Monday, November 30, 2009
Is it correct that there is a new requirement relating to Risk Assessment?
In the existing directive:' The manufacturer is under an obligation to assess the hazards in order to identify all of those which apply to his machine; he must then design and construct it taking account of his assessment." The term Risk Assessment was not directly used in the directive but was referred to in harmonized standards EN1050 and more recently EN ISO 14121.
The iterative process of risk assessment is now enshrined unambiguously in the directive
The manufacturer of machinery or his authorized representative must ensure that a risk assessment is carried out in order to determine the health and safety requirements which apply to the machinery. The machinery must then be designed and constructed taking into account the results of the risk assessment...
...By the iterative process of risk assessment and risk reduction referred to above, the manufacturer or his authorized representative shall: eliminate the hazards or reduce the risk associated with these hazards by application of protective measures, in order of priority established..."
The iterative process of risk assessment is now enshrined unambiguously in the directive
The manufacturer of machinery or his authorized representative must ensure that a risk assessment is carried out in order to determine the health and safety requirements which apply to the machinery. The machinery must then be designed and constructed taking into account the results of the risk assessment...
...By the iterative process of risk assessment and risk reduction referred to above, the manufacturer or his authorized representative shall: eliminate the hazards or reduce the risk associated with these hazards by application of protective measures, in order of priority established..."
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Are there any changes in the Essential Health and Safety requirements?
The structure of Annex 1, where the Essential Health and Safety Requirements are listed, will look familiar to those conversant with the existing directive. However, specific significant changes require careful analysis by machine builders to ensure their machines will be compliant with the new directive.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Safe Camera System Opens New Horizons for Safety and Security
Pilz Automation Safety L.P. is opening new horizons for factory and nonfactory automation with SafetyEYE, a camera system for three-dimensional safety monitoring. Developed by Pilz in conjunction with DaimlerChrysler, SafetyEYE places a customized, three-dimensional protective cocoon around a danger zone with a single system, which has the potential to replace a multitude of two-dimensional sensors currently in use today. It protects, controls and monitors, and detection zones can be configured flexibly and quickly on a PC.
"Camera-based image processing will revolutionize optical sensor technology, and not only in the industrial sector," says Pilz Managing Partner Renate Pilz. "We are convinced that the SafetyEYE innovation faces an excellent future in the security sector, too." Much more than just a sensor, SafetyEYE is the basis for a technology that safely detects objects in a three-dimensional zone and alters a robot or a machine's movement to prevent accidents. It is suitable for the widest range of industries and applications: from manufacturing operations to the tire and packaging industries, to high-bay racking systems and automatic car parks. In addition to the safety and security benefits of three-dimensional production monitor and control, SafetyEYE also can lead to increased flexibility and productivity from uninterrupted object monitoring and access guarding.
Current safety-related solutions have their limits
Looking at an example of a robot workstation comprising one or more robots and protected by safety fences, the robots generally require additional protective devices such as light grids and laser scanners in conjunction with an area limit switch. If someone enters or remains in the danger zone, these devices will detect it. Current safety-related solutions, however, have significant disadvantages.
Optoelectronic protective devices are unable to monitor three-dimensional zones. At best they monitor two-dimensional planes. If there is no visual contact, then the workstation must also be protected using pressure-sensitive mats. Uninterrupted monitoring of a robot's operating range is only possible with a great deal of technical investment, if at all. Another factor is that standard protective devices immediately stop the robot in the case of danger. The robot must be returned to its exact position prior to the stop in order to restart. This costs time and impacts subsequent workstations in the production line. A third aspect is the large number of different components and the complex wiring they involve. It's not only expensive to safeguard a robot workstation, but also can have a negative impact on its availability.
Joint expertise for an innovative solution
In an effort to lessen the expense and improve productivity, Pilz started to develop a new concept for zone monitoring and the safe camera system. In Sindelfingen, Germany, DaimlerChrysler's process development, automation and control technology department also was considering some new monitoring strategies. The automaker had an idea to use a combination of cameras and image-processing algorithms to enable the monitored detection zone to be reproduced in 3D and detect objects that encroached into the danger zone.
Developed at the technical image-processing laboratory at DaimlerChrysler's research center in Ulm, Germany, the same visual-assistance systems used in cars to make drivers aware of hazards, were used as the starting point. This ideal cooperative effort had DaimlerChrysler contributing the appropriate algorithms for three-dimensional image evaluation, Pilz making the algorithms suitable for industrial use, and then developing and manufacturing the system.
One system to control, monitor and protect
The overall system is made up of three components: the sensing device, a high performance computer and a programmable safety and control system. The sensing device consists of three highly dynamic cameras that provide the image data from the zone being monitored.
The high performance computer operates as the analysis unit, receiving the camera's image data via fiber-optic cables and works out a three dimensional image using highly complex and safe algorithms. This way it is possible to observe objects three-dimensionally and to define their exact position. This information is then superimposed over the detection zones configured within the system to determine whether there has been a zone violation.
The high performance computer passes the image processing results to the PSS programmable safety and control system. With its inputs and outputs, the PSS is the interface to the machine controller and controls the whole SafetyEYE operation. If the analysis unit signals that the detection zone has been violated, the configurable outputs are shut down. Connection to the periphery also can be via the SafetyBUS p safe bus system. In future, this also will be possible via the SafetyNET p Ethernet. The detection zones and warning zones, as well as all the other parameters required to operate the safe camera system, can be set up using the configuration PC and a special software package.
Perfectly compatible safety concepts help to prevent downtime
A robot workstation that is safeguarded using SafetyEYE, for example, will be fully open in its operation. Restrictive barriers are no longer necessary. The sensing device sits above the workstation and has a complete overview of the robot's operating range. So the possibility of manipulation is excluded from the outset. One glance at the monitor shows that safety technology is at work. Color, semi-transparent cubes and cuboids – the three dimensional warning and detection zones – are superimposed onto the images from the cameras (see graphic illustrating the functional setup). The robot moves within these zone segments during its work cycle. The danger zones are defined in the form of a virtual envelope, which incorporates the warning zones and detection zones. Only objects that enter these zones are potentially at risk.
The special feature of SafetyEYE is that a detection zone violation does not automatically lead to an emergency stop. Should a worker infringe the virtual detection zone at a point that the robot would still take several seconds to reach, the control technology ensures that the robot advances at extremely reduced speed. If the worker is alerted through a warning signal and steps back, the robot will return to normal speed. There will only be an emergency stop if the worker enters the immediate danger zone. This is a clear advantage over conventional protective devices, which trigger an immediate standstill in the case of danger. With SafetyEYE processes can be precision controlled and can have flexible safeguards.
Configure warning and protection zones on the PC
Detection zones and warning zones can be combined into complex zone arrangements and are therefore easy to manage, as they can be configured quickly and intuitively on the PC. If the various operating modes on a machine require different zone arrangements, these can be switched dynamically during the machine's working cycle, via the safe bus system SafetyBUS p or via the digital inputs on the PSS programmable safety and control system. Users have flexibility because once detection zones have been defined they can be adapted at the click of a mouse in the SafetyEYE Configurator. The monitoring of detection zones is no longer based on technical needs but on the requirements of the
user's process cycles, which can be designed with the utmost flexibility.
It only takes a few hours to install SafetyEYE and configure the detection zones. To position, set up
and check conventional protective devices, on the other hand, takes at least a day. It is also more economical to use SafetyEYE. When a detection zone has been violated, an integrated diagnostic function reduces downtimes to a minimum. "So once more we can present an innovation that helps users to increase productivity and reduce costs," says Renate Pilz, Pilz's Managing Partner, getting right to the heart of the benefits of the safe camera system.
Ergonomic interaction between worker and machine
SafetyEYE also can perform standard control functions as well as monitor several independent detection zones. Not only does that lower the cost, it also reduces the number of components to a minimum. The ability to connect directly to bus systems such as SafetyBUS p and, in future SafetyNET p, brings further savings in terms of material and installation.
SafetyEYE protects plants from a bird's eye view, enabling man and machine to work together harmoniously. Requirements from the widest range of mechanical engineering applications can be implemented using the safe camera system.
Valuable objects and access to buildings firmly in view
While safety describes the protection of the environment from an object, security is concerned with protecting an object from the environment. This includes building access protection or monitoring exhibits at museums. SafetyEYE keeps valuable objects continuously in its sight because, unlike conventional protective devices, is doesn't just monitor one plane.
"Camera-based image processing will revolutionize optical sensor technology, and not only in the industrial sector," says Pilz Managing Partner Renate Pilz. "We are convinced that the SafetyEYE innovation faces an excellent future in the security sector, too." Much more than just a sensor, SafetyEYE is the basis for a technology that safely detects objects in a three-dimensional zone and alters a robot or a machine's movement to prevent accidents. It is suitable for the widest range of industries and applications: from manufacturing operations to the tire and packaging industries, to high-bay racking systems and automatic car parks. In addition to the safety and security benefits of three-dimensional production monitor and control, SafetyEYE also can lead to increased flexibility and productivity from uninterrupted object monitoring and access guarding.
Current safety-related solutions have their limits
Looking at an example of a robot workstation comprising one or more robots and protected by safety fences, the robots generally require additional protective devices such as light grids and laser scanners in conjunction with an area limit switch. If someone enters or remains in the danger zone, these devices will detect it. Current safety-related solutions, however, have significant disadvantages.
Optoelectronic protective devices are unable to monitor three-dimensional zones. At best they monitor two-dimensional planes. If there is no visual contact, then the workstation must also be protected using pressure-sensitive mats. Uninterrupted monitoring of a robot's operating range is only possible with a great deal of technical investment, if at all. Another factor is that standard protective devices immediately stop the robot in the case of danger. The robot must be returned to its exact position prior to the stop in order to restart. This costs time and impacts subsequent workstations in the production line. A third aspect is the large number of different components and the complex wiring they involve. It's not only expensive to safeguard a robot workstation, but also can have a negative impact on its availability.
Joint expertise for an innovative solution
In an effort to lessen the expense and improve productivity, Pilz started to develop a new concept for zone monitoring and the safe camera system. In Sindelfingen, Germany, DaimlerChrysler's process development, automation and control technology department also was considering some new monitoring strategies. The automaker had an idea to use a combination of cameras and image-processing algorithms to enable the monitored detection zone to be reproduced in 3D and detect objects that encroached into the danger zone.
Developed at the technical image-processing laboratory at DaimlerChrysler's research center in Ulm, Germany, the same visual-assistance systems used in cars to make drivers aware of hazards, were used as the starting point. This ideal cooperative effort had DaimlerChrysler contributing the appropriate algorithms for three-dimensional image evaluation, Pilz making the algorithms suitable for industrial use, and then developing and manufacturing the system.
One system to control, monitor and protect
The overall system is made up of three components: the sensing device, a high performance computer and a programmable safety and control system. The sensing device consists of three highly dynamic cameras that provide the image data from the zone being monitored.
The high performance computer operates as the analysis unit, receiving the camera's image data via fiber-optic cables and works out a three dimensional image using highly complex and safe algorithms. This way it is possible to observe objects three-dimensionally and to define their exact position. This information is then superimposed over the detection zones configured within the system to determine whether there has been a zone violation.
The high performance computer passes the image processing results to the PSS programmable safety and control system. With its inputs and outputs, the PSS is the interface to the machine controller and controls the whole SafetyEYE operation. If the analysis unit signals that the detection zone has been violated, the configurable outputs are shut down. Connection to the periphery also can be via the SafetyBUS p safe bus system. In future, this also will be possible via the SafetyNET p Ethernet. The detection zones and warning zones, as well as all the other parameters required to operate the safe camera system, can be set up using the configuration PC and a special software package.
Perfectly compatible safety concepts help to prevent downtime
A robot workstation that is safeguarded using SafetyEYE, for example, will be fully open in its operation. Restrictive barriers are no longer necessary. The sensing device sits above the workstation and has a complete overview of the robot's operating range. So the possibility of manipulation is excluded from the outset. One glance at the monitor shows that safety technology is at work. Color, semi-transparent cubes and cuboids – the three dimensional warning and detection zones – are superimposed onto the images from the cameras (see graphic illustrating the functional setup). The robot moves within these zone segments during its work cycle. The danger zones are defined in the form of a virtual envelope, which incorporates the warning zones and detection zones. Only objects that enter these zones are potentially at risk.
The special feature of SafetyEYE is that a detection zone violation does not automatically lead to an emergency stop. Should a worker infringe the virtual detection zone at a point that the robot would still take several seconds to reach, the control technology ensures that the robot advances at extremely reduced speed. If the worker is alerted through a warning signal and steps back, the robot will return to normal speed. There will only be an emergency stop if the worker enters the immediate danger zone. This is a clear advantage over conventional protective devices, which trigger an immediate standstill in the case of danger. With SafetyEYE processes can be precision controlled and can have flexible safeguards.
Configure warning and protection zones on the PC
Detection zones and warning zones can be combined into complex zone arrangements and are therefore easy to manage, as they can be configured quickly and intuitively on the PC. If the various operating modes on a machine require different zone arrangements, these can be switched dynamically during the machine's working cycle, via the safe bus system SafetyBUS p or via the digital inputs on the PSS programmable safety and control system. Users have flexibility because once detection zones have been defined they can be adapted at the click of a mouse in the SafetyEYE Configurator. The monitoring of detection zones is no longer based on technical needs but on the requirements of the
user's process cycles, which can be designed with the utmost flexibility.
It only takes a few hours to install SafetyEYE and configure the detection zones. To position, set up
and check conventional protective devices, on the other hand, takes at least a day. It is also more economical to use SafetyEYE. When a detection zone has been violated, an integrated diagnostic function reduces downtimes to a minimum. "So once more we can present an innovation that helps users to increase productivity and reduce costs," says Renate Pilz, Pilz's Managing Partner, getting right to the heart of the benefits of the safe camera system.
Ergonomic interaction between worker and machine
SafetyEYE also can perform standard control functions as well as monitor several independent detection zones. Not only does that lower the cost, it also reduces the number of components to a minimum. The ability to connect directly to bus systems such as SafetyBUS p and, in future SafetyNET p, brings further savings in terms of material and installation.
SafetyEYE protects plants from a bird's eye view, enabling man and machine to work together harmoniously. Requirements from the widest range of mechanical engineering applications can be implemented using the safe camera system.
Valuable objects and access to buildings firmly in view
While safety describes the protection of the environment from an object, security is concerned with protecting an object from the environment. This includes building access protection or monitoring exhibits at museums. SafetyEYE keeps valuable objects continuously in its sight because, unlike conventional protective devices, is doesn't just monitor one plane.
# # #
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Can manufacturers CE mark machinery under the new Machinery Directive in advance of this date?
From the legal point of view, machinery can only be placed on the market with reference to Directive 2006/42/EC as of December 29, 2009. However, in general, the essential requirements are at least as stringent, therefore machine builders should review their products without delay and prepare to adapt them as necessary to take account of the requirements of the new Directive. Pilz provides a conformance assessment service to determine the gaps a machine manufacturer may face in bringing existing designs into compliance.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Reliable Wireless Communication for Industrial Requirements
Wireless system from Pilz, specifically for industrial requirements
With the wireless communication system InduraNET p, users have increased flexibility and freedom in the way plant and machinery is arranged. The wireless system guarantees easy accessibility within the space, something that cannot be achieved with a cable connection. All today's contact-based communication systems are restricted to linear or rotational movements. InduraNET p enables movements in all three space dimensions. This increased flexibility is also a bonus when expanding an existing control infrastructure, as there's no complex configuration or installation for the cable connections. The high availability of InduraNET p reduces downtimes as well as the work involved in unplanned maintenance work. The weaknesses in contact-based data communication, such as wear and tear on data cables and sliding contacts, are irrelevant with wireless communication. Radio-based communication also helps to save costs, as the work normally involved in planning, installation and maintenance of cable-based solutions is no longer required. This is particularly significant on mobile applications, as contact-based communication often requires special solutions using cable drag chains or rotary transformers, for example. By implementing InduraNET p into the PSSuniversal centralised control platform, Pilz is presenting to the market the first step towards an industry-compatible wireless technology.
Under the name InduraNET p (Industrial Radio Network), Pilz has developed a wireless system that specifically and consistently considers the requirements of an industrial environment. Users benefit from much greater flexibility and are able to implement mobile applications which would be very difficult if not impossible to achieve with a cable-based solution. A special feature of InduraNET p is the innovative antenna system with antenna diversity, which guarantees a constant, high quality wireless connection under all application conditions. Intelligent frequency management also enables coexistence with other wireless systems.
In conjunction with InduraNET p PSSuniversal offers even more opportunities for using the decentralised I/O periphery. The decentralized control platform can now be used anywhere that cable connections have reached their application limits or that long-term use of wearing communication media such as trailing cable or rotary transformers is uneconomical.
The wireless communication system InduraNET p can universally replace a cable solution, coexisting alongside other wireless services in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It transmits with a maximum high frequency power of 100 mW. Due to its variable structure the decentralized control platform PSSuniversal can be expanded to up to 64 individual I/O modules. With InduraNET p these can now also be operated remotely from the base system. The modular PSSuniversal system can be separated at any point. All you need to do is add the relevant InduraNET p converter modules. One base station can communicate with up to four remote stations. The benefit for the user is that the view of the process I/O image remains the same.
Wireless system specifically for the industrial sector
Other WLAN-based wireless services are often used in the industrial environment for storage and logistic systems. Unlike Bluetooth wireless systems, InduraNET p does not influence any other industrial wireless systems thanks to its intelligent frequency management. In addition to the protocol mechanisms, the access mechanism "Listen before talk” guarantees that the radio channel is actually available and is not being used by other wireless services. Another characteristic of InduraNET p is its strong immunity to signals from other wireless services such as DECT, UMTS or GSM, which ensures high system availability in an industrial environment. The compact antennas enable efficient wireless communication despite strong reflections and constantly changing conditions for spreading the radio waves.
Reliable wireless technology brings benefits
Is there a transition period for application of Directive 2006/42/EC?
In general, there is no transition period, in the sense of a period during which both the current Machinery Directive and the new Machinery Directive are applicable. The provisions of the Directive 2006/42/EC become applicable December 29, 2009.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
How will the new machinery directive be enforced?
Freedom of movement of machinery is guaranteed with the "passport of the CE mark". As most machines are placed on the market without independent certification by notified bodies, surveillance is essential to the fair and effective operation of the single market for the supply of machinery. Directive 98/37 dopes not use the term "market surveillance". However, in the new MD the framework for market surveillance is now clearly stated ina new Article 4 specifically dealing with this aspect.
- member states must take measures against non-complying products
- there must be a known national competent authority
- tasks and powers of such authority must be clearly defined and transparent
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Buhler Inc. and Pilz Automation Safety L.P. Partner for Safety
(CANTON, MI) – Buhler Inc. of Plymouth, Minn. has partnered with Pilz Automation Safety L.P. of Canton, Mich. to implement safety in its flour heat treatment, brewing and malting equipment. Buhler Inc. installed PNOZmulti modular safety systems to control explosion vents and emergency stops. This system will protect personnel and equipment from being harmed or destroyed during a deflagration. The PNOZmulti m1p allows for easy expansion as well as an improved response time of approximately 40ms. Download PDF Reference: http://www.pilzamerica.com/articles/INL … -Sheet.pdf
Pilz Automation Safety L.P.
The world leader is SAFE automation; Pilz offers a full range of leading-edge safe automation products and services. The company’s innovative technologies and safety expertise provides customers with the leanest and safest solutions.
Buhler Inc.
Buhler is a global leader in the supply of process technology, especially production technologies for making foods and engineering materials. Buhler is active in over 140 countries and has some 7000 employees worldwide. In fiscal 2008, the Group generated sales of CHF 1893 million.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
My company receives machinery from our parent company in the USA. What are the implications of the new machinery directive?
You need to ensure that the machine conforms to all applicable directives including the new machinery directive. Additionally, you need to designate a person established in the community to be responsible for the compilation of the technical construction file. This could be a competent person in your own organization or a third party you appoint.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Calculations without the headache Software tool verifies the functional safety of protection devices on machinery
Canton, MI – Pilz Automation Safety’s software tool, PAScal, verifies the functional
safety of protection devices on machinery in light of current standards. The Safety
Calculator supports manufacturers in the calculation of failure limit values, as required by
standards IEC 62061 and prEN ISO 13849-1. The software tool enables a reduction in
costs and the amount of time spent on the task, particularly as figures need to be
recalculated each time the safety functions are modified.
The PAScal Safety Calculator separates the safety functions into their component parts,
calculates the overall probability of a dangerous failure per hour (PFHD value) and
verifies the data with the prescribed performance level or safety integrity level. The
software tool also takes into account potential architectures and variations if subcomponents
are connected together and parameterized.
Division into sub-systems
According to the approach of IEC 62061 (sector standard from IEC 61508 for safety in
machine control systems), safety-related functions are divided into sub-systems such as
sensors, inputs, logic, outputs and actuators. So the architecture for each sub-system can
be specified separately. The sub-systems can be combined as required.The Safety Calculator not only considers the factors listed in prEN ISO 13849-1 for
evaluating the common cause failure (CCF), but also takes into account the parameters
that depend on logic or electronics, which affect diagnostic coverage (DC). These include
detection of shorts between contacts or synchronicity monitoring on multi-channel
sensors, for example.
Based on a database
The basis for the Safety Calculator is a comprehensive database that already contains
details of Pilz products. Users can also define their own components and store them in the
database, provided the necessary numeric values are known. The Safety Calculator uses
this data to calculate the PFHD value.
The PAScal Safety Calculator provides support to manufacturers when designing safetyrelated
control elements. For new design procedures are required now that EN 954-1 has
been replaced by prEN ISO 13849-1 for the design of safety-related control systems and
standard IEC 62061 has been published.
The software tool also allows for the flexibility that engineering requires. Safety
functions can change from machine to machine, so that calculations need reworking
again and again. The Safety Calculator absorbs the associated costs.
safety of protection devices on machinery in light of current standards. The Safety
Calculator supports manufacturers in the calculation of failure limit values, as required by
standards IEC 62061 and prEN ISO 13849-1. The software tool enables a reduction in
costs and the amount of time spent on the task, particularly as figures need to be
recalculated each time the safety functions are modified.
The PAScal Safety Calculator separates the safety functions into their component parts,
calculates the overall probability of a dangerous failure per hour (PFHD value) and
verifies the data with the prescribed performance level or safety integrity level. The
software tool also takes into account potential architectures and variations if subcomponents
are connected together and parameterized.
Division into sub-systems
According to the approach of IEC 62061 (sector standard from IEC 61508 for safety in
machine control systems), safety-related functions are divided into sub-systems such as
sensors, inputs, logic, outputs and actuators. So the architecture for each sub-system can
be specified separately. The sub-systems can be combined as required.The Safety Calculator not only considers the factors listed in prEN ISO 13849-1 for
evaluating the common cause failure (CCF), but also takes into account the parameters
that depend on logic or electronics, which affect diagnostic coverage (DC). These include
detection of shorts between contacts or synchronicity monitoring on multi-channel
sensors, for example.
Based on a database
The basis for the Safety Calculator is a comprehensive database that already contains
details of Pilz products. Users can also define their own components and store them in the
database, provided the necessary numeric values are known. The Safety Calculator uses
this data to calculate the PFHD value.
The PAScal Safety Calculator provides support to manufacturers when designing safetyrelated
control elements. For new design procedures are required now that EN 954-1 has
been replaced by prEN ISO 13849-1 for the design of safety-related control systems and
standard IEC 62061 has been published.
The software tool also allows for the flexibility that engineering requires. Safety
functions can change from machine to machine, so that calculations need reworking
again and again. The Safety Calculator absorbs the associated costs.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
What is an authorized representative?
The machinery directive anticipates that machine builders may require appointing competent persons to carry out some or all of the administrative and assessment procedures required to CE mark a machine. The new machinery directive defines an authorize representative as "...any natural or legal person established in the Community who has received a written mandate from the manufacturer to perform on his behalf all or part of the obligations and formalities connected with this directive..."
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
New Profinet Interface Proves Impressive
Pilz decentralized I/O system, PSSuniversal, used in the automotive industry Pilz is to be the exclusive supplier of decentralized I/O periphery with protection type IP20 to automotive manufacturer BMW, effective immediately. In the future, the automotive group will use the PSSuniversal decentralized I/O system worldwide.
A prerequisite was the development of a new head module with Profinet interface, which was achieved in close cooperation with BMW. This was an impressive control solution from both a technical and an economic point of view. Thanks to the customized, certified Profinet interface, the decentralized I/O system PSSuniversal can be integrated seamlessly and safely into existing or new plant structures. “We regard the openness of control solutions not just in terms of investment protection. We are really keen to give users the chance to choose the solution that best suits their project”, says Albrecht Feucht, from Key Account Automotive at Pilz.
Open systems stimulate competition Under the scope of AIDA (Automotive Initiative of German Domestic Automobile Manufacturers), German automotive manufacturers have opted to use Profinet as a standardized communication medium, but AIDA has also stated that competition needs to be guaranteed where the connected control solution is concerned.
The decision in favor of Pilz was preceded by a comprehensive evaluation of the market and all available products by experts from BMW. In addition to its openness toward Profinet, other criteria included the system’s cost effectiveness plus the ability to link standard control functions and safety functions. Intense cooperation and continual coordination with BMW during the two-year development period paved the way for the launch of a user friendly system which meets the exact requirements. System is easy to handle. The integrated safety principle of the PSSuniversal represents a key distinguishing feature in comparison with existing solutions.
On the control system, the head module alone represents the safety-related subscribers, so that users only need to make the necessary settings at this central point. There is no need to assign awkward sub-addresses. Consequently all safety-related addresses on the Profinet Master can be put to optimal use.
Not only does this reduce the administrative work in assigning safe address ranges, it also
reduces costs, as less hardware is needed because the safety technology is concentrated
exclusively in the head module.
Initial projects with the decentralized I/O system Pilz PSSuniversal with Profinet connection will be implemented in BMW’s plants in Regensburg, Munich and Leipzig, with global applications to follow.
A prerequisite was the development of a new head module with Profinet interface, which was achieved in close cooperation with BMW. This was an impressive control solution from both a technical and an economic point of view. Thanks to the customized, certified Profinet interface, the decentralized I/O system PSSuniversal can be integrated seamlessly and safely into existing or new plant structures. “We regard the openness of control solutions not just in terms of investment protection. We are really keen to give users the chance to choose the solution that best suits their project”, says Albrecht Feucht, from Key Account Automotive at Pilz.
Open systems stimulate competition Under the scope of AIDA (Automotive Initiative of German Domestic Automobile Manufacturers), German automotive manufacturers have opted to use Profinet as a standardized communication medium, but AIDA has also stated that competition needs to be guaranteed where the connected control solution is concerned.
The decision in favor of Pilz was preceded by a comprehensive evaluation of the market and all available products by experts from BMW. In addition to its openness toward Profinet, other criteria included the system’s cost effectiveness plus the ability to link standard control functions and safety functions. Intense cooperation and continual coordination with BMW during the two-year development period paved the way for the launch of a user friendly system which meets the exact requirements. System is easy to handle. The integrated safety principle of the PSSuniversal represents a key distinguishing feature in comparison with existing solutions.
On the control system, the head module alone represents the safety-related subscribers, so that users only need to make the necessary settings at this central point. There is no need to assign awkward sub-addresses. Consequently all safety-related addresses on the Profinet Master can be put to optimal use.
Not only does this reduce the administrative work in assigning safe address ranges, it also
reduces costs, as less hardware is needed because the safety technology is concentrated
exclusively in the head module.
Initial projects with the decentralized I/O system Pilz PSSuniversal with Profinet connection will be implemented in BMW’s plants in Regensburg, Munich and Leipzig, with global applications to follow.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
If my company is located outside the EU how will they meet this requirement?
For machine builders without an operation in the EU the most effective means of meeting this requirement is to appoint an "authorized representative".
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