March 2012System Integration & Control Systems Design
SICK Automation
When does a substantial and thus CE-relevant transformation apply?
The EU Machinery Directive, MD 2006/42/EC, is addressed to all manufacturers and distributors of machines, including operators that assemble or retrofit existing machines if they implement substantial modifications.
When is a transformation substantial?
The EU guideline for the use of the machinery directive defines a substantial transformation as a transformation that has resulted in a machine that can be considered as ‘new machinery’.
In the Blue Guide of the EU Commission, the aspect of risk is addressed: “if the risk assessment leads to the conclusion that (after retrofitting the machine) the nature of the hazard or the level of risk (emanating from the machine) has increased, then the modified product (machine) should be considered as a new product (machine).”
The party responsible for retrofitting must carry out the entire CE conformity procedure if, through the substantial modification, the retrofit machine becomes a new machine. The GPSG interpretation guide entitled ‘Substantial transformations of machines’ helps to classify the modifications in terms of legal and safety related aspects. It follows from this that a hierarchy of criteria must be met in order for a retrofit machine to become a new machine. The first criterion is the existence of modifications concerning performance, function and safety technology. This is followed by the assessment of whether new danger or increased risk exists. If examination of further criteria reveals that no sufficient technical safety measures on the machine are possible, protective guards cannot be used, the danger of substantial personal injury and damage to property exists, and the probability of an accident is high, new proceedings to evaluate conformity must be carried out. In this connection, it is important that users do not have to take existing safety technology out of service automatically.
What may be used depends on a variety of factors: the safety experts from SICK Automation, an accredited inspection centre, are available to help.
The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.
Read more...Flexible and precise dispensing technology Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.
Read more...System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.
Read more...Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.
Read more...EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.
Read more...PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.
Read more...Five smart machine trends you need to know Adroit Technologies
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.
printer friendly version