Reduce equipment set-up times with SIKO positioning solutions

In manufacturing, time is one of the most valuable resources, and every minute of downtime means losses. To increase production efficiency, companies must optimize equipment changeover and setup times. Unfortunately, in reality, manufacturing involves various challenges – different product types, sizes, designs, processing methods, and fluctuating order deadlines. All these factors require frequent equipment adjustments and reconfigurations, which slow down the production process.

Table of Contents

• Innovations in Measurement and Positioning Technology
• SIKO Products
  
  • Mechanical Position Indicators
  • Electronic Position Indicators
  • Positioning Drives
• Simplified Digital Indicator Management - Easy Touch Control

One of the most effective solutions to this issue is SIKO's positioning and adjustment systems. The German company SIKO GmbH, specializing in measurement and positioning technology, offers innovative solutions that significantly reduce equipment setup time and improve production efficiency.

Innovations in Measurement and Positioning Technology

SIKO GmbH is a German company that has been developing and manufacturing precision positioning and measurement technologies since 1963. With over sixty years of experience, the company offers mechanical and electronic position indicators, positioning drives, and centralized control systems for various industrial sectors.

SIKO products are widely used in:

• Packaging machinery – enabling fast and precise format changes based on different product sizes and shapes.
• Woodworking – facilitating accurate adjustment of tools and stops for various processing tasks.
• Conveyor lines – optimizing material flow adjustments.

SIKO solutions not only reduce downtime but also ensure precision and repeatability, which are critical in modern automated manufacturing environments.

SIKO Products

SIKO offers a wide range of products designed for precise positioning and efficient equipment adjustments.

Mechanical Position Indicators

Mechanical indicators are simple, reliable, and easy to use, providing clear position value displays. They are suitable for manually adjustable equipment where settings are changed by rotating the drive shaft. This system ensures quick and precise adjustment, which is particularly important in frequent format change applications. Additionally, mechanical indicators are durable and require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution.

SIKO mechanical indicators are used in various industries, including:

• Packaging machines for format adjustments.
• Woodworking machines for precise stop settings.
• Printing and metalworking equipment.

Electronic Position Indicators

Electronic indicators offer higher precision and flexibility compared to mechanical indicators. They not only provide accurate position value display but also integrate with modern control systems, making them an essential component in industrial automation.

Main advantages:

• Programmable to fit specific applications.
• Equipped with digital communication interfaces (RS485, CANopen) for automatic data exchange.
• Available for both rotary and linear movement control.
• Capable of storing and analyzing data to optimize production processes and enhance quality control.

Positioning Drives

SIKO offers compact and precise positioning drives that enable automatic format changes and precise positioning.

SIKO drives are ideal for packaging lines, woodworking machinery, and the food industry, where frequent and precise format changes are required.

Main advantages:

• Fast and reliable format adjustments across different industries.
• Integration with digital control systems.
• High precision and repeatability, minimizing errors.

Simplified Digital Indicator Management - Easy Touch Control

To simplify the integration of digital indicators and drives, SIKO has developed Easy Touch Control (ETC5000) – a touchscreen control unit that allows:

• Connecting up to 31 indicators or drives in a single system.
• Managing and controlling indicators individually or in groups.
• Easy monitoring and adjustment of settings, reducing human error.

ETC5000 is an excellent solution for companies looking to automate and digitalize their manufacturing equipment, achieving greater efficiency and minimizing manual labor.

Contact us to learn more about SIKO solutions that will help you reduce setup time and optimize your production!