A leading supplier of components to the automotive industry in Gauteng has commissioned Tectra Automation to install close on a R1-million worth of optoelectronic protective devices throughout its metalworks facility. The 8-month project will see Tectra installing and commissioning type 4 light curtains, which instantly stops machines like presses when movement is detected in pre-identified danger areas.
"The Datasensor light curtain concept which we will be implementing, has the advantage of minimal disruptions during installation, as it allows us to set up the control panels, link those to the light curtains and check that they are working before we shut down the machines to which they will be connected," explains general manager for Tectra Automation, Emil Berning. "The fact that this client has opted for a type 4 safety class device instead of the standard type 2, means that it will have functions like dual redundancy built into the system for optimum protection."
In accordance with IEC 61496-1/2, Datasensor's compact SAFEeasy light curtains are ideal for protection of operators. The emitter-receiver units are optically synchronised and contain all the control circuits, inputs and outputs inside the housing for ease of installation and use.
"The safeguarding of a plant is not a simple process and requires detailed planning and analysis," says Berning. "To achieve an intrinsically safe solution, our aim was to find the middle road between performance and safety, and this system fits that bill perfectly. Emergency stopping systems, fixed barriers and guards, mobile guards and two-hand control devices may be less costly to install, but they influence total cost of ownership by hampering movement and production and not offering complete safety.
"They also do not allow functions like blanking, which is just a way of programming the light curtains to allow certain types of movement as required by a specific process," he continues. "Another advantage of class 4 light curtains is that once a single failure occurs, the safety function will remain active. With respect to other safety systems, the use of optoelectric safety systems guarantees a reduction of the machine stopping times, increases productivity and improves work-place ergonomics."
For more information contact Emil Berning, GM, Tectra Automation, +27 (0) 11 971 9400, [email protected]
Emerson software optimises maintenance
Other technologies
Emerson has announced the Plantweb Insight Valve Health Application, a powerful software tool that combines Fisher control valve expertise with advanced analytic algorithms. The new app makes it possible for users to visualise an entire connected fleet of valves, while prioritising actions based on the health index of each valve.
Read more...Emerson software optimises maintenance
Other technologies
Emerson has announced the Plantweb Insight Valve Health Application, a powerful software tool that combines Fisher control valve expertise with advanced analytic algorithms. The new app makes it possible for users to visualise an entire connected fleet of valves, while prioritising actions based on the health index of each valve.
Read more...R200 part saves recycler millions igus
Other technologies
A simple switch to a polymer bearing, in place of stainless steel, has saved lead acid battery recycler, Frys Metals, tens of thousands of rands in maintenance costs, and much more in preventing lost production time.
Read more...Lube tip: thermal failure in lubricants WearCheck, a division of Synerlytic Services
Other technologies
One of the most common causes of thermal failure in hydraulic fluids and some lubricating oils relates to aeration.
Read more...Superior lubrication capability
Other technologies
Superior lubrication slashes electricity consumption, reduces vibration, and increases protection through dramatically lower friction.
Read more...Approaches to wire rope lubrication
Other technologies
The approaches to wire rope lubrication have shifted in recent years, largely due to important technological advances to improve the application and performance of lubrication products for wire ropes. Locally, Lubrication Engineers has been at the forefront of these advancements.
Read more...Megatrends shaping the auto industry
Other technologies
The automotive industry is in the midst of a technology-driven revolution that will not only advance the safety and sustainability of transportation, but also transform how consumers interact with their vehicles and the OEM brands behind them.
Read more...Lube tip: foaming is affected by oil level WearCheck, a division of Synerlytic Services
Other technologies
In a circulating system, it is crucial to check the oil level before introducing anti-foam agents to address a foaming problem.
Read more...Powerful diagnostic tool for condition monitoring SKF South Africa
Other technologies
SKF has extended its Microlog Analyser family of data collection devices with a new model that offers faster measurement collection and greater diagnostic power. “The new SKF Microlog Analyser that is ...
printer friendly version