Murrelektronik explains how the use of active safety products, connected to a PLC via a fieldbus network, offers advantages for machine builders, system integrators and end users.
Murrelektronik is well known as a supplier of passive safety products. Passively safe fieldbus modules like the MVK Metal, Cube67 and MASI, combined with MIRO safety relays, create safe installations. If necessary, the module's outputs are switched off so the affected machine parts are also safely shut off. This simple approach means concepts and standards can be maintained.
With the MVK Metal Safety, Murrelektronik also provides active safety technology. This rugged fieldbus module provides safe inputs and outputs in combination with a safe control (safety PLC). Using the Profinet/Profisafe fieldbus protocol ensures that safety-related data is transferred reliably. The MVK Metal Safety is part of a complete system that fulfils high safety standards.
Murrelektronik's new fieldbus modules enable installations with Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL 3) according to IEC 61508 and IEC 62061, and Performance Level E (PL e) according to EN ISO 13849-1.
Typical applications include: connecting emergency stop circuits, guard doors, safety mats, light barriers and two-hand control devices, as well as applications in machine tools and machining centres, in forming and sheet metal working equipment, in foundry plants and forges, and in cutting and welding units.
Now it is easy to increase the number of safe outputs within a system by using a combination of Murrelektronik's Cube67 fieldbus modules and the MVK Metal Safety fieldbus module. This saves cabinet space because safety relays are no longer necessary.
If there is an emergency on the shop floor - for example, a guard door has been opened or a light curtain activated - outputs have to be switched off immediately. Combining safety relays with K3 fieldbus modules is an easy method to achieve safe outputs. This is practical for smaller applications with basic requirements.
To complement both active and passive safety systems, Murrelektronik has just launched a range of emergency stop pushbuttons utilising industry-standard M12 connections. These, and the other products mentioned above, are available from the Murrelektronik online shop.
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