In extrusion systems, the heating-cooling zone not only determines whether the temperature is reached. What matters is how evenly the cylinder is guided, how quickly excess heat is dissipated and whether the process remains stable even in difficult zones.
What makes HAK technically different
Conventional systems such as HKK or HKC can heat up quickly. The technical difference, however, lies in the homogeneity. HAK uses a compact aluminium design with extensive, highly heat-conducting material and an integrated heating element. This allows smaller temperature differences to be achieved in the screw barrel.
The combination of heat conduction and increased radiating surface not only improves heating but also cooling. The cooling jacket directs air more specifically and uses the aluminium structure as an energy and heat-conducting element.
Fast, but not sufficiently homogeneous
Ceramic heating-cooling combinations reach temperature, but in comparison show a significantly larger difference between the measuring points. It is precisely this variation that continues to have an effect in the process.
More control over the entire cylinder
HAK distributes heat and cooling air more evenly. This supports product quality, throughput performance and a more stable material flow in demanding extrusion processes.
Why this is relevant to the process
Temperature differences on the screw barrel are not just measured values. They influence material tension, deposits, product quality and machine productivity. The PDF shows that when the internal heating element is switched on, HAK requires a lower proportion of cooling to keep the temperature constant.
The more homogeneous temperature distribution also helps to avoid cylinder bending. This is a clear technical advantage for extrusion, demanding plastics processing and zones with high heat input.
When a HAK test makes sense
Troubled zones
If individual areas overheat or have difficulty remaining stable, the heat and air flow should be reassessed.
High cooling effort
If fans have to run for a long time, it often shows that energy is not being conducted or dissipated optimally.
Quality variation
If material behaviour, throughput or product quality vary, temperature homogeneity can be a decisive lever.
If your heating/cooling zone still has a classic structure, it is worth reassessing the technology. Often it is not the machine that is the problem, but rather the way heat and cooling air is routed to the cylinder.
What the comparison proves
- HAK achieves a significantly more homogeneous temperature distribution on the screw barrel.
- The cooling energy requirement is lower compared to conventional ceramic-insulated heating-cooling combinations.
- The enlarged radiation surface and the air flow in the cooling jacket increase the cooling performance.
- Stresses, material deposits and cylinder deflection can be reduced or avoided.
Have HAK checked for your extrusion zone
Send us a drawing, photo, dimensions or description of the critical zone. We check whether HAK is technically and economically the better heating/cooling solution.
Source: Ihne & Tesch company group, “Heating-cooling combinations technical comparison”, HKK comparison 01/2026. Subject to technical changes; Always check the specific design for the specific application.