The Unilog B8 is Wittmann Battenfeld's single control platform across every injection molding machine series — SmartPower, EcoPower, MicroPower, and MacroPower. Running on Windows 10 IoT with a 21.5-inch full-HD multi-touch screen, it replaces the traditional patchwork of separate controllers for machine, robot, temperature control, dosing, and drying with one interface and one IP address. For an operator, that means one login, one screen, and one workflow — regardless of which peripherals are connected to the machine.

How does the B8 unify machine and peripheral control?

The Wittmann 4.0 Router exposes the entire production cell under a single IP address with a built-in firewall. Peripherals — Wittmann robots, temperature controllers, dosing units, and dryers — connect via Ethernet and are automatically recognized through "Plug & Produce" handshaking. The electronic mold data sheet then verifies that every connected auxiliary matches the selected product dataset before production starts. If a dryer is set to the wrong temperature or a robot pick sequence does not match the mold, the B8 flags it before a single bad part is made.

What quality control functions are built in as standard?

The base B8 monitors six quality parameters across 1,000 production events with five real-value curve graphs displayed simultaneously. Four hundred measurement points are available for metering and injection monitoring, each with configurable upper and lower alarm limits. The quality data sheet provides statistical process control out of the box — no add-on software needed. Mold protection functions are standard. If the process drifts outside tolerance, the B8 triggers corrective actions automatically rather than just logging the deviation.

What do the HiQ packages add for closed-loop quality?

Four optional HiQ modules extend the B8 from monitoring to active process control. HiQ Flow compensates for melt viscosity fluctuations by dynamically adjusting the injection profile — particularly valuable when processing regrind or recycled material with variable properties. HiQ Melt monitors material quality through screw torque measurement during plasticizing. HiQ Metering actively controls the non-return valve closing to eliminate shot-to-shot cushion variation. HiQ Packing precisely regulates holding pressure. Each HiQ module closes a specific control loop that would otherwise run open-loop on a standard controller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Unilog B8 be retrofitted to older Wittmann machines?

Wittmann Battenfeld offers B8 upgrade paths for machines originally equipped with the earlier Unilog B6 control system. The upgrade involves replacing both the display panel and the control cabinet hardware. Machines running the still-older B4 generation are generally not upgradeable due to fundamental differences in the electrical architecture. Contact Wittmann service with the machine's serial number for a specific upgrade assessment.

Does the B8 integrate with non-Wittmann MES systems?

Yes. The B8 communicates via OPC UA, an open, platform-independent standard. Any MES that supports OPC UA — including platforms from third-party vendors — can read process parameters, production counts, alarm states, and quality data from the B8. Wittmann's own TEMI+ and TemiOne MES solutions offer deeper integration with pre-built dashboards, but are not required for basic connectivity.