OMRON Automation and Safety NX Series Safety Controllers combine automation and safety on the same EtherCAT network in a mixed I/O backplane to promote design flexibility and minimize wiring costs. A single intuitive software programming environment helps reduce machine and safety design time, while an auto configuration restart function eliminates the need for tools or software to exchange I/O hardware. The result, according to the company, is a seamlessly integrated solution that helps maximize machine flexibility, safety and productivity for the total machine lifecycle.
"The NX Safety Controller is particularly exciting because, in combination with our NX I/O system and Sysmac NJ Controllers, it represents a decisive step towards the complete integration of safety, logic, motion and vision disciplines - and it does so in one software platform (Sysmac Studio), on one network (EtherCAT) and in one control system (Sysmac NJ Controller)," said Matt Dodds, Product Marketing Manager - Safety, OMRON Automation and Safety.
Their functionality and flexibility make these safety controllers suited for applications such as automotive robotic work cells, larger flexible packaging machines and material handling work cells with multiple access points.
The open protocol Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) defines a safety related communication layer for EtherCAT. The NX Safety Controller and the distributed Safety I/O can be freely placed in the EtherCAT network, and their integration in the Sysmac Studio software environment simplifies initial system design, set-up and maintenance of the application. With this integrated system, machine builders can focus attention on improving machine performance and safety rather than system configuration.
"NX series safety controllers add ease and flexibility in programming the safety system with direct access, by the PLC, to all status and information about each safety inputs and outputs by simply assigning a variable," said Dodds. "As a result, faster design and commissioning can be realized with this integrated solution."
According to the company, Sysmac integrated safety is suitable for satisfying the most demanding applications meeting Performance level (PLe) according to the ISO-13849-1 and SIL3 according to IEC61508. Sysmac integrated safety conforms to programming standard IEC-61131-3, and includes certified PLCopen Safety Function Blocks.
"Combining our integrated system, including safety components, from safety switches and safety sensors to motion devices with integrated safety functionality, provides significant benefits to machine builders who want to simplify and speed machine designs and improve machine performance," said Dodds. "Omron is a global one stop solution supplier that offers not just components, but integrated solutions and services that can help OEMs design and build a competitive advantage."
For more information contact:
OMRON Automation and Safety
One Commerce Drive
Schaumburg, IL 60173
800-556-6766 / 847-843-7900
www.omron247.com