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12/04/2018

Schmersal presents virtual solution configurator at the SPS IPC drives 2018

Five installation solutions for optimal machine safety

Wuppertal, 27 November 2018. Thanks to its newly developed Safety Fieldbox, the Schmersal Group is now in a position to offer five distinct installation solutions to protect different machines and systems. This variety of versions is currently a unique selling point on the market. Mechanical engineers and owners can choose the optimum safety concept for their individual machines and systems, also with regard to efficiency and economy.
The Schmersal Group is showcasing all its installation solutions based on a virtual solution configurator for the first time at SPS IPC Drives 2018. 1. IO Parallel
This inexpensive universal standard solution with terminals provides parallel wiring for safety switchgears. Suitable for smaller machines, it requires just a few switches to provide protection. 2. PFB and PDM safety installation systems
Installation solutions with a passive distribution module (PDM) or a passive field box (PFB) are available for applications with exclusively electronic safety switchgears.  They allow mixed series connection with up to four different electronic safety switchgears per module. Multiple modules can be connected to larger systems. Suitable for more complex machines and systems, this solution impresses due to its simple installation, fail-safe operation and low wiring requirements. 3. Safety Fieldbox
The new Safety Fieldbox is suitable for installing up to eight different safety switchgears. The safety signals from connected devices are forwarded to a safety controller for evaluation via the secure PROFINET/PROFIsafe field bus interface. The Safety Fieldbox is a simple, inexpensive installation solution, which also provides highly flexible, individually configurable safety solutions for larger machines and systems. 4. SD Interface
The serial diagnosis interface is used to transmit non-safety data for electronic safety switchgears connected in series. This solution can convey diagnosis signals and safe signals to the functional controller and for safety evaluation via the passive distribution module PDM, the passive field box PFB or a Y adapter. Systems such as the SD interface deliver a simple installation solution for series connection in smaller and medium-sized machines for users who do not want to use a bus system for sensors and actuators. 5. AS Interface
This wiring solution for switchgears features an integrated AS-i Safety-at-Work interface. AS-i Safety-at-Work, a safety bus based on an open standard, allows individually scalable safety solutions to be created for different machine sizes for fast, simple installation. The AS-i safety solution also offers wide-ranging diagnosis options, thus providing early fault detection, for example – an important function for preventive maintenance and Industry 4.0. Schmersal has an exceptionally comprehensive portfolio of safety components with an AS-i interface. All key product lines can be supplied with the AS-i Safety Interface. All installation solutions also transmit extensive diagnosis data. This means that a user can easily tell which switch in the series has triggered a signal, allowing any faults to be repaired more quickly, thus preventing machine downtimes.
Individual protection for safety switchgears is also integrated with the Safety Fieldbox and the different PDM and PFB variants.
The variety of installation solution versions ensures maximum flexibility for users, enabling them to choose the optimum wiring solution for their individual requirements. Visit Schmersal at SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg between 27 and 29 November 2018: Stand 460, Hall 9.

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