Electronic digital position indicators: AP Series

The SIKO AP Series advance the DA Series Mechanical Digital Position Sensors whereby an input signal instructs the user how to change the spindle value for a new format.
The APxx Series typically include a hollow shaft, a very readable 2 line backlit LCD display of the (required) set point and (actual) spindle set point value and a bus interface.
The APxxS Series are designed to read linear position via a separate magline interface or a remote GS04 spindle sensor.
Via the bus interface, target values and actual values can be exchanged between each individual absolute position indicator and an upstream control unit, (for example, the SIKO ETC5000 touch control panel)

Fieldbus and Ethernet communication for positioning displays of the AP range
The AP series initially included RS485 and CAN bus interfaces but this may vary in newer models.
Protocol converters provide additional interfaces such as Profibus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, CC-Link, DeviceNet. Protocol Convertors support the wide range of programming environments used across many brands of industrial controllers.
In New Zealand we have provided ExpertDAQ Protocal Convertors. View at https://www.expertdaq.com

Electronic position indicators are focused on the user
This monitored spindle adjustment offers significantly better process reliability and shortens setup times for a new format. At the same time, this increases machine efficiency and enhances the viability of the production equipment. The target value is displayed directly on the axle and the correct actual value entered manually is reported back, making incorrectly set stops and tool positions a thing of the past. The overall new format is not approved until all spindle positions report to the controller as correct. As a result, there is no longer any scrappage or damaged tools due to incorrectly set adjustable axles.

Also possible - linear measurement with position indicators from SIKO
By the combination of spindle position display AP10 or AP05, linear measurement system AP10S or AP04S and set point display AP10T or AP24 you can cover all adjustment points of a machine within the framework of monitored format adjustment. The hollow shaft construction allows the spindle displays AP10 and AP05 to be attached directly to an adjustment axis. The position displays AP10S and AP04S serve as positioning systems for slide adjustments in conjunction with the linear sensor MS500H. The remote displays AP10T and AP24 can be used to specify target values for format pieces or tool change directly on the machine module concerned.

Reliably and easily readable electronic position indicators
In an industrial environment, SIKO customers especially appreciate the precise and reliable recording of measurement values offered by the electronic position indicators. The movement of the axis is then no longer recorded using a gear, but in a touchless manner – using either a magnet or a capacitor. The magnetic measurement method is particularly robust and resilient to dirt or vibration and is suitable for use in normal or particularly rough environments. The generous LCD display technology also allows for a clear reading of the respective position values. A typical application: The stop adjustment on cross-cut saws depends on very precise display values. Additional flexibility is offered by the incremental measurement function implemented and by entering offset values.

The AP series is used even in more complex machine environments for easy-to-manage, semi-automated adjustment processes. The “team-based” communication is standardized, and incorrect adjustments are immediately visible in bus-operated mode.

Benefits

• Freely programmable display values (spindle pitch, sense of rotation and decimal place)
• Linear or angular mode
• Reset function
• Display of positive and negative values
• High display accuracy
• Easy battery change
• Mechanically compatible with mechanical position indicators

The following SIKO Publications provide a comprehensive review the functionality of the AP Series, AGxx fieldbus driveline and ETC5000 standalone controller
SIKO FLYER for visual overview click here and open the Flyer
SIKO DriveLine catalogue (6.9mB) click here and open the DriveLine catalogue (6.9mB file)


Ordercode Builders:

• SIKO AP10 Electronic Digital Position Indicator for rotary measurement
• SIKO AP10S Electronic Digital Position Indicator for linear and rotary measurement
• SIKO AP05 Electronic Digital Position Indicator for rotary measurement (& AP04 replacement)