Using multiple base units that can easily communicate with each other, Pilz hardware and software gives Langen the ability to distribute safety devices around the entire machine. “This allows us to build independent machine modules that can be interconnected with very few electrical connections,” said Langen electrical engineering manager, Patrick Strauss. “This aids in wiring, shipping and generally in pre-building standard modules.” Langen also has the ability to view the status of all safety I/O available, over Ethernet I/P, so that individual guard statuses can be easily reported on the HMI. Because the individual guard statuses are now easily accessible, Category 4 safety can be reached while only wiring two contacts per door, reducing the cost of door switches and wiring. Before using the PNOZmulti, up to three contacts per switch were required to be wired in order to have individual guard door statuses available at the HMI, the safety was only rated Category 3.

Using the PNOZmulti, Langen is now able to easily create more complex safety zoning and sequencing. The Pilz system includes some modules that aren’t available on other safety controllers, including speed sensing modules, allowing complex safety functions when needed.

The new system has also aided in the reduction of manufacturing costs. Langen now has the ability to purchase the simplest light curtains because the PNOZmulti can handle tasks such as muting which the light curtain no longer has to be able to do on its own. “Pilz was able to offer the best flexibility and power within the price range,” notes Strauss.

The PNOZmulti is multifunctional and freely configurable for use in many areas of mechanical engineering. The safety system monitors safety functions such as E-STOP, safety gates, light beam devices, two-hand switches and much more. PNOZmulti can also be used to resolve standard control functions economically. Instead of wiring, users can generate the safety circuit on a PC using an intuitive configuration tool. The configuration is stored on a chip card and inserted into the base unit.

www.langeninc.com

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