SIKO supplies new digital measuring system for vertical panel saw "Edition 60" from Striebig AG

For the company’s 60th anniversary: The "Edition 60" vertical saw has an integrated panel lowering device that enables ergonomic one-person panel cutting. The MA502 digital measuring display from SIKO is used to set the dimensions on the Y-axis. It has been specially adapted to suit the individual requirements of the machine by means of additional offset values and a configurable text display.

Magnetic length measurement in woodworking 
Especially in woodworking, magnetic measuring systems are ideal for length measurement. This is a non-contact process in which a magnetic sensor scans a magnetic tape at a defined distance. "The advantages are robustness, wear resistance and, in our field, especially insensitivity to contamination, e.g. by chips and dust," explains Pius Elmiger, Head of Development & Engineering at Striebig. "A sensitive optical system, for example, is out of the question in this harsh working environment. Mechanical pulley systems, on the other hand, are subject to higher wear, making magnetic measurement the method of choice for our Striebig saws."
 

Edition 60 with new digital measuring display for the Y-axis 
The latest "Edition 60", which Striebig launched on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, uses another SIKO digital measuring display MA502 to set the Y-axis dimensions (including the magnetic sensor MS500). SIKO has customized it to suit the individual requirements of this new woodworking machine. The existing autonomous SIKO measuring system for dimensional adjustment of the vertical cut on the X axis was retained.

SIKO measuring display MA502 with LCD dot matrix display, display accuracy 10 µm.

Edition 60 is a further development of Striebig’s hand-operated Standard S machine that comes with special additional features, first and foremost the integrated panel lowering device. This enables ergonomic and streamlined one-person panel cutting. Previously, if a trimming cut was needed at the bottom, the panel had to be lifted and rotated by two people and the cut then made at the top. This extra step is eliminated thanks to the panel lowering device that grips, lifts and holds the wooden panel in place. 

Thus facilitating a precise cut at the bottom. The comprehensive basic equipment also guarantees short process times and a safe, hand-operated workflow. As the saw frame has been also been stabilized, 80 kg can be held in place per panel lowering unit. Two panel lowering units are provided as standard, while a third is optional. Edition 60 ensures a high safety standard, as an integrated two-hand control means that the operator cannot reach into the sawing area and injure himself during the positioning process.

Integrating offset values 
The new measuring system with further functionalities is necessary in order to be able to set certain offset values (that result from the panel lowering device) on the Y-axis. The basis for the further development is the SIKO standard display MA502, as the offered serial interface RS485 was already suitable for the Striebig machines.

One offset value was needed for the center support. Another offset value results from the aforementioned trimming cut in the lower area. For this, the panel is raised by 58 mm using the panel lowering device. This offset marks the new zero point at the bottom edge of the panel, which now makes it possible to set how large the trimming cut should be.

The referencing of the measuring system when the machine is switched on was also customized to suit the new requirements resulting from the changed zero points.

High operating safety: Two-hand operation eliminates the risk of injury during the positioning process. The integrated digital SIKO measuring display MA502 is based on a magnetic measuring principle and is therefore ideally suited for harsh environments such as wood processing thanks to its robustness and durability.

Operating safety thanks to text notes 
Another requirement for the measuring display was the option of also displaying simple, configurable texts and thus communicating with the operator. SIKO enables even more operating safety and process reliability with this addition. Warnings or errors can be displayed, e.g. that the compressed air is dropping or that an error has occurred with the panel lowering device. This provides the operator with targeted information. General information, such as how many hours the machine or the motor has been connected to the power supply, can also be displayed. The measured values are recorded by the control unit and shown on the measuring display.


SIKO: Optimizing standard products to meet customer needs 
Devices that are specifically tailored suit to the customer’s needs is one of SIKO’s core competencies. Pius Elmiger describes the joint development work as very constructive and focused: "Starting from the standard display, we were able to define our requirements and also ask SIKO (whose team consistently accommodated us and provided us support with the technical questions) for additions. This allowed devices to be programmed, tested, modified and reinstalled to get a custom-fit solution." Integration of the measuring system into the machine's software was also straightforward thanks to the familiar interface and standard protocols. 

Author: Michaela Wassenberg, freelance journalist

Characters: approx. 6,450