The rise of robots has ushered in an increased demand for light curtains that provide a safe environment between the robotic work cells and the rest of the plant. The Allen-Bradley GuardShield 450L safety light curtain system from Rockwell Automation is a flexible, cost-effective solution that enhances safety while improving productivity through innovative transceiver technology.
“Users will see significant advantages throughout the lifecycle of the new light curtain system, but especially during installation and operation,” said Christo Buys, business manager control systems, Rockwell Automation Sub-Saharan Africa.
The integrated laser alignment system (ILAS) of the new GuardShield 450L-E reduces installation time by providing multiple visible laser points that optimise setup with a simple touch of the ILAS symbol on the front window of the stick. Plus, the compact design and full-length protective field make it easy to integrate hand and finger protection system applications from 150 mm up to 1950 mm, in increments of 150 mm.
After start-up, users can leverage advanced features and functionality, including cascading, and built-in muting and blanking, to enhance flexibility while maintaining the highest level of safety.
The advanced muting and blanking functions of the light curtain are easily set up through DIP switches located on the dedicated plug-in modules. Common muting set ups like 4-sensor or 2-sensor with L and T-configuration, as well as an override function, can be selected along with reduced resolution or teach-in fixed blanking. A cascading plug-in can also be installed for series connection of additional GuardShield 450L systems, enabling multi-sided machine guarding.
All these special functions, combined with the inherent flexibility of the transceiver design, help to simplify engineering logistics and minimise the stock required to address the full range of applications.
Field service regime key for effective PDS/CPS operation
IS & Ex
While their primary objective is to ensure the safety of people, proximity detection system and collision prevention system installations also have a direct bearing on other critical parameters such as equipment availability and productivity.
Read more...World’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21 Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
i.safe MOBILE has launched the world’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21. The intrinsically safe mobile device, which was also developed for use in 5G campus networks, offers companies great flexibility thanks to its wide range of possible applications, especially in the automation sector.
Read more...Secure, digital communication in potentially explosive atmospheres Pepperl+Fuchs
IS & Ex
Consistently digitalised processes in the smart factory are a matter of course today, but not in potentially explosive atmospheres. The systems and devices used in these areas must have optimal protection mechanisms to ensure maximum safety.
Read more...Functional and compatible intrinsically safe loop approvals Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
With all the focus on IS loop approval, it is easy to forget to check that the loop will function correctly to see whether the field device has sufficient power (voltage & current) to operate over the full process range.
Read more...Upgrade your legacy alarm units Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
IS & Ex
Darren Barratt, sales manager at alarm annunciator specialist Omniflex, explains the drawbacks of leaving outdated rack-based alarm annunciator systems in place, and why an upgrade might be simpler than you would expect.
Read more...Cathodic protection system for hazardous environments Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
IS & Ex
When NSW Ports in Australia embarked on a two-year programme to rehabilitate the structures and combat corrosion levels at its Bulk Liquid Berth 1, it commissioned Melbourne-based consultancy Infracorr to deliver a bespoke cathodic protection) system. To deliver the system safely, Infraccor engaged cathodic protection specialist Omniflex to support the hazardous area and remote monitoring aspects of the CP system design.
Read more...Leading the way in PDS technology
IS & Ex
Booyco Electronics, an original equipment manufacturer specialising in mine safety equipment, has witnessed a surge in demand for its proximity detection systems (PDS) and collision prevention systems (CPS) since the Mine Health and Safety regulation focusing on trackless mobile machinery was promulgated. These systems offer crucial vehicle-to-pedestrian and vehicle-to-vehicle detection capabilities.
Read more...Ensuring lone worker safety
IS & Ex
The Conextivity Group’s startup – Wearin’ – has developed a solution connecting the lone worker with the control centre. This was commissioned by concrete producer, Pro Beton to ensure the safety of its teams of machine operators and cleaners working on production sites during the day, night, and weekends.
Read more...Safety breakthrough in live testing of large equipment
IS & Ex
While essential to effective maintenance, the live testing of mining vehicles and equipment can be hazardous and time consuming; but this has all changed with the SafeGauge range of digital testing systems. Developed in Australia, SafeGauge is now distributed in South Africa by Booyco Electronics, known for its leading role in promoting safety on mines through its proximity detection systems.
printer friendly version