Page 40 - Energize October 2022

NEWS

Electronic position indicator with integrated

Industrial Ethernet interface

nstrotech is offering the Siko AP20 particular for systems that run a complex device type, serial number and current
position indicator, ideally equipped production process and for which, as a software version. Additional integration
Ito detect the position of spindle result, a large number of sensors or long aids, function modules, libraries and
adjustments in machines. It displays the cable lengths are required. Two M12-D add-on instructions make installation
corresponding positional data to the coded bus connections for a bus line and commissioning easier and provide
operator and passes it on to the machine design that protects the cable mean that maximum efficiency in application and
control system. Simple system integration star-shaped wiring to the control system job set-up.
in combination with modern interfaces is is no longer essential.
all that is required. Compact format of a credit card
The compact system is particularly Industry 4.0 and smart factory The performance features of the AP20
suitable for flexible manufacturing with ready combine the functionality of a high-
production machines such as packing The AP20 must achieve a certain level of precision multi-turn absolute value
machines, woodworking machines, connectivity to satisfy the requirements encoder with a position indicator, but
printing machines and machines for of Industry 4.0. For the smart factory of still in an extremely compact form with
further processing of printed products. the future, pure exchange of operational dimensions of 48 x 88 x 61 mm, making
Wherever manual adjustment is carried process data is no longer adequate. the AP20 suitable where space is limited.
out on production machines, bus- Comprehensive diagnostic options
compatible Siko position indicators are extend the evaluation of the device Extreme convenience and
able to optimize the production process status in this connection and convert intuitive usability for operators
in such a way that costly refitting times position indicators such as the AP20 The AP20 also has numerous advantages
during product changeovers are kept into intelligent automation systems. from the perspective of the operator. The
to a minimum. Once installed, position The latest network technologies and option of displaying the target and actual
indicators provide 100% process the electronic type-plate take care of position directly on the adjusting spindle
reliability. During product and size this. The latter serves to identify the significantly increases convenience
changeovers, incorrect machine settings
and the associated risk of damage to
tools or batches with defects can be
eliminated consistently with the AP20.

Wide range of control system
integration options
In addition to the SikoNET5 and CAN
interfaces already on offer, Siko is now
extending its AP series position indicators
to include the most common industrial
Ethernet-Fieldbus interfaces, namely
Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT and
Powerlink, thus meeting requirements
for easy integration into almost any
current control system from a wide range
of manufacturers without any other
accessories. Compared to a converter
solution, the variety of components is
reduced, as is the space required in the
machine. This significant gain in flexibility
ensures loss-free communication
between the machine control system
and position indicator at all times, in

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