A new era in safety technology

Citation

(2004), "A new era in safety technology", Assembly Automation, Vol. 24 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2004.03324aad.004

A new era in safety technology

A new era in safety technology

Keywords: Safety, Laser scanning

Erwin Sick introduces the S3000 safety laser scanner, an intelligent safety system for the protection of personnel and systems in automated manufacturing and transportation processes (Plate 4).

Offering Type 3 safety to IEC/EN61496-3, and developed from the tried and tested PLS range, the S3000 features many improvements including a unique system plug with integrated system memory to store program and system parameters. Fitting the system plug into a replacement device allows these data to be automatically downloaded minimising disruption and down time.

Plate 4 The S3000 safety laser scanner

Users of the PLS range can easily upgrade to the S3000, which features shorter response times, longer ranges, application-oriented I/O modules, integrated control and monitoring functions and connectivity to safety-oriented field buses. It is also the first scanner that can be used vertically as well as horizontally for the safeguarding of access and points-of-operation in hazardous areas.

The S3000 comprises three system components that allow the sensor head to be flexibly combined with a range of I/O modules and system plug. The four I/O modules, standard, advanced, professional and remote, allow the S3000 to be easily configured for its current task.

The basic version, the S3000 Standard offers one protection and one warning field whilst the Advanced version has four protective and four warning fields as well as four digital inputs for switching protective fields.

For the first time, shaft encoder connections have been integrated in a safety laser scanner for speed-dependent protective field switching. This feature together with the eight protective and eight warning fields, make the S3000 Professional the right safety system for mobile applications. If both directions of movement are to be monitored on a vehicle for example, the remote I/O module is attached to the second S3000 sensor head. This head then receives its control signal via the first scanner, reducing wiring costs.

The new, user-friendly configuration and diagnostic software (CDS), allows users to quickly and easily set up the exact definitions of the protection and warning fields using a laptop PC. In the event that a sensor is accidentally damaged, the programme and system parameters stored in the system plug memory are automatically downloaded into the replacement device when the plug is transferred to the new unit. The S3000 uniquely detects and stores the physical reference contours of the scan area and creates an alarm condition if it detects a change. All device versions share features such as their operating range – either 5.5 or 7.0 m, response times that can be switched between 60 and 120 ms, an angular range of 1908, the simultaneous monitoring of two protective fields, switching outputs with external contact monitoring and bus connection potential.

The modular concept has the further advantage of providing a high level of investment security for the future. It allows new or further developed modules to be simply attached to the sensor head to update the safety technology at any time to the current state-of-the-art.

With the introduction of the S3000 safety laser scanner, Erwin Sick has built on the established technology of the PLS range to develop a unit that is faster and more flexible with a range of additional functions and connection options. With so many improvements and new features, the S3000 is a versatile and safe investment for the future.

Once again, Erwin Sick leads the way in the stationary and mobile safeguarding of hazardous areas.

For more information, contact: Ann White or Andrea Hornby, Erwin Sick Ltd, Waldkirch House, 39 Hedley Road, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire AL1 5BN. Tel: 01727 831121; Fax: 01727 856767; E-mail: info@sick.uk; Web site: www.sick.co.uk