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Chris Sloan (Area Sales Engineer) and Stewart Robinson (Consultant Engineer) at Pilz Automation Technology have worked closely with Ian Clews on the platen press project since early 2010. Chris Sloan says: "Initially we visited Shenstone to assess and analyse the platen press and to discuss safety issues and potential solutions. SCA wanted a working solution based on a modular safety platform that would include all the necessary hardware and software, tailored to suit the machine."
Stewart Robinson adds: "One of Ian Clews' favoured concepts was to use an array of light beam sensors that would monitor the side and platens in order to detect any violation of the machine's danger zone whilst the press was closing. As far as we are aware, the solution we've developed is the only one of its kind in the UK, where light beam sensors are being used to monitor the area directly above the moving platen."
The overall safety solution is based on Pilz's PNOZmulti modular safety system. PNOZmulti is multifunctional, freely configurable and is ideal for monitoring safety functions such as Emergency-Stop, safety gates and light barriers, as well as performing standard control functions. Rather than hard wiring, safety circuits can be generated on a PC using PNOZmulti's intuitive configuration software. This configuration can then be stored on a memory card and downloaded to the PNOZmulti base unit.
The solution incorporates a PNOZmulti base unit, with input and output expansion modules to control all aspects of machine safety and control. "We wrote a functional specification for the press, then engineered a solution based on these functional safety requirements. We supplied all the hardware, including the light beam array and safety controller, as well as writing all the software code for the application," states Stewart Robinson.
The hand-fed platen press at Shenstone is fitted with a number of general purpose safety devices such as trip bars, interlocked guards, right and left hand emergency stops, safety mat, front safe edge, lumbar bar, safety gate key switch, left and right side light curtain. All these devices have the same functional safety requirements, which are to prevent all hazardous movement by ensuring that the clutch safety valve is de-energised and that the main motor is stopped, and to prevent unintended restart. The target safety integrity level for each General Safety Function is SIL 3 (EN 62061), equivalent to PLe according to EN ISO 13849-1.
SCA's Safety Solution
The machine now uses an array of PSENop4S light beams supplied by Pilz. As Ian Clews explains: "We did have a few teething problems based around alignment of the sensors, but this was down to the original machine mountings, which were not robust enough to provide a solid foundation for the light beam sensors. We quickly resolved this issue by developing more robust bearing mountings, which enable the sensors to be adjusted more easily. We also developed an infra-red sighting device that simplifies the alignment of the sensors."
The light beam array now detects a violation of the danger zone whilst the press is closing. This is achieved by sequentially muting the laser beams as the press closes. If any beam is broken before it has been muted, the press clutch safety valve is de-energised immediately bringing the hazardous movement to a stop. Once the final beam has been broken (press closed) the beams remain muted until the press cam switch has operated, signalling that the press is at the 'home' position. The muting points are derived from the simulation of press position carried out within the PNOZmulti control system. The application also includes checking that the press cam switch operates correctly in each press cycle.
For further information, e-mail: v.smith@pilz.co.uk or view website: www.pilz.co.uk Refer to page 337
Stainless steel bevel gears are stocked in 24 sizes in modules 1.5~3
Precision 20º pressure angle stainless steel bevel gears from Quality Transmission Components (QTC) are stocked in 24 sizes in modules 1.5~3. These gears, identified as the SUB Series, are made of SUS303 and conform to precision grade JIS B 1704 grade 3 standards. They are stocked in sizes ranging from Module1.5 to Module 3. Number of teeth range from 15 to 45. Bore sizes range from 8 mm to 20 mm and hub diameters from 25 mm to 80 mm. In addition to these stainless steel bevel gears, QTC stocks a wide variety of bevel gears in other materials including: plastic, injection molded, sintered metal, steel, and in specialized types including: Bevel gears and pinion shafts, finished bore, and spiral bevel gear types.
At the new QTC eStore you can get immediate quotes, download 3D models, and place online orders. Go to: http://www.qtcgears.com/RFQ/default2.asp Other power transmission solutions provided by QTC include over 9,000 off-the-shelf timing belt pulleys, belts, belt and roller chain tensioners and other components for prototypes and production applications.
Complete technical specifications are contained in catalogue Q420, which is available to users of metric gears free upon request from Quality Transmission Components, Division of Designatronics, Inc., 125 Railroad Avenue, Garden City Park, NY, USA 11040-5016.
For further information, Tel: 516-437-6700, Fax: 516-328-3343, or view website: http://www.qtcgears.com/QTCPress/SSBevelGears.htm Refer to page 176
Customized RFID Tags introduced by Uson to
speed throughput of electronic products leak testing
Global electronic products manufacturers (including AV and outdoor lighting products) seeking the highest standards of lean manufacturing by using RFID tags for parts identification and information tracking can now use a unique electronic label system built by Uson with both standard and custom components tailored to application requirements. The custom elements of Uson RFID tags streamline parts processing and help manage test data while cutting overall production cost.
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Joe Pustka, one of the top managers of Uson's technical support team who has helped pioneer the custom RFID tags now used by Uson customers in various industries comments, "The potential of Uson's custom RFID tags technology to help manufacturers get better performance from their leak detection equipment is enormous. For starts, an RFID chip residing on a test part can store: serial number, part number; lot number; the build plant and/or production line; date of manufacture; expiry date; part size, shape and color; leak detection test parameters and results such as pressure, leak rate, and flow rate; and other recorded test measurements recorded such as length, weight, or torque. Uson's custom RFID tags have been especially helpful to manufacturers of disposable parts that work together with a module or console. In these applications, when the parts are connected to the console the RFID tags enable the console to know exactly what is connected to it and what the physical parameters required for the test solution to proceed. With RFID tags such as these, any business manufacturing products that are leak tested can create smart linking to end-user consumers, ensuring that the supply chain gets each customer the product with correct specifications." |
MMT handles from Elesa are
stylish, practical and functional
MMT handles from Elesa are "cool" in all senses - stylish, practical and functional - they are particularly suited to applications where high temperature equipment requires manual operation. The MMT by virtue of its internal aeration channels and technopolymer insulation provides a significant "thermal break" and a relatively cool handle. Elesa's MMT is thus suited to use on ovens and other machinery running at high temperatures.
Laboratory tests on the MMT show a thermal gradient of 110°C reduction from the mounting surface to the thermoplastic handle, enabling otherwise scalding hot material to be manipulated at comfortable hand temperatures.
For further information regarding Elesa products, view website: www.elesa.co.uk Refer to page 179
Elesa's handwheel safety feature - fold away handles
Elesa's fold away handle feature on solid and spoked handwheels - and on crank handles - is an attractive and practical aspect of their standard machine components. Fold away handles are frequently required in spaces where they would otherwise be a safety hazard, e.g. where the wheel is motor driven or where a protruding handle may catch clothing in passing by the equipment. By virtue of folding the handle itself into the body of the wheel, the problem is eliminated while retaining convenience and ease of use.
For further information regarding Elesa products, view website: www.elesa.co.uk Refer to page 179
Tool-less D-SNAP assembly components
Whether using D-SNAP components for assembly of a complete cabinet or just for the door furniture, the specialists at FDB Panel Fittings are convinced that the SNAP-LINE range of hinges, locks, handles and panel joiners can provide big time savings for enclosure production, enabling hardware to be installed without the use of tools or mounting hardware such as screws or nuts.
Explained FDB's Terry Cantle: "This technology offers a completely new way of reducing cost and is an overall time saver for enclosure manufacturers. D-SNAP technology speeds up the entire hardware installation process, allowing manufacturers to save up to 90% of their assembly installation time."
By using D-SNAP technology the hinges, quarter-turn locks and swinghandles which are integrated into a housing component, are wedged into the cutout, providing a secure vibration proof installation. Without screws there is no concern about loose pieces falling off and damaging sensitive equipment.
This design, with its two spring-loaded sets of wings, offers an installation that is comparable with the strength of conventional products that require hardware and tools for assembly. The hardware may be installed via blind assembly from the front and therefore can even be used for hollow profiles or "sandwich" panels.
An important advantage is that enclosures may be transported safely in a limited space environment without the danger of protruding hardware. Even untrained users can quickly and securely install hardware into an existing cutout without tools.
For further information, view website: www.fdb.co.uk, or follow on twitter: http://twitter.com/fdbpanelfitting Refer to page 125