As a pioneer in the field of bus-compatible position indicators for monitoring format changeovers, SIKO now presents the most compact product in this field - the AP05 with integrated IO-Link interface. Networked position indicators are now indispensable in the machine building industry as a central component for monitoring format changeovers. They show the machine operator the setpoint and actual value on the adjustment spindle, which greatly improves the operator's comfort. This makes it easy to retrofit production equipment to a new product. At the same time, the machine control system receives feedback on the positioning status, which improves process safety during product specification changeovers and further reduces installation time. This prevents incorrect adjustments, which can lead to defective parts and damage to the mold.
New: IO-Link interface for fast integration Especially through intelligent communication with the higher-level machine control system, the AP05 position indicator ensures safe and ergonomic changeovers of products and specifications. During this time, the set value, actual position value and positioning state can be exchanged, so that manual spindle adjustment can be carried out during the monitoring process. In addition to the reliable serial interface, the AP05 now offers an innovative IO-Link interface. Fast and cost-effective integration through point-to-point connections with the simplest I/O connection technology. The manufacturer-independent open IO-Link interface standard enables easy integration into machine control systems from all major suppliers. Multiple AP05 position indicators can be connected modularly via the IO-Link master island. This greatly reduces complexity, reduces wiring effort, and significantly reduces commissioning time. Simple wiring, combined with additional diagnostic functions, improves serviceability and reduces downtime in the event of a failure.
An important element of the AP05 is the inverted backlit LCD display. The backlight ensures that the position value can be read clearly even in difficult-to-see locations or in low ambient lighting conditions. The LCD is designed as a 7-segment display with two lines and five interfaces. This allows the adjustment path to be displayed with high display accuracy. The 7-segment display can also display alphanumeric characters, simplifying parameter setting, commissioning and troubleshooting. In addition to the rotation direction arrow on the LCD display, the AP05 position indicator is equipped with two-color LED status indicators on either side, providing users with clear and intuitive user guidance. These two indicators not only show the positioning status (target position reached or not), but also the required rotation direction to reach the target directly. The AP05 also provides loop positioning to compensate for mechanical spindle runout.
Like other SIKO position indicators, the AP05 also has a hollow shaft, which can be easily mounted on the usual adjustment shafts. Due to the extremely compact installation size and optional extension cords, the indicator can also be used in very tight spaces. The spacing dimensions of the torque arm allow it to be retrofitted to the world's best-selling SIKO counter DA04. This makes it possible to change from manual adjustment via a mechanical position indicator to monitoring specification conversion using the AP05 without changing the rack. Thanks to the protection class up to IP65 and the use of stainless steel or plastic hollow shafts, the AP05 can also be used in the food sector, beverage production or the pharmaceutical industry. Thanks to the CFRP housing and the impact-protected display, the indicator can also be used without problems in applications requiring robustness.
