January 31, 2005

Moldflow’s Matrix™ 2.0 Software Release Improves Operator Interface to Altanium® Hot Runner Process Control Systems

The latest release of the Matrix software for Moldflow’s Altanium hot runner process control systems is now available.

Matrix is the flagship operator interface for the Altanium product line. Matrix provides an intuitive graphical user interface through a high-resolution touchscreen display. The Matrix software delivers the most comprehensive set of standard features and supports the maximum number of control zones among all of the available Altanium operator interfaces. With point-and-push simplicity, icons and pull-out menus give instant access to numerous temperature control, data recording, alarm and diagnostics functions.

The new Matrix 2.0 software release provides new networking capabilities, enhanced diagnostic and troubleshooting options, additional error handling functions, improved mold setup options and support of PDF documents. All of the new features, enhancements and fixes are detailed in the on-screen release notes. Highlights include:

• Network capability now allows users to connect the system to the company network for remote viewing, control and other tasks.
• Users now have the ability to select among three types of Diagnostics tests. Users can now choose to run a Heater, Sensor or Wiring test or all tests. A new Troubleshooting screen helps users perform a test automatically -- the Matrix will perform the proper tests on user-identified zones based on a selected problem description.
• Error Log enhancements allow users to view setup errors, mold errors or all errors by pressing the appropriate button. A Setup column was added to the screen to make it easier for users to segregate errors based on the mold setup. Users can also clear the setup and mold errors.
• System III Orion and Altanium Orion2 mold setups can now be imported.
• The new Remote Setup Load option associates the binary numbers with mold setups currently stored in the system instead of having to use specific mold setup names.
• It is now possible to sort the dynamically changing information in the Text screen. The Actual Temperature, Power Output and Amperage values can now be sorted based on the data that is available at a specific moment in time. This can be very helpful for troubleshooting.
• A new Process History (Data Recording) screen allows users to view historical data that is being logged. Users can select between a graph or text view, set the logging frequency and enable or disable data logging. An Export Data function now allows users to export the historical data to a USB disk in a CSV format. This can then be loaded in an application such as Microsoft Excel for data manipulation.
• It is now possible to import and view PDF documents.
• An INFO key has been added to the main screen. Pressing this key will launch the PDF viewer and display the Matrix Operational Guide.

The Matrix 2.0 release is available now for English-language implementations. Support for other languages is planned and will be made available in future releases.

To learn more about Moldflow’s Altanium hot runner process control systems and the Matrix operator interface, go to www.moldflow.com. Contact the Moldflow customer support team to request the Matrix 2.0 update.