WATLOW-ANAFAZE CLS208 – 8-Loop Temperature Controller for Multi-Zone Process Control

The WATLOW-ANAFAZE CLS208 is designed for applications that need tight, repeatable control across multiple heating zones without adding a pile of single-loop controllers. It’s an 8-loop (8 independent PID channels) controller module that typically sits on a DIN rail in your control cabinet, driving SSRs or relays to keep temperatures stable across ovens, extruders, hot zones, small chambers, or tooling with multiple heaters. One thing I appreciate is how it centralizes tuning and alarms for all zones, which in many cases cuts panel complexity and commissioning time.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Delivery: 1 week if in stock; no more than one month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• Eight independent PID loops – Coordinates up to 8 zones with consistent tuning and ramp/soak behavior.
• Flexible sensor inputs – Typically supports thermocouple or RTD inputs per channel, so you can mix sensor types across zones if needed.
• SSR drive or relay outputs – Logic-level outputs commonly used to fire solid-state relays for reliable power switching; relay output variants exist on some builds.
• Integrated alarms – High/low and deviation alarms per loop help catch heater failures, sensor breaks, and drift early.
• Serial connectivity – Many units provide serial communications for HMI/SCADA integration; RS-485 is common in the field for multi-drop networks.
• DIN-rail mounting – Saves panel space and simplifies service compared with multiple single-loop controllers.
• Centralized configuration – From my experience, unified parameter management typically shortens commissioning and makes later changes safer.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

• Thermal processing: multi-zone industrial ovens, curing lines, heat treatment skids
• Plastics and rubber: extruders, thermoforming tools, hot runner manifolds
• Electronics & semiconductor: small chambers, hot plates, diffusion/anneal sub-systems
• Analytical & lab equipment: environmental chambers, multi-block heaters
• General machine building: packaging sealers, laminators, drying tunnels

Advantages & Value

• Lower cost per loop – Consolidating 8 loops in one module typically reduces hardware, wiring, and HMI points.
• Consistency across zones – Shared control architecture helps keep tuning and ramp/soak strategies aligned.
• Panel efficiency – DIN-rail footprint frees up front-panel space compared with 8 individual single-loop controllers.
• Compatibility – Works well with common SSRs, Watlow power controllers, and standard thermocouples/RTDs.
• Serviceability – Centralized configuration and alarms simplify troubleshooting; you might notice faster startup after heater changes.

A customer in composites curing told us they swapped eight panel meters for a CLS208 and cut commissioning time by roughly a day. The biggest gain, they said, was uniform ramp control during warm-up and better handling of partial heater failures.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet and mounting – Install on DIN rail inside a ventilated cabinet. Maintain clearance for wiring and airflow; avoid high-vibration zones.
• Power and wiring – Use a dedicated, fused 24 VAC supply in most cases. Keep low-level sensor wiring separate from high-voltage heater wiring; shield and ground thermocouple runs to reduce noise.
• Outputs – Logic outputs typically drive SSRs; select SSR current ratings with comfortable margin and heat sinking. Add proper branch protection for heater circuits.
• Safety – Include sensor break detection, independent over-temperature protection, and an E-stop circuit per your safety standards.
• Routine care – Verify sensor calibration seasonally, clean terminals and check torque annually, and back up configuration. Firmware updates may apply depending on unit vintage.

Quality & Certifications

• Manufacturer quality: Watlow’s industrial control lineage with robust, field-proven designs
• Certifications: Typically CE compliant; many units are UL Recognized. RoHS compliance depends on production date and specific build.
• Warranty: 365 days (provided by us)

Common Accessories and Supporting Components

• Solid State Relays (SSR) and heat sinks for each loop
• Watlow power controllers (e.g., DIN-A-MITE series) for higher current zones
• Thermocouples (J/K/T/E) and Pt100 RTDs, shielded instrumentation cable
• RS-485 converter/adapters for SCADA/HMI integration
• Configuration/monitoring software utilities commonly used with Anafaze controllers

If you’re replacing multiple legacy single-loop controllers or expanding an existing Watlow Anafaze install, the CLS208 seems to be a practical, low-risk choice. From my experience, it provides a clean pathway to unify tuning, alarms, and communications across eight zones without reworking your whole panel.