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SPS IPC Drives 2014 exclusive show report
Published:  03 January, 2015

I/O, and between digital and analogue types. The inputs support direct connection of any type of safety device, while the outputs support any type of safety actuator. There are two Ethernet/IP ports and the controller is programmed using the Sysmac Studio tool.

Phoenix Contact has expanded its Uno Power range of power supplies to include two versions with adjustable outputs of 24–28V DC and with high power densities, to supply loads from 150–240W. The supplies are more than 94% efficient with idling losses of 0.3W.

Pilz has introduced a shorter (13mm) version of its PSENcode coded safety switches which uses RFID transponder technology and can be used on applications that would previously have needed magnetic switches. The switches (below), which monitor the positions of guards and other devices, can be installed in various directions and with two different operating distances.

Rittal claims to be the first manufacturer to offer an approved busbar system optimised for both AC and DC applications. Its RiLine system and components can now be used for DC applications without needing any other products. The system has a current-carrying capacity of up to 1.6kA, a nominal voltage of up to 1.5kV and a short-circuit rating of up to 40kA. Its components, such as connection and circuit-breaker adapters, are suitable for DC applications.

Rockwell Automation has announced a self-guided software tool called the Safety Maturity Index (SMI) that allows manufacturers to assess and compare the effectiveness of their safety programmes, and can help them to optimise their plant performance. The tool offers recommendations to help achieve best-in-class safety performance.

At the SPS show, Schmersal unveiled a new generation of compact, modular safety controllers with a universal communications interface that allows different fieldbus protocols to be selected via software, so that one controller can connect to all common fieldbuses. The multifunctional Protect PSC1 controller (below) consists of a PLC with I/O expansion modules for processing signals from mechanical and electronic safety switchgear. It can also monitor up to 12 axes of motion.

Schmersal had several other safety-related arrivals at SPS, including: versions of its AZM 300 solenoid interlocks with an emergency exit or alternative emergency release; control panels, with a choice of pushbuttons, indicator lights and key-operated switches, that can installed in standard machine-building profiles; safety light curtains and light grids (SLC / SLG 440AS) with integrated AS-i Safety interfaces; and a safety switching device (RSS 16) that is the same size as an AZ 16 safety switch, but uses RFID technology rather than a mechanical actuator, and offers a choice between three different encoded versions.

Steute was demonstrating a wireless hand controller with four pushbuttons that can be assigned different duties. The RF HB-4CH controller has an operating range of 400m outdoors and around 50m indoors. Steute also has a series of foot controls developed for use in extreme environments. The robust GFSI Extreme is IP69K-protected, so can withstand high-pressure cleaning. A variant for use in Ex zones 1 and 21 is being developed, while another will operate wirelessly, avoiding the need for signal or power cables.

At the show, Vipa and Wieland announced plans to co-operate in the field of machine safety. Vipa’s control products will connect to Wieland’s safety controllers via Profibus or Profinet, allowing a bidirectional exchange of data, including safe input and output signal states.

Weidmüller has come up with a new way of connecting motors in the field that, it says, reduces wiring complexity and installation times compared to conventional systems based on heavy-duty plug-in connectors or junction boxes. The “plug-and-play” SAI MVV