IS & Ex


Safety technology with ifm

January 2021 IS & Ex

The Machinery Directive stipulates machinery should not present a risk. Since there is no such thing as zero risk, the aim is to achieve an acceptable residual risk. If safety is dependent on control systems, these must be designed so as to minimise the effect of a malfunction. Safety technology in automation minimises the risk of damage to persons or installations. The ifm product range comprises a multitude of safety products including electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE), door switches, actuators and control systems.

Unlike conventional safety switches, inductive safety sensors directly detect metal – without requiring a special target. Safety light curtains and safety light grids are used where hazardous areas must be secured. They are optoelectronic safety devices consisting of one transmitter and one receiver and conform to the safety requirements of type 2/SIL 1 or type 4/SIL 3.

AS-i door switches with guard locking have the function to keep moving protective equipment such as protective grating, protective guards and other covers closed as long as a dangerous state is present. The safe mushroom-headed E-stop buttons and other protective switches force a machine or installation to stop or shut down in a hazardous situation. ifm fail-safe sensors and operating elements can be connected to any safety evaluation unit, e.g. to safety relays, programmable logic modules or safe controllers.

Safety components can easily be incorporated into an AS-i network via AS-Interface Safety at Work. Signals from standard units and safe components are transmitted via a common cable. For direct installation in vehicles or mobile machines, ifm provides a powerful, freely programmable 32-bit safety controller.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Space-saving I/O module for control cabinets
ifm - South Africa Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The IO-Link I/O module from ifm simplifies integration of sensors and actuators with conventional wiring in the control cabinet as well as in field applications with low IP protection class requirements.

Read more...
Miniature inductive sensors
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
The inductive IY/IZ type sensors from ifm are used in various industrial areas where space is limited.

Read more...
Flow measurement in mobile applications
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
The SU Puresonic Mobile ultrasonic sensor from ifm is characterised by its displayless design and high temperature resistance. It is ideal for mobile applications and processes with permanent media temperatures of up to 120°C.

Read more...
Robust sensors for pneumatic applications
ifm - South Africa Pneumatics & Hydraulics
The pressure sensors from ifm have a G1/8 process connection, combined with a welded thin-film measuring cell. While offering an unbeatable price/performance ratio, this technology provides for high measuring accuracy in a very compact and robust housing.

Read more...
IIoT controller for the field and control cabinet
ifm - South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.

Read more...
Monitoring analogue process values
ifm - South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Everywhere in industry, electronic sensors are used to detect process values such as temperature, pressure or flow. Process value monitoring often takes place directly in the sensor.

Read more...
Controlling pneumatics via IO-Link
ifm - South Africa Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Pneumatic airboxes control cylinders or actuators using compressed air, and are found in a wide range of industrial applications.

Read more...
Optimising water quality in a building cooling system
ifm - South Africa Flow Measurement & Control
A leading company in industrial water management has installed water treatment systems that not only optimise water quality but also help customers to improve their processes, thanks to the new insights and actions that can be generated based on the process data collected.

Read more...
Certified safe power for hazardous industrial environments
Conical Technologies IS & Ex
When working in high-risk environments like oil and gas, petrochemical plants or other hazardous industrial zones, safety isn’t just important, it’s essential. That’s why Traco Power developed the TIB-EX series of DIN rail power supplies, purpose-built to deliver reliable power even in the toughest conditions.

Read more...
Smart pressure monitoring drives energy efficiency
ifm - South Africa Pressure Measurement & Control
The ifm PG17 electronic pressure gauge is part of the company’s next-generation PG series. It integrates IO-Link technology, enabling seamless, loss-free data transmission via a 24 V signal.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved