºC, 2 relay outputs. Easily tailor the device to your needs with adjustable settings: compressor time delay, temperature calibration, dual independent relays, and password protection.

DT-321 / DT-322 - panel-mounted digital thermostat / temperature controller,  temperature range -30ºC …+150ºC / -19.9 °C - +99.9 °C, 2 relay outputs. High accuracy in temperature measurement, easily adaptation to your needs with adjustable settings: compressor time delay, temperature calibration, dual independent relays, and password protection. Controllers have EEPROM memory to store parameters, wide supply voltage range 100…240V AC/50Hz.

AD-96 - Simplified ON-OFF/Proportional Digital Temperature Controller , up to 400ºC , Fe-Const, J type, T/C one relay output, with intuitive control setting.

If your process requires a wide temperature range, you should look at more advanced temperature controllers like PID devices; they also have an ON-OFF control mode.

 

PID mode temperature controllers

For applications where equipment has high thermal inertia and / or requires high-precision temperature control, simple ON/OFF control is often insufficient. In this case you will need to use more sophisticated devices like PID temperature controllers.

PID controller not only turn heating ON and OFF but also constantly checking how fast your equipment gaining temperature, how close it is to the setpoint and predict how temperature curve will develop.

This mode may be required for the following applications:

• Food and dairy processing
• Ovens and kilns
• Autoclaves
• Machinery and OEMs
• Processing equipment
• Heat treatment
• Metal processing
• Brewing
• Industrial coating and painting
• Plastics extrusion
• Incubators

There’s a wide range of PID controllers available. Some, like the DTZ-96, have a built-in timer that allows you to set an exposure time and automatically stop the heating process afterward. Some models, like the DT-96EM, have Solid State Relay (SSR) outputs for faster and quieter switching making them ideal for environments where mechanical clicking is undesirable. Finally, the DTA-96’s 'Ramp-and-Soak' feature supports up to 20 temperature steps, each with an exposure time of up to 18 hours. It sounds a bit complicated, but most devices are not that difficult to set up thanks to PID autotuning functions, clear menu structures, dual LED display with set and current temperature numbers and password protection.

All devices are panel-mounted with different cut-out sizes. You can choose between 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32 DIN sizes (or 96x96mm, 72x72mm, 48x48mm, and 36x77mm) options.

Here is the list of PID temperature controllers you could find in our shop:

DT-96Y/DT-72Y/DT-48Y/DT-36Y - Standard PID temperature controller with -100°C ... +1750°C range, 0,1°C resolution, universal temperature sensor type input : T/C (J,K,T,S,R), Pt100, two relay output.

DT-96EM/DT-72EM/DT-48EM/DT-36EM - PID temperature controller with -100°C ... +1750°C range, 0,1°C resolution, universal temperature sensor type input : T/C (J,K,T,S,R), Pt100, one relay output + SSR output

DTZ-96/DTZ-72/DTZ-48 - PID temperature controller with -100°C ... +1750°C range, 0,1°C resolution, universal temperature sensor type input : T/C (J,K,T,S,R), Pt100, two relay output + time exposure function

DTA-96/DTA-72 - Ramp and Soak / 20 steps / 18 hours per step PID temperature controller with -100°C ... +1750°C range, 0,1°C resolution, universal temperature sensor type input : T/C (J,K,T,S,R), Pt100, two relay output

Our shop offers J-type (Fe-Const) temperature probes in lengths from 1 to 5 meters, suitable for a measurement range of -100°C to +600°C.