The part marking and product identification process is streamlined by combining robust industrial dot peen marking heads with the industry’s most advanced controller.
- Fast and accurate part marking, from light engraving to deep marking
- Durable, reliable machines designed for the harshest industrial environments
- Effortless programming with an extremely friendly operator interface
- Advanced integration capabilities for factory automation networking
- Pannier’s application and integration experts provide world-class support
The Universal AC500 Controller
The revolutionary AC500 controller features a 7″ color touchscreen display for fast and easy programming, reliable Linux-based software, and 64MB of internal flash memory to store hundreds of marking programs.
Easy Management of Marking Programs and Settings
The AC500 can be used with any Automator ADP marking system as well as dot peen systems made by other manufacturers. This makes it easy to create and manage files on multiple systems in your facility. The AC500 software can also be installed on a PC for management of marking patterns and settings – files can be uploaded and downloaded via the USB port.
Create marking jobs in minutes.
Fields are easily added one at a time to a marking job. Click the Add button, choose the field type – text, graphic, 2D code, etc. – and enter the data to be marked in the field. Set the height, width, spacing and the position of the field.
Fields can use variable data that automatically changes, is entered by the operator, retrieved from a lookup table, or obtained from a bar code scanner, host computer, or other device.
Lay out fields in the preview screen.
Once the program is created, switch to the preview screen (shown) to see the layout and positioning of each field. Fields can be repositioned or resized in this screen by clicking and dragging with the stylus.
Select any field to modify and type the data to be marked.
Use the AC500 touchscreen or a connected keyboard and mouse.
1. Use variable fields that operators can modify while other fields remain locked.
2. Use a query table to store data for the operator to select from.
1. Load a CSV file, select a starting value, and the field increments to the next value after each mark.
2. Use Pannier’s Simple Spreadsheet App to send data from a spreadsheet on a connected PC.
Scan bar codes on job paperwork to automate the data entry process.
Pannier can also write custom software for advanced data retrieval and verification needs.
* Comma Separated Value files can be created from an Excel® spreadsheet.
Operate with discrete I/O signals from 12 to 24 VDC.
Remotely control operations like file selection, placing the system online, start marking, and stop marking.
Use Ethernet or serial to connect to a PLC or host computer.
The AC500 Extended Protocol provides two way communications with error checking.
Communicate with a PLC using the EtherNet/IP protocol.
With this option, the EtherNet/IP port and control card are built into the AC500 controller for use in automation networks.
Connect devices such as a bar code scanner or keyboard.
Use a USB flash drive for managing system programs, settings, and upgrades.
Marking Pin Options
Marking pins are available in different sizes and styles to achieve different marking styles. All sizes of marking heads can operate in Dot Peen or Vibropeen marking mode. Simply change the pin assembly and adjust the head settings.
Dot Peen Marking
In the standard dot peen marking mode, the electrovalve in the marking head fires the pin precisely to place individual dots. A parameter setting on the AC500 specifies the density of dots to be marked, expressed in dots/cm. The higher dot density selected, the closer to a near-continuous engraved mark is achieved. Pin sizes:
- 3mm
- 6mm
Deep Dot Peen Marking
Using a marking head with a large electrovalve and marking pin, deep marks can be achieved on metal surfaces. This is ideal for applications where the mark must remain legible after shot blasting, painting, or galvanizing operations. Marks can be made extra-deep by going over the mark with multiple passes with the marking pin. Pin sizes:
- 6mm
- 12mm
- 18mm
Vibropeen Marking
In vibropeen mode, the electrovalve firing the marking pin remains open throughout the marking cycle while the pin continually moves up and down. Vibropeen marks appear similar to engraved markings with more continuous lines. This is also is the fastest marking mode, ideal for when production cycle times are critical. Pin sizes:
- 3mm
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 9″ x 7.5″ x 4.3″ / 230 x 191 x 110 mm |
|---|---|
| IP Rating | IP40 (tabletop) / IP61 (wall mounted) |
| Weight | 5 lbs / 2.3 Kg |
| Interface | RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet TCP/IP, I/O, and USB; optional EtherNet/IP |
| Memory | 64 MB internal memory |
| Input/Output | 12 input signals (6 dedicated), 6 output signals (2 dedicated) |
| Electric Supply | 100-240 VAC / 50-60 Hz |
| Marking Speed | Up to 10 characters per second |
| Languages | 34 available languages |
| Fonts | 5 built-in fonts, upload and use any TrueType font (TTF file) or custom font |
| Text Options | Automatic serial numbering, date and shift codes, arc text, mirror (reverse) text |
| Logos | Upload and mark logos via USB (BMP or DXF files); built-in line, arc, and circle marking |
| 2D Codes | 2D Data Matrix and QR codes |
