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Minimising set-up time by using intelligent compact actuators
April 18,
2016 994 994 
Replacing manual regulating devices on spindles and adjustment axes with networked actuators means significant cost reductions thanks to time optimisation and an increase in product quality. But for most of these machines with cramped conditions, the available actuators were to date made to be that large that a replacement was not possible. Now with the new AG05 from the SIKO DriveLine family there is an actuator on the market that not only impresses designers and users with its chic black plastic casing but also with its functionality and compactness.
The following simple evaluation impressively proves the potential that is behind the automation with actuators: A typical processing machine has numerous axes, stop collars and adjustment options so that it can be adjusted to the varying sizes of the individual products. Michael Schwab, DriveLine Product Manager at SIKO GmbH in Buchenbach, says: "If the machine has 14 adjustment options, some of which are difficult to get to, then two men need around 10 minutes for a complete format change on a manual set-up. If all axes were automated with an actuator and the product is changed once an hour, this minimises set up times and increases performance by almost 15%." Or put another way: "The more axes a machine has to adjust, and the more often this has to occur, the quicker the additional costs for automation are amortised." The market success of SIKO's DriveLine actuators confirms that more and more users are accepting this premise as good business sense. And with the AG05, SIKO is unveiling another member of the actuator family that offers completely new automation possibilities thanks to its compact dimensions.
Portrait of DriveLine actuator product line
The first member of the product line, the AG01 actuator, was launched in 2002 and followed by the AG02 in 2003. In 2004, the AG02 was fitted with an integrated profibus DP/CANopen interface. The AG01 and AG02 were fitted with 70 and 150 Watt (respectively), 24 volt DC high performance motors. The actuators were boosted by their excellent value for money, simple control mode, long life cycle and high starting torque, which was capable of freeing spindles that were covered in dirt and grime. Depending on the transmission, an output torque of 1.1 to 9 Nm at 100 to 500 rpm, which was enough to take over the work from manual adjustment links. The innovative DriveLine compact actuator enabled the standby times of machines and systems to significantly be reduced. On the one hand this reduces the unproductive downtimes, and on the other it makes an environmental contribution with its energy-saving potential (compressed air and heating/cooling capacity).
If the AG01 requires a separate end stage, the AG02 has an integrated motor controller. Despite the differences there are also similarities. The full-length hollow shaft with a maximum shaft diameter of 14 mm is suitable for all actuators, from the AG01 to the AG03. The transmission's hollow shaft design facilitates assembly and start up, and the 1:1 replacement of manual adjustment elements means: remove the hand wheel or position gauge from the spindle, mount the actuator, lock it in place, done. The AG04B has a torque of 14Nm and a maximum 375 rpm, making it the most powerful actuator in the range. The AG04B has a maximum hollow shaft diameter of 20 mm and an optional spring brake.