With its position indicators for monitoring format adjustment, Siko supports companies in achieving greater efficiency and shorter set-up times in this area. The company is now presenting the AP05 as the most compact version with an integrated IO-Link interface.
As the centrepiece of monitored format adjustment, networked position indicators have become an integral part of mechanical engineering. With their ability to display the target value and actual value on the adjustment spindle to the machine operator, they increase convenience for the installer. The changeover of a production machine to a new product is easy. At the same time, the feedback of the positioning status to the machine control system leads to a Increased process reliability during format changes and optimised set-up times. Incorrect settings are prevented, thus avoiding rejects and tool damage.
Due to the intelligent communication with the higher-level machine control system the AP05 position indicator ensures that product changes and format adjustments are carried out safely and ergonomically. Set values, actual position values and the positioning status are exchanged, transforming manual spindle adjustment into a monitored process.
In addition to the tried-and-tested serial interfaces, the AP05 now also has the Innovative IO-Link interface. This enables fast and cost-effective integration via a point-to-point connection using the simplest I/O connection technology. Thanks to the open, manufacturer-independent standard of the IO-Link interface, convenient integration options are available in machine control systems from all leading suppliers. Several AP05 position indicators can be modularly networked via IO-Link master islands. This reduces complexity and cabling effortas well as the commissioning times. The simple wiring combined with additional diagnostic functions increases service friendliness and thus reduces downtimes in the event of a fault.
One element of the position indicators is the inverted backlit LCD display. The backlighting ensures that the position values are also displayed on difficult to read in places with poor visibility or in low ambient lighting are. In addition to the direction of rotation arrows in the LCD display, the AP05 position indicator also offers visual user guidance via two two-colour status LEDs. These not only signal the positioning status (InPos or OutPos), but also indicate the required direction of rotation at the same time. The AP05 also has a loop positioning function to compensate for the mechanical spindle play.
Like all Siko-Like the AP05 position indicators, the AP05 is also designed with a hollow shaft to ensure easy mounting on standard adjustment axes. With regard to the compact size and the optional cable outlet, the display can also be used in confined spaces. The distance dimension of the torque support guarantees mounting compatibility with the Siko DA04 counter. This means that a torque counter can be installed without changing the machine frame. Change from manual adjustment with mechanical position indicator to monitored format adjustment with AP05.
Thanks to the high degree of protection IP65 and a hollow shaft made of stainless steel or plastic, the AP05 is also suitable for applications in the food sector, beverage production or for the pharmaceutical sector suitable. However, the display can also be used for applications with rustic requirements without any problems thanks to the carbon fibre-reinforced plastic housing and displays with impact protection.
Source: Siko
Siko at Fachpack: Hall 1, Stand 1-150
Siko at the SPS: Hall 4A, Stand 301
