The ARICO Technology AR1860 is a specialized PLC designed for the demanding control requirements of injection molding machines and extruders. Part of ARICO's comprehensive AR series of process control systems, the AR1860 distinguishes itself through a powerful hardware architecture and a deeply integrated software ecosystem. It is engineered not just for precise control, but for long-term adaptability and ease of use on the factory floor. The controller is built on a distributed control system (DCS) philosophy, utilizing high-speed Ethernet communication to seamlessly link the central HMI with remote I/O modules, thereby simplifying wiring and enhancing system responsiveness.

At the heart of the AR1860's performance is a trio of high-speed 32-bit CPUs running at 266MHz. This multi-processor architecture provides the computational headroom necessary for complex real-time control tasks. A key differentiator is the controller's ultra-fast 0.25ms software interrupt capability, a feature the manufacturer highlights as enhancing displacement accuracy by more than two times compared to conventional controllers. This level of precision is critical in injection molding applications where shot size, injection speed, and holding pressure must be regulated with extreme accuracy to ensure part quality and minimize material waste. The controller supports real-time PLC operation, I/O function self-definition, and shift functions for flexible machine integration.

User interaction is managed through a versatile HMI platform. ARICO offers a range of LCD display sizes—5.6", 8", 10.4", and 12.1"—with touch panel options available for the 10.4" and 12.1" models. The HMI is programmed using ARICO's proprietary state-of-the-art window system screen editor, which features an intuitive object-oriented editing style. Complementing this is a dedicated PLC ladder editor for developing process control programs. A highly convenient feature is the ability to update all programs simply by inserting a USB memory drive, eliminating the need for complex flashing procedures or specialized programming cables. The controller also supports saving the current screen image to an external USB memory device for documentation or troubleshooting purposes. User access is protected by a 10-level control system.

From a hardware lifecycle perspective, the AR1860 is built with foresight. Its "Demolished" architecture physically separates the CPU board from the base main control board. This modular design allows the core processing unit to be upgraded to a more powerful future version without replacing the entire control system, protecting the initial investment. ARICO emphasizes that this is a dedicated industrial controller board, not a repurposed industrial personal computer board, thereby avoiding the rapid obsolescence, driver instability, and escalating software maintenance costs associated with PC-based control. With a standard warranty period of 18 months plus a 2-month shipping extension, the AR1860 is a robust and reliable choice for plastics and rubber machinery manufacturers worldwide.

Technical Specifications