Arburg 310 Alarm: Nozzle Temperature Devia… — Causes & Fixes
Tensile data verified against MatWeb.com database & manufacturer datasheets · Last updated July 2026
Published: 2026-08-15
Arburg Error 310 is triggered when the nozzle zone temperature deviates from the set-point by more than the programmed tolerance band (typically ±10°C for Arburg ALLROUNDER machines). The nozzle zone is the most critical temperature zone in the...
Arburg Error 310 is triggered when the nozzle zone temperature deviates from the set-point by more than the programmed tolerance band (typically ±10°C for Arburg ALLROUNDER machines). The nozzle zone is the most critical temperature zone in the injection barrel — it controls the melt temperature at the point of injection and directly affects the quality of the molded part. The Selogica controller compares the actual nozzle thermocouple reading against the set-point every 100ms; if the deviation persists for more than 5 seconds, Error 310 is triggered and the machine enters a safe state.
Alarm Details
| Alarm Code | 310 |
|---|---|
| Brand / Machine | Arburg |
| Severity | High (Machine Stop) |
| Component | Nozzle Heater Band / Thermocouple |
| Affected Systems | Selogica Controller / Heating Zone 4-5 |
Troubleshooting Protocol
A loose or oxidized thermocouple connection is the #1 cause of Error 310. Power down the machine, remove the thermocouple connector from the nozzle band, and inspect the pins for corrosion or damage. Clean with contact cleaner and re-tighten. Measure the thermocouple resistance at room temperature — a Type J thermocouple should read approximately 5-10 ohms at 20°C.
Measure the resistance of the nozzle heater band with a multimeter. Compare with the resistance calculated from the rated power (R = V²/P). For a 230V, 400W nozzle band, the resistance should be approximately 132 ohms. An open circuit (infinite resistance) indicates a failed heater band. Also check for signs of polymer leakage between the nozzle and the band — carbonized polymer can short the heater band terminals.
A misaligned nozzle contact can cause the nozzle to lose contact with the sprue bushing during the cycle, resulting in heat loss from the nozzle tip. Check the nozzle alignment relative to the sprue bushing. Adjust the injection unit position if necessary. Verify the nozzle contact force setting.
The solid-state relay (SSR) controlling the nozzle zone may be failing intermittently. Use a clamp-on ammeter to measure the current flow to the nozzle heater band when the SSR is commanded ON. A reading of 0A with the SSR ON indicates a failed SSR (open circuit). Replace the SSR module.
Common Root Causes
The following root causes are ranked by probability based on field experience with this alarm code:
Heater bands fail most commonly by open-circuit burnout, caused by thermal cycling fatigue (especially at >350°C processing temperatures) or physical damage from polymer drool that shorts the electrical connections. Measure resistance across the heater band terminals with a multimeter — an open circuit reads infinity. Expect heater band life to be 6-12 months in high-temperature PEEK/PPS production versus 2-3 years in standard polyolefin processing.
Thermocouple connectors (Type J or K miniature connectors) vibrate loose over time, introducing contact resistance that causes the controller to read an incorrect temperature. A loose connection typically reads lower than actual temperature, causing the controller to overheat the zone as it compensates. Clean the connector pins with contact cleaner and tighten the screw terminals. Check that the thermocouple wire color code matches the controller input type.
An SSR stuck in the closed (ON) position applies continuous power to the heater band, causing uncontrolled over-temperature until the overtemperature safety limit trips. An SSR stuck open results in a zone that cannot reach set-point. Test the SSR by measuring voltage across the output terminals with the controller calling for heat — there should be line voltage when the SSR is ON and near-zero when OFF. Failed SSRs often show signs of overheating (discolored housing, cracked potting compound).
Drool from the nozzle or degraded polymer escaping from the screw tip can accumulate on heater bands and their electrical terminals. When the polymer carbonizes at high temperature, it becomes conductive and shorts the heater band terminals to ground or to adjacent bands, causing erratic temperature readings and nuisance alarms. This is most common with high-temperature polymers that decompose without fully melting (PEEK, LCP, PTFE copolymers).
The temperature control board (PID controller module) can develop failed channels due to component aging, especially the triac or SCR output driver. A failed channel typically reads a fixed temperature (e.g., 0°C or 999°C) regardless of actual conditions. If swapping the heater band and thermocouple to a different zone resolves the issue, the controller board is the root cause. Controller board replacement requires OEM-specific programming and calibration.
Preventive Maintenance
Follow these preventive maintenance measures to reduce the frequency of this alarm:
- Measure heater band resistance quarterly and compare to the baseline value recorded at installation. A resistance change of more than ±10% indicates the heater band is approaching end-of-life and should be replaced preventively to avoid mid-production failure.
- Inspect and tighten thermocouple connections monthly. Thermocouple connectors should be cleaned with contact cleaner annually. Replace thermocouple wires that show signs of insulation embrittlement from exposure to high ambient temperature.
- Replace solid-state relays (SSRs) on a preventive schedule — every 2 years or 10,000 operating hours, whichever comes first. A failed SSR stuck closed can cause uncontrolled over-temperature, which is a safety hazard and can damage the barrel and screw.
OEM Replacement Parts
| Part Name | OEM Part Number | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Arburg Nozzle Heater Band | AR-310-NHB | $350-650 |
| Arburg Nozzle Thermocouple Type J | AR-310-NTC | $90-200 |
| Arburg Nozzle Adapter Sleeve | AR-310-NAS | $150-300 |
Prices are estimated US market ranges. Contact your OEM distributor for exact pricing. {zone} = zone-specific variant.
Same Alarm on Other Machine Brands
If you operate multiple injection molding machine brands, the same fault may appear under different alarm codes:
Equivalents & Cross-References
| Equivalent / Alternate | Action |
|---|---|
| Engel Alarm 405 | |
| Netstal Alarm 102 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the nozzle zone temperature more critical than other barrel zones?
The nozzle zone controls the melt temperature at the point of injection — the last zone the polymer passes through before entering the mold. A temperature deviation at the nozzle directly affects the melt viscosity, flow characteristics, and the temperature of the polymer entering the cavity. Nozzle temperature problems can cause cold slugs (too cold), drooling (too hot), gate freezing issues, and dimensional variation in the molded part.
Can I temporarily bypass Arburg Error 310 to finish a production run?
Bypassing Error 310 is not recommended. The nozzle temperature directly affects part quality and process stability. Running with a faulty nozzle temperature control risks: (1) cold slug formation causing gate blockage or short shots, (2) polymer degradation from overheating, (3) nozzle drool causing stringing or splay marks, and (4) inconsistent part dimensions.
Related Diagnostics & Materials
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References & Industry Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Engineering Plastics & Thermoplastics. astm.org
- UL Prospector. Plastics & Elastomers Material Database. ulprospector.com
- MatWeb. Material Property Data for Engineering Thermoplastics. matweb.com
- ISO 1043. Plastics — Symbols and Abbreviated Terms. iso.org