At the recent Motek handling show in Germany, Rexroth was showing a range of ready-to-install linear motion systems with safety functions integrated into their drives. The company says that integrating safety in this way will increase machine availability and open up savings potential along the entire engineering chain, from configuration to construction and commissioning.

Compared to conventional designs, linear motion systems with drive-integrated “safety on board” can eliminate components such as limit switches and measuring devices. In addition, the certified safety technology reduces the planning and administrative work needed to implement the Machinery Directive.

Having safety on board allows axes to be switched to a safe mode to carry out set-up tasks or troubleshooting. There is no need to shut down the machine or plant completely, and restart times are much shorter.

The linear systems use IndraDrive servodrives to monitor the machinery functions in a decentralised mode without needing to use higher-level control systems. This guarantees reaction times of 2ms in the event of a fault, ensuring the fastest possible shut-down. The drives’ safety functions are certified in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061.

The standardised, but configurable, linear motion systems include slides, feed and bridge modules, ball rail tables and electromechanical cylinders. Online configurators and selection tools can help to plan the systems.