Natural stabilisation under typical operational circumstances is the scenario.
Thermal equilibrium drift happens when a recently fitted sheathed probe does not yet entirely match the thermal profile of the hot runner's temperature-sensing bore. The signal spontaneously stabilises within 30 minutes to 2 hours after the hot runner reaches the standard production temperature and runs smoothly, with the temperature deviation progressively converging to ≤±1°C.
Scenario: Stabilisation after intervention for "false" drift When problems like excessive installation clearance, loose wiring connections, or mismatched temperature controller parameters cause "false" drift, simple interventions like recalibrating the system or adjusting connections result in rapid stabilisation (within 15–30 minutes).
Scenario: Hardware-related drift in stabilisation
If the drift is caused by hardware problems, such as residual internal stress in the thermocouple wires or minor internal insulation damage from excessive bending, stabilisation happens gradually over two to four hours after the probe's position is adjusted or stress-relief treatment (low-temperature annealing) is applied. If the drift doesn't stabilise after eight hours, there is permanent hardware damage; the probe needs to be replaced because it can't stabilise on its own.
Under steady-state hot runner operation, thermal equilibrium is reached for a sheathed probe installed correctly and in accordance with specifications in no more than two hours; the temperature signal becomes fully stable, satisfying the temperature control requirements for precision injection moulding.
