coVer STory adVerTISeMenT feaTure


ensuring the safeguards used on the complex machinery worked when required, every time. Safety solutions for machinery are still


developing to protect the equipment itself in addition to the personnel using the equipment. A key development was the introduction of coding levels to the safety interlocks as a way to prevent defeat, including mechanically actuated switches requiring a coded key or actuator to operate – type 2 switches as defined by BS EN ISO 14119:2013. The coding is provided by the design of the


series-produced mechanical actuator often referred to as the ‘key’ (low-level coding) or through RFID technology built into the interlock to give thousands if not millions of unique codes – technology originally introduced by Euchner with their first-to- market RFID Interlock with guard locking. The same principle applies with Type 4 non-contact switches including the Euchner CES-C14 device, designed to be one of the most robust non-contact safety switches on the market and utilising RFID technology to give high levels of coding. Unfortunately, the early non-contact switches often used magnetically operated reed-switch contacts that were prone to welding in the closed position but also relatively easy to manipulate with a standard magnet! Previously the consideration for manipulation


was not often considered by the machinery manufacturer as it was assumed procedures in the end-user plant would ensure ‘overriding’ would not happen. Now it is expected that all machinery manufacturers should assess this aspect when designing a machine taking into account the foreseen misuse of the equipment. David Dearden, Euchner’s UK&I country


manager, explains: “In practice, a factory producing vehicle components, for instance, may have numerous safety interlocks. With a non-RFID switch the operator could potentially override any of the similar guard switches on site by using a spare actuating key. RFID technology makes it impossible to operate a guard switch unless the correct uniquely coded actuator is presented to the switch, ensuring that the entire plant is properly safeguarded. This ability to prevent manipulation of locking devices is a big benefit for machine builders and operators alike.” Historically, there has been a perception


that safety decreases productivity - in other words, it aims to stop everything and stopping movement creates downtime. But if safety is designed in correctly, this negative impact of safety can be minimised. Whereas safety used


The MGB2 uses Fieldbus connections such as PROFINET PROFIsafe, CIP


Safety over Ethernet/IP or Functional Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE)


to be added in as an afterthought at the end, designers are now encouraged to consider functional safety at the outset, an approach echoed in a number of the safety standards. Over the last 50 years, Euchner has made


significant progress as an innovator in the development of safety products for machines.


InformatIon and machInery up-tIme In an Industry 4.0 age


Now, in 2021, fast-moving developments in technology, compact componentry and improved, intelligent monitoring capability makes it possible for an operations manager to see the status of a production facility at any moment in time, or the equipment manufacturer to receive condition updates to replenish consumables automatically. To keep plant running efficiently Euchner have recently increased their range of smart safety devices incorporating IO-Link to transmit key information, including number of cycles, interlock misalignment and status. Benefits include: • A guard switch or other interactive component can warn you when it becomes misaligned or needs replacing


• Maintenance schedules can be pre-programmed at convenient times


• Positive accounting rather than disaster management saves time and money


The Euchner CES-C14 device,


designed to be one of the most robust non-contact safety switches on the market


• Mandatory safety management schedules can be employed to keep both humans and equipment safe. Safety over fieldbus is growing in popularity, an obvious choice considering all the benefits this technology brings. Systems such as the MGB2 from Euchner use Fieldbus connections such as PROFINET PROFIsafe, CIP Safety over Ethernet/IP or Functional Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) to communicate all the safety, non-safety and diagnostic information to the main controller. The MGB2 also includes a built-in web-server to allow straightforward interrogation of the unit without having to have specialist software or programming


knowledge. The locking modules can be equipped with controls such as pushbuttons, selector switches, key-operated rotary switches or emergency stop buttons as needed. Submodules allow up to six different control elements in the locking module, which can be replaced with the minimum of disruption due to their hot-pluggable features. Add-on expansion modules are available where additional user-controls are required, possibly eliminating the need for separate localised operator control stations. Only one Fieldbus module is required for up to


six locking modules, a considerable advantage over its predecessor for communicating both safety and control signals. Besides fewer devices, the user also requires less on-machine cabling and PLC I/O’s, ultimately saving on costly failsafe PLC capacity in the control system. If space is limited, the bus node can simply be installed remotely in another suitable location.


Euchner (UK) www.euchner.co.uk


The euchner SafeTy ProducT range


• Multifunctional Gate Boxes • Transponder coded safety switches with and without guard locking • Transponder coded read heads with external evaluation • Magnetically coded safety switches • Electromechanical safety switches with and without guard locking • Safety relays, control systems and filter module • Enabling switch • Emergency stop devices • Safety engineering with AS-Interface • Safety engineering according to ATEX directive • Light grids and light curtains • Electronic Key System (EKS) • Hand-held pendant stations and handwheels • Position switches and multiple limit switches • Service and support • Engineering Consultancy


JuLy/auguST 2021 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 11


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