In addition to the bus-capable spindle position indicator AP04, SIKO now offers a solution for monitoring format adjustments on slide units. Whereas the AP04 is mounted onto a spindle in order to measure position values, its new sister product, the AP04S, has external sensor electronics. Use of a magnetic sensor and magnetic band now also makes it possible for linear adjustments positioned without spindles to be integrated in monitored format change.
With machine changeovers, a new target value is transmitted to the AP04S via bus communication. This value is displayed in the indicator’s two-line LCD and compared with the current value. The machine operator can then see at a glance which change needs to be made at the individual positioning unit. This is additionally supported by a two-color LED which signalizes variance or conformity between the target value and the current value. The correct format adjustment is then reported back to the system control via the bus-interface. This makes time loss or tool damage due to false settings a thing of the past.
The AP04S and AP04 are connected to the PLC via the same communication protocol and an RS485 interface. This means all the rotative and linear adjustment units on a machine can be monitored by defining the target value and capturing the current value.