Watlow F4T Process Controller

Watlow F4T Process ControllerThe F4T with INTUITION temperature process controller from Watlow offers a wide range of field removable I/O modules for maximum design flexibility. Configurations can be custom tailored to meet the scaling needs of a tremendous range of equipment and applications while providing exactly the hardware types required for compatibility. The F4T controller also features a 4.3 inch, color, graphical touch panel. Combining power, flexibility and functionality, this controller offers unmatched versatility, and its best-in-class ease of use could very well make user manuals a thing of the past.

Now featuring e-mail and text alerts. Notify users of an event that has occurred such as a specific profile or step within a profile, alarm condition, limit condition or analog input error.

 

Watlow F4T Process Controller with Integration Functions Lower Ownership Costs

  • Simplified design reduces complexity
  • Less inventory
  • Reduces supplier base and simplifies delivery
  • Saves wiring time and panel space
  • The F4T all-in-one optional capabilities include: integrated PID controller, data logger with encrypted files, graphical trend charts, limit controller, solid state relays, timers, counters, PLC math and logic, panel switches and lights (softkeys) all connected via Ethernet communications.
 

Features

F4T Process Controller Features

Easy to Use Touch-Screen Technology:

  • 4.3-inch color, graphical touch panel
  • Modular and scalable controller
  • Integrated functions
  • Screen personalization
  • Graphical programming PC software
  • Multi-language options
  • Intuitive navigation
  • Channels, profiles, alarms, inputs and outputs can all be personalized with user-defined names

Supports Fast and Flexible Design Environment

  • Field pluggable I/O, scalable in increments of one
  • Programmable function blocks
  • Wide library of hardware options for flexibility
  • Support of custom firmware modifications
  • High and low voltage power supply options
  • Mounting options for thru-panel or flush mount

High Quality and Reliability

  • Field-hardened electronics and robust algorithms already deployed in hundreds of thousands of installations worldwide
  • NEMA 4X/IP65
  • Agency compliance: UL, FM, CE, RoHS, W.E.E.E.
  • 0 to 122°F / -18° to 50°C ambient operating temperature

Specifications

F4T Process Controller Specifications

TRU-TUNE?+ Adaptive Control: Yes

Agency Approvals: UL/EN 61010 Listed, UL508, CSA, FM (limit), RoHS by design, China RoHS Level 2, W.E.E.E., CE

Alarms: Up to 14

Ambient Operating Range: -18 to 50C°C (0 to 122F°F)

Communication Protocols: Standard Bus, Modbus? TCP, Modbus? RTU, SCPI, USB 2

Control/Limit Loops: 4/4

Description: 1-4 PID loops with profiles & data logging options

Max Monitor Channels: 24

Max Output: 10A SSR

Mounting: Front panel or flush mount

Operating Requirements: N/A

Phase Configurations: 1

Profiling: Yes

Supported Controllers: F4T, Flex Modules (FM), Composer PC software

Remote Limit Reset: 1

Display Height: 4.3" PCAP color graphical touch

Applications

F4T Process Controller Applications

  • Furnaces / ovens / heat-treatment equipment
  • Semiconductor‐processing thermal systems
  • Foodservice / life sciences / lab equipment
  • Energy & environmental technologies
  • OEM equipment with modular/expandable I/O

Q & A

Q&A Section with Expand/Collapse Icons

Watlow F4T Process Controller Q & A

+ What control loop capacity does the F4T controller support, and will it meet our multi-loop application needs?
The F4T controller supports from 1 to 4 PID process loops as standard. Additionally, up to two of those loops may be used as cascade control loops for tighter control. On the configuration side, the flex-module design allows you to select only the I/O you need – you can start with a smaller configuration and scale up (for example from one loop) if required. So if your application requires multi-loop control (for example heating, cooling and profiling in one package) the F4T is well designed for that scenario.
+ How flexible is the I/O architecture of the F4T controller — can I order only what I need and expand later?
Yes, one of the strong selling points of the F4T controller is its modular and scalable I/O architecture. You can order the I/O inputs/outputs in increments of one, enabling you to pay only for what you need initially. If your process grows or changes later, the “Flex Modules” allow you to add or replace I/O modules in the field (without removing the controller from the panel in many cases). This gives you investment protection and flexibility for future upgrades.
+ What communication and data-logging features does the F4T controller provide for Industry 4.0 / connectivity?
The F4T controller comes standard with a number of modern communication options: for example, an Ethernet port with support for protocols like Modbus? TCP and Modbus? RTU. On the data-logging front: the F4T is available with a data-logging option that saves set-points, process values and percent output values which can be exported to a USB flash drive (.CSV format) for use in PC software. It also includes features for e-mail and text alerts when alarms, profiles or limit conditions occur. This makes the F4T very suitable for connected, Smart Factory, or Industry 4.0 type applications.
+ How easy is it to use the F4T controller — what is the user interface like, and how steep is the learning curve?
The F4T controller features a 4.3-inch color graphical touch panel (PCAP) which provides a modern, intuitive interface. The product was developed with extensive usability testing, making the interface highly user-friendly. Not only are pre-configured screens included (so the customer doesn’t have to build everything from scratch), but users may also personalize up to four home screens, set how many channels appear, and even assign custom names for loops, alarms, events and so forth. For operations teams and OEMs, the F4T offers both power and ease of use — which helps reduce commissioning time and training burden.
 
+ Is the F4T controller compatible with our existing equipment/controls (for example an earlier F4 Series), and what about reliability and support?
Yes — the F4T controller was designed with compatibility and reliability in mind. If you are upgrading from the earlier Watlow F4 series, the F4T offers backwards-compatible Modbus? addresses for key parameters (process value, set point, some profile run-time parameters) so that your existing software or controls integrations may work with minimal changes. On the reliability side: Watlow leverages a proven platform design: many of the hardware electronics and control algorithms have been used in thousands of installations worldwide. The display has a NEMA 4X/IP65 rating (meaning it is protected in harsh industrial environments), and the LED back-light life is specified at over 50,000 hours. A standard warranty (three years) is included. Thus, for OEMs and end-users alike, the F4T delivers both integration ease and long-term reliability.
 

Downloads

Download Watlow F4T Intuition Process Controller Brochure 


Video: F4T with INTUITION Tutorial: Trending and Graphing Video

Video: F4T with INTUITION Tutorial: Data Logging Video

Blog: Watlow's F4T with INTUITION DIN Process Controller with Touchscreen Technology
 

Hands-On Assistance from Technical Specialists 
 

SHOP NOW

 

Need help?

Fill out our controls application form and we will have one of our process heating experts contact you, or call (855) 737-4718 to speak to one of our experts immediately.

 
You were tireless in your support and it will not be forgotten!
 
When we needed technical assistance and application support, Valin was there for us. Their knowledgeable engineers saved us an invaluable amount of time, helping us get up and running quickly. We are very happy with their services.