Allen-Bradley 1746-BTM Barrel Temperature Module | Replacement, Equivalent & Selection Guide
The Allen-Bradley 1746-BTM is a dedicated Barrel Temperature Module designed for the SLC 500 programmable controller platform. It provides closed-loop temperature control for plastic injection molding and extrusion machinery, monitoring and regulating barrel zone temperatures with high precision to ensure consistent process quality.
When sourcing a 1746-BTM for maintenance, retrofit, or system expansion, buyers frequently search for replacement and equivalent options — whether due to obsolescence, lead time constraints, or cost optimization. This guide covers direct drop-in replacements, functional equivalents, and cross-brand alternatives to help you make an informed selection decision.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: 1746-BTM
- Brand / Manufacturer: Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation)
- Platform: SLC 500 I/O System
- Module Type: Barrel Temperature Control Module
- Temperature Input Channels: Up to 8 zones (thermocouple or RTD, model-dependent)
- Input Sensor Types: Type J / Type K Thermocouple; PT100 RTD
- Control Output: PID closed-loop, analog or relay output
- Backplane Communication: SLC 500 local I/O bus
- Power Supply: Supplied via SLC 500 backplane (1746-Pxxx series)
- Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 60 °C
- Storage Temperature: −40 °C to 85 °C
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
- Certifications: UL, CE, CSA
- ⚠️ Key Replacement Decision Parameters: Channel count, sensor type compatibility (J/K/RTD), output type (analog vs. relay), and SLC 500 backplane slot compatibility are critical when evaluating any substitute.
Compatible Replacement & Equivalent Models
1. Direct Drop-in Replacements
These modules are pin-compatible and firmware-compatible with the 1746-BTM and can be swapped without hardware or software modification:
- 1746-BTM (Refurbished / Remanufactured) — Fully tested OEM units restored to factory specification. Ideal for exact replacement with zero reconfiguration.
- 1746-BTM (New Old Stock / NOS) — Unused original units from authorized surplus channels. Verify manufacture date and firmware revision before installation.
2. Functional Equivalents
These Allen-Bradley modules offer equivalent temperature control functionality within the SLC 500 ecosystem. Minor configuration changes may be required:
- 1746-NR4 — 4-channel RTD/Thermocouple input module; can serve as a functional equivalent for temperature monitoring zones when paired with external PID logic in the SLC processor.
- 1746-NR8 — 8-channel RTD input module; suitable as a functional substitute for multi-zone RTD-based barrel temperature monitoring.
- 1746-NT4 — 4-channel thermocouple input module; functional equivalent for thermocouple-based zone sensing. Requires PID control implemented in ladder logic.
- ⚠️ Note: Functional equivalents require the SLC processor to handle PID loop execution. Verify processor scan time and memory capacity before substitution.
3. Cross-Brand Alternatives
For system migrations or when OEM parts are unavailable, these third-party alternatives provide comparable barrel temperature control capability:
- Siemens ET 200S Temperature Module (e.g., 6ES7 134-4FB01-0AB0) — Suitable for new installations migrating to Siemens S7 platforms. Not a direct substitute; requires full system re-engineering.
- Eurotherm 3216 / 3208 Temperature Controllers — Standalone PID temperature controllers that can replace the 1746-BTM function when integrated via analog I/O. Suitable for retrofit projects.
- Watlow EZ-ZONE PM — Multi-zone temperature controller with Modbus/DeviceNet communication; viable cross-brand substitute for barrel zone control in extrusion lines.
- ⚠️ Important: Cross-brand alternatives are not plug-and-play. Full engineering review, wiring modification, and software reprogramming are required. Contact Konmask for compatibility assessment.
Why Choose the Original 1746-BTM Model
- Precision PID Control: Factory-tuned closed-loop algorithm optimized for plastic processing barrel zones, delivering ±0.5 °C or better temperature stability.
- OEM Certification: UL, CE, and CSA certified as part of the SLC 500 system — maintains system-level safety and compliance certifications without re-validation.
- Seamless Backplane Integration: Native SLC 500 backplane communication eliminates gateway latency and simplifies RSLogix 500 programming with pre-built function blocks.
- Multi-Zone Coordination: Designed to manage multiple barrel zones simultaneously with synchronized control, reducing thermal gradient across the barrel.
- Rockwell Technical Ecosystem: Full support via Rockwell Automation TechConnect, FactoryTalk diagnostics, and RSLogix 500 online monitoring.
- Warranty & Traceability: Genuine and remanufactured units supplied by Konmask include full traceability documentation and 12-month warranty coverage.
Typical Applications
- Plastic Injection Molding: Multi-zone barrel temperature control on injection molding machines (IMM) to maintain melt consistency and prevent material degradation.
- Plastic Extrusion Lines: Zone-by-zone temperature regulation along extruder barrels for profile, pipe, and film extrusion processes.
- Blow Molding Equipment: Barrel and die temperature management in blow molding machines for PET, HDPE, and PP applications.
- Rubber Processing: Temperature control in rubber extruders and injection presses requiring precise thermal management.
- Food Processing Extruders: Hygienic-grade barrel temperature monitoring in food-grade twin-screw extruders (with appropriate enclosure).
- Chemical Compounding Lines: Thermal zone control in twin-screw compounders for polymer blending and additive incorporation.
System Compatibility
The 1746-BTM is designed for use within the Allen-Bradley SLC 500 control system. Verified compatible components include:
- 1746-A4 / A7 / A10 / A13 — SLC 500 Modular Chassis (4, 7, 10, 13 slots)
- 1747-L20 / L30 / L40 / L541 — SLC 5/02, 5/03, 5/04, 5/05 Processors
- 1746-P1 / P2 / P3 / P4 — SLC 500 Power Supply Modules
- 1747-SDN — DeviceNet Scanner Module (for networked temperature data logging)
- 1747-KE / KFC15 — DH-485 / DF1 Communication Interface Modules
- RSLogix 500 / RSLogix Micro — Programming software for PID configuration and zone parameter setup
- 1746-NI4 / NI8 — Analog Input Modules (for supplementary process variable monitoring)
Selection Guide
Answer these three questions to confirm the 1746-BTM — or an equivalent — is the right fit for your application:
- What is your existing controller platform? The 1746-BTM is native to SLC 500. If you are running a ControlLogix (1756) or MicroLogix system, a different module family is required. Contact Konmask for cross-platform migration guidance.
- What sensor type does your barrel use — thermocouple (J/K) or RTD (PT100)? Confirm sensor type before ordering any replacement or equivalent module to ensure input channel compatibility.
- How many temperature zones does your process require? Verify the channel count of any substitute module matches or exceeds your zone requirements. Contact support@konmask.com for multi-zone configuration advice.
Quality Assurance & Sourcing
Sourcing Channels: Konmask sources 1746-BTM modules through authorized surplus distributors, OEM-certified remanufacturers, and factory-sealed new old stock (NOS) channels. All units are traceable to original manufacture.
4-Step Inspection Process:
- Visual Inspection: Board-level examination for physical damage, corrosion, counterfeit indicators, and component integrity.
- Functional Test: Full power-on test with SLC 500 backplane simulation, verifying all I/O channels, PID loop execution, and communication response.
- Calibration Verification: Temperature input accuracy verified against NIST-traceable reference standards across the full operating range.
- Burn-In & Final QC: 48-hour burn-in cycle under load conditions followed by final functional sign-off before shipment.
Available Documentation: Test reports, calibration certificates, country of origin declaration, and warranty certificate available upon request.
How to Order
- Submit Your Inquiry: Email support@konmask.com or call +0086 19859288691 with your part number, quantity, required delivery date, and any equivalent/substitute requirements.
- Receive Quotation & Availability Confirmation: Konmask will respond within 24 hours with pricing, stock status, lead time, and recommended alternatives if applicable.
- Order Confirmation & Shipment: Upon order confirmation, units are prepared, inspected, and dispatched with full documentation. Worldwide shipping available with DHL, FedEx, and UPS express options.
Replacement & Compatibility FAQ
Q1: Can I directly replace a 1746-BTM with a 1746-NR8 without modifying my SLC 500 program?
A: No. The 1746-NR8 is a functional equivalent for temperature input only — it does not include onboard PID control. To use it as a substitute, you must implement PID instructions (PID function block) in your RSLogix 500 ladder program. Contact Konmask for application engineering support.
Q2: Is the 1746-BTM compatible with SLC 5/05 processors and Ethernet I/P networks?
A: Yes. The 1746-BTM is compatible with all SLC 500 processors including the SLC 5/05 (1747-L551/L552/L553). It communicates via the local SLC 500 backplane and does not require direct Ethernet connectivity. Data can be accessed over Ethernet I/P through the SLC 5/05 processor’s built-in port.
Q3: Are there cross-brand equivalents or substitutes that are truly plug-and-play for the 1746-BTM?
A: There are no true plug-and-play cross-brand substitutes for the 1746-BTM due to its proprietary SLC 500 backplane interface. Cross-brand alternatives such as Eurotherm or Watlow controllers require analog I/O interfacing and software reconfiguration. For the lowest-risk replacement, Konmask recommends sourcing a genuine or remanufactured 1746-BTM. Contact us to check current stock availability.
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