Posted to News on 21st Oct 2015, 00:00
Protecting operators with Safe Motion Control
Sick UK has announced the launch of the PLd/SIL2-certified DFS60S Pro incremental encoder, enabling motion to be safely controlled in automated guided vehicles or machinery requiring frequent operator interaction. The DFS60S Pro enables safe operator interaction at slow speeds without the need to stop the machine.
>Especially when teamed with the Flexi Soft FX3-MOC Drive Monitor, the DFS60S Pro permits safe working without loss of productivity during routine operations, such as piece part loading, magazine replacement, adjustment on machining centres or splicing of material on reel-fed machinery. Using a single DFS60S Pro, the rotating shaft speed is monitored and output to a safe motion monitor, providing data which can allow PLd/SIL2 safety for the equipment, PLe/SIL3 if two encoders are used.
>"DFS60S Pro delivers easily-verified safety for controlled slow operations where production efficiency is key," explains Darren Pratt, Sick UK encoder specialist. "Using non-certified encoders requires substantial investment in validation and verification of the safety function to ensure compliance with the Machinery Directive.
>"The DFS60S can be fitted to rotating machinery and connected with any suitable safety drive monitor or retrofitted to equipment where the Sick Flexi Soft safety systems have been already installed to operate other safety sensors and switches."
