DS-JAN23-PG22_Layout 1 06/01/2023 10:47 Page 1


FEATURE MACHINE BUILDING, FRAMEWORKS & SAFETY


sponsored by


Building solutions for a sustainaBle future


Thanks to their efficiencies, the latest automation motion system technology is helping OEMs achieve an environmentally sustainable approach, as Kollmorgen explains


S


ustainable industrial development heavily focuses on environmental factors – from CO2 footprint to the raw materials used in


production. As such, the demand for sustainability is increasingly requested by OEMs to their partners through the supply chain. Automated motion systems are intrinsically


sustainable by virtue of their capacity to increase an end-user’s operational efficiency. Within the field of motion, the continued proliferation of robotics is not only increasing energy efficiency in production, but its uptake is also significantly minimising errors. Fewer errors mean less material waste, lower consumption, and more efficient manufacturing.


rEduCING dESIGN COMpLExITy


However, the OEMs of today and tomorrow need to be able to access this technology and use it to best effect. A barrier to OEMs introducing robotics has been time of development, hence the focus of motion technology specialists like Kollmorgen in speeding up this process for broader robotics deployment. Artificial


Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are developing the ability to drastically reduce the complexity of robot design and integration. Kollmorgen has over 50 years of experience


in motion, and its motors power thousands of robotics joints globally. This data set, combined with extensive engineering insights, is enabling the company’s engineers to partner with OEMs and train their models for mass-scaling of robotics. This is bringing greater sustainability to industries all over the world. Sustainable industries will increasingly mean


deploying the most suitable robot technology for each application, and ensure that the technology operates seamlessly together in the same system. For Kollmorgen, a collaborative approach with OEMs is therefore key to success.


A SuSTAINAbLE SuppLy ChAIN


Technology development that enables innovators to create more sustainable solutions must also comprise materials from sustainable sources. For example, reputable technology vendors have provisions in place that prevent the use of conflict


PLe/SIL3 RFID-MonItoReD SaFety Lock wIth 180° actuatoR


SICK has developed the flexLock, an RFID-monitored safety lock with an innovative 180˚ actuation radius, creating a versatile protective device for safe locking of doors, flaps and gates. This has a high locking force to achieve a performance level up to PLe/SIL3, all in a rounded, slim, and rugged housing. This Type 4 safety locking device (according to EN ISO 14119) provides


PLe (EN ISO 13849) and SIL3 (EN IEC 62061) protection for personnel and processes through physical locking of moveable safety equipment such as doors, guards and screens to prevent access to, or interference with, machinery in a hazardous area. The SICK flexLock has an open locking head, together with an infinitely-variable actuation radius of


180° which makes for easy and flexible machine integration. This provides a flexible entry point for the actuator and allows a high tolerance to misalignment. There is a choice of either a flexible actuator with a spring-loaded tongue for when the door guidance is imprecise, or a rigid actuator which allows a side approach to the locking head. Its open locking head and rounded housing make cleaning easy. With its IP67/IP69K housing, the flexLock is resistant to dust and water; while the three LED status


indicators are clearly visible from three sides. The safe locking RFID transponder in the actuator offers the highest level of prevention against tampering. With low and high coded variants available, devices can be selected so that defeating in a reasonably foreseeable manner is prevented (EN ISO 14119). Its 3150N locking force means the door remains safely and reliably locked until there is no more risk. Rapid machine integration is also aided by the ability to mount multiple flexLock devices at short


distances from each other without interference. The flexLock devices can be safely cascaded either using simple T-connectors or used in combination with a SICK controller utilising Flexi Loop safe series connection, which also provides complete diagnostics. An optional escape release function is available to protect personnel in whole body applications


SIck 2 t: 01727 831121 2 DeSIGn SoLutIonS DECEMBER/JANUARY 2023 www.sick.co.uk


Feature


minerals1


. These include raw materials such as


tin and gold used within technology manufacture that come from global areas of conflict that surrounding mining and trading. This puts an automation vendor’s supply chain in focus, meaning that responsible OEMs will increasingly ask tech providers to demonstrate that their own supply chain is sustainable. Another focus for sustainability is the people


involved in the supply chain around the world. For example, it’s crucial for OEMs to ensure that their suppliers have processes that prevent child or forced labour, as well as ensuring fair treatment of the labour force. A sustainable supplier model also ensures equality and removes discrimination, and in its business dealings.


SELECTING A MOTION pArTNEr


When selecting a motion technology partner, their ability to develop solutions that optimise efficiency – from energy consumption through to material use – is of crucial importance. To make these gains achievable, the automation provider must also offer technologies that ensure fast development. Underpinning this development, it’s crucial that the vendor can show that its own processes, including material sourcing and the welfare of people involved throughout the value chain, are based on a sustainable model. INMOCO is the UK distributor for


Kollmorgen and, as a result, faces its own robust audit of sustainability. INMOCO’s engineering team regularly works with UK- based OEMs to develop sustainable motion and robotic solutions, interfacing with Kollmorgen’s global development capabilities. The market is demanding a sustainable future.


For OEMs to deliver this, ensuring sustainable partnerships isn’t just the right thing to do, but will ensure long-term commercial stability.


InMoco https://inmoco.co.uk


1https://www.responsiblemineralsinitiative.org/about/faq/ general-questions/what-are-conflict-minerals/


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60