Safety for human-machine collaboration

Safety for human-machine collaboration.

FAULHABER has brought to market a new series of Motion Controllers with redundant safety shutdown according to the STO principle (Safe Torque Off). The power supply to the motor is thereby immediately interrupted, preventing it from producing torque. The devices of the MC 5004 P STO series are thereby certified for operation up to safety integrity level SIL3 (IEC 61800-5-2) and up to performance level PL e (EN ISO 13849-1).

"The new Motion Controllers ensure safety in the collaboration between human and machine, even in an Industry 4.0 environment," emphasises product manager Volker Hausladen. "At the signal of a safety device – such as a light curtain – the driven unit is switched off in compliance with standards and the event is signalled or visualised locally and on a higher-level system." At the same time, the devices meet the requirements of highly interconnected processes with their communication capabilities. They are available with USB, RS232, CANopen and EtherCAT interfaces. As a result, they are able to communicate in real-time with the higher-level process control technology and offer great flexibility in usage applications.

The Motion Controllers of the MC 5004 P STO series with power supply of up to 50 V and peak current of up to 12 A can be used in all safety-relevant applications in machines and robots in combination with high-performance motors from FAULHABER. System solutions are thereby available that each cover the safe operation of an entire axis. The motor type to be connected can be freely selected. In addition, the special control structure of the series enables exceptionally high dynamics during operation of the motors. The integrated profile generator can also handle complex operating profiles. Moreover, position, speed and current can be controlled via analog specifications independent of the fieldbus.

The new devices do not require an additional safety relay for the interruption of the motor supply, thereby keeping wiring simple and economical. A likewise certified motherboard, a consistent connector concept and an extensive selection of cable accessories also simplify the electrical connection. The Motion Manager application software offers a powerful and easy-to-operate programming environment that facilitates, among other things, very simple commissioning.