GEARS, DRIVES & MOTORS
SAFETY AT WORK
LEUZE
HOW CAN MACHINE TOOLS AND SYSTEMS
OPERATE SAFELY AND EFFICIENTLY?
For a while now, sensors are not only a
matter of process control – today one of
their primary tasks is to link processes
together. With its extensive range of
Safety@work products, Leuze electronic
optimizes collaboration between man and
machine: sensor and control systems, like
those of the RSL 400 safety laser scanner,
can be integrated intelligently into the
processes performed by machines and
safeguard these machines in a reliable and
tamperproof manner. At the same time,
the processes are structured efficiently and
cost-effectively.
MACHINING WORK PIECES
In machining centers, parts of various
materials are machined, turned, and
drilled. The prerequisite for processing
work pieces in complex machining centers
with a high degree of precision is having
the right tool available for each work step.
In addition to checking whether the tool
is present and identifying it, the drill or
milling cutter must also be monitored
for tool breakage. Inductive switches or
camera-based code readers clearly identify
whether the correct tool is mounted for
the respective processing step. Focused
laser photoelectric sensors can – thanks to
their very small light spot – reliably check
whether even the smallest drills or milling
cutters are intact.
INCREASED LEVEL OF
AUTOMATION
Industrial robots, which can perform a large
number of swivel and gripping movements
in a very short period of time, are often
used for automated loading and unloading
of machine tools. Their movement zones
must be reliably protected against access
over a large area. Before a robot picks up a
part, the part must be uniquely identified
to ensure that the correct processing
step is carried out. This is done using the
DCR 200i camera-based code reader.
The DCR 200i is a reader used to detect
and identify Data Matrix codes. The fast
imager, integrated high-performance LED
illumination, as well as high resolution in
combination with a very high depth of field
guarantee reliable decoding, even with fast
processes and high object speeds.
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PECM Issue 38
SAFETY-RELATED
MONITORING OF MACHINES
AND SYSTEMS
Safety laser scanners such as the RSL
400 from Leuze electronic are used for
the safety-related monitoring of areas
in and around machines and systems.
A maximum operating range, robust
operation and simple handling are crucial
here. The simultaneous monitoring of
four protective fields means the working
area can be split up and the speed safely
reduced.
FIGURE 1: RSL 400 – SAFETY-
RELATED MONITORING OF
ROBOT WORKING AREAS
In future, an important aspect in addition
to the automated loading and unloading
of machine tools will above all be the
linking together of multiple machine
tools in combination with automated
production processes. This includes, for
example, storage systems that optimize
material flow, but also a wide variety
of transport equipment such as linear
gantries, pallet handling systems and
conveyor systems, which all increase the
level of automation considerably. For the
safeguarding of large access points, safety
laser scanners with vertical alignment of
the protective field are used, e.g. to detect
vehicles and persons.
The RSL 400 safety laser scanner provides
a solution for such applications. Its large
operating range of 8.25 meters allows large
areas to be monitored. With two parallel
protective fields and two integrated safety-
related switching outputs, only one RSL 400
safety laser scanner can also monitor two
stations independently of one another.
FIGURE 2: COMPLETE
SAFEGUARDING OF TWO
STATIONS WITH JUST ONE
SAFETY LASER SCANNER
A further option is safeguarding using
multiple light beam safety devices. These
devices provide a greater operating range
and therefore an efficient solution for
safeguarding access points over long
distances of up to 70 meters – even “around
the corner” solutions with multiple mirror
columns are possible. Intelligent products
such as the MLD 500 safety light curtain
have an integrated laser alignment aid for
time-saving and cost-effective alignment.
Simple configuration by means of wiring and
integrated indicator lights for status display
are possible, even over long distances.