The Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5580 and Compact GuardLogix 5380 controllers from Rockwell can be scaled from safety system levels SIL 2/PLd to SIL 3/PLe. This scalability can help engineers optimise a safety system design and potentially reduce its costs, while adhering to the latest machine safety regulations. The high-performance controllers also use increased processing power to achieve faster reaction times and shorter safe distances. This can help create smaller machines, save valuable floor space and increase operator efficiencies.
Dave Sullivan, product manager, safety systems, Rockwell Automation says: "Many engineers build safety systems to a higher safety level than an application requires. Such systems end up having more components than they need, leading to increased complexity and costing more than they should. Our new controllers allow engineers to right-size a safety system and its cost to meet appropriate safety levels, without excess."
The new high-performing controllers can also help engineers consolidate the number of controllers they use in complex machines. Having a single high-performance controller for both standard and safety control can help improve productivity and reduce the system's cost, complexity and cabinet size.
Other benefits of the new controllers include:
Engineers can also use the safety functions to support applications like collaborative robots. If a human comes too close to the robot, the system can detect their presence and either slow down or stop the robot's motion.
The GuardLogix 5580 and Compact GuardLogix 5380 controllers are TV certified for functional safety. Follow the links for more information about the new Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5580 and Compact GuardLogix 5380 controllers from Rockwell.