Automation system PSS 4000 enables safe access control in the world famous Meyer Werft shipyard

Automation system PSS 4000 enables safe access control in the world famous Meyer Werft shipyard

"The safe complete solution we selected with PSS 4000 is reliable and practical; the mechanical components are top quality. With its one-stop services Pilz has expressed its wide-ranging competence in matters relating to automation, safety and customer orientation in impressive style." Frank Boekhoff, Head of Joining Technology in the Research and Development Department at Meyer Werft.

At the Meyer Werft shipyard, everything is a little bigger than in normal production sites: The largest production hall is 504 metres long, around 125 metres wide and 75 metres high. Ships under construction here, or those that have docked here in the past, are among the largest in the world. The company uses the very latest laser welding technology in its production to connect the individual steel segments. A new test centre for 3D laser welding has been built to make processes even more productive and efficient in future.

Safe access control in the laser test laboratory

A comprehensive safety concept had to be developed to provide the research laboratory with the greatest possible freedom, room for manoeuvre and maximum possible safety. An expert's report was produced as a basis, which provides the necessary safety requirements in accordance with the EU Directive for Laser Safety DIN EN 60825. To implement the demanding and very individual safety solution Meyer Werft opted for the automation system PSS 4000. As a result, safe access control is guaranteed throughout the whole test laboratory.

Controlling and monitoring safe laser applications with PSS 4000

With the automation system PSS 4000 it is possible to implement a flexible test set-up and still guarantee the necessary safety. The control systems PSSuniversal PLC monitor all the safety-related and non-safety-related signals. The access gates to the test laboratory are one of the largest danger zones, so they need to comply with the highest safety requirements in accordance with PL e / SIL 3. The solution is based on the secure safety gate system PSENsgate. Authorised persons can operate and control the plant via the operating mode selector switch PITmode. PITmode combines two key functions simultaneously: operating mode selection and authorisation control for machine access.

Using the automation system PSS 4000 in laser welding technology guarantees flexible control and monitoring of all movements as well as clear, fast diagnostics in the case of danger. In combination with sensor technology, safe access control is provided for the whole test laboratory at Meyer Werft.