December 5, 2018
By increasing modularity and scalability, a new generation of Beckhoff TwinSAFE safety controllers permits optimum adaptation to the specific safety requirements of individual machine concepts. The ability to distribute the intelligence of an entire safety application across multiple TwinSAFE Logic-capable I/O modules means flexible implementation of increasingly modular architectures. These safety architectures can adapt to varied system requirements even more effectively than in the past.
With the new Beckhoff safety controllers based on the established EL6910 TwinSAFE Logic terminal, it is possible to adapt the TwinSAFE system even more specifically to the exact requirements of a machine concept as well as to a broader spectrum of programmable safety applications. The new I/O components include:
- EL1918 TwinSAFE EtherCAT Terminal: digital terminal with eight safe inputs
- EL2911 TwinSAFE EtherCAT Terminal: safe potential supply terminal with four safe inputs and one safe output
- EP1957-0022 TwinSAFE EtherCAT Box: IP67-protected digital combi module with eight safe inputs and four safe outputs
More options for distributed safety applications
Just like the TwinSAFE Logic-capable I/O and motion products that are already available from Beckhoff, the three new I/O modules can be used as controllers for the direct execution of customer-specific safety projects. A special feature is their communication capability. Like a dedicated controller, the safety project on the corresponding TwinSAFE I/O component can establish direct communication relationships with other safety-relevant devices and preprocess the data internally. This makes it possible to implement highly granular machine modules with distributed safety applications. The central safety controller, if it exists in the application scenario, only needs to process the data already accumulated.
The consistent hardware and software modularity of the TwinSAFE system even simplifies the implementation of very complex safety applications, and the combination of I/O and TwinSAFE control functionalities in a single I/O component makes it easier to distribute safety tasks across individual machine modules. This approach also reduces hardware costs. In terms of engineering, the customizing function speeds up the engineering process and makes it more convenient. It also ensures minimum validation effort, which in turn further reduces development costs.
Higher efficiency through customized safety solutions
Safety projects can be modularly designed in TwinCAT software as usual. However, the new customizing function enables each module to be configured into the following operating modes:
- temporary deactivation
- permanent deactivation
- passivation
With the corresponding configuration of replacement values for the interfaces between the different modules, users can implement highly complex, modular and scalable architectures while reducing development costs. For example, a single safety project can be used for an entire family of machines by simply deactivating any modules that are not needed according to the given application requirements.
With Canadian manufacturing suffering from a growing labour shortage, the participation of industry in skills development is emerging as a vital component in hiring and retention.
The needs are stark: The Canadian Exporters and Manufacturers Association says almost 40% of its members have jobs they can’t fill. Five years from now, 60% expect to be short-staffed, especially when it comes to skilled trades. Statistics Canada forecasts the country’s labour force growth rate will remain below 0.2% for the rest of the decade, below replacement levels.
This growing shortage is affecting companies of all sizes. Already, some manufacturers acknowledge losing out on contracts because they can’t find the manpower to fulfill them.
In reality, the challenge is two-fold: to replenish and expand the workforce to help close the gap between the number of job seekers and vacancies through 2030 when the last baby boomers reach age 65, and ensure workers get opportunities throughout their careers to upgrade or add to their skillset as current technologies evolve and new ones emerge. Festo, through Festo Didactic, one of the world leading provider of equipment and solutions for technical education, intends to help Canada meet this challenge on both fronts. In essence, the approach Festo has always taken is that the learning never stops.
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New Product
Emerson recently introduced the ASCO™ Series 209 proportional flow control valves, which offer the highest standards of precision, pressure ratings, flow characteristics and energy efficiency available in a purpose-built, compact architecture. With this combination of size and performance, Series 209 valves allow users to precisely regulate the flow of fluid in a wide range of devices that require exacting performance, like those found in the medical equipment, food and beverage, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industries.
Accuracy, response time and repeatability are critical in high-precision flow control applications, such as controlling tool speed in dental chairs, the flow of steam in coffee makers, water flow in cooling systems and hydrogen flow in fuel cells. Series 209 valves have low hysteresis (less than or equal to 5%), excellent repeatability (less than or equal to 1%) and high sensitivity (less than or equal to 0.2%) that contribute to their precision.
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Featured Product
Teledyne FLIR Integrated Imaging Solutions is pleased to announce the all new Ladybug6— the latest addition to its field proven Ladybug series. Ladybug6 is the leading high-resolution camera designed to capture 360-degree spherical images from moving platforms in all-weather conditions. Its industrial grade design and out-of-the-box factory calibration produces 72 Megapixel (MP) images with pixel values that are spatially accurate within +/- 2 mm at 10-meter distance.
“The new Teledyne Ladybug6 is designed for mobile mapping and all-weather inspection projects requiring excellent image quality and high resolution,” said Mike Lee, Senior Product Manager at Teledyne FLIR. “With the addition of Ladybug6, we are now pleased to offer a wider variety of spherical cameras with higher resolutions ranging from 30 MP to 72 MP.”
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