Safety within the automation industry is not only required by regulations, but there are also ethical implications to providing a safe working environment. Machine safety has become an important design concern as it must provide protection for operators and technicians in a manner that keep the machines running to the fullest degree possible.

• Six Steps to Machine Safety

The iQ-R Integrated Safety solution delivers functionally safe machines on one platform, over one network, and using one software. It’s similar to our standard iQ-R Series controller with additional safety features that comply with international safety standards (IEC 61508 SIL3 and ISO 13849-1 PLe). The safety CPUs can execute both standard and safety programs, and can be installed directly on the standard iQ-R Series base units. Stripped of the complexity usually associated with safety solutions, OEMs can design and commission safe machines faster and more efficiently, while end users are able to keep their operators safe, avoid production stand stills, and in turn enhance productivity.

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The "MELSEC-QS Safety programmable controller" is designed for safety control, compliant to the international safety standards EN954-1 Category 4, ISO13849-1 PL e, and IEC61508 (JIS C 0508) SIL 3.*1 The QS can be connected to an emergency stop switch, a light curtain, etc., to shut off (safety output OFF) the power of hazard sources (robots etc.) according to user programs. Operation of machines (robots, conveyors, etc.) is controlled by standard programmable controllers. The major difference is that the QS is equipped with a safety function which can forcibly turn off the safety output by error diagnostics.

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This compact new safety controller complies with ISO13849-1 PLe and IEC61508 SIL3 safety standards. The most suitable application of MELSEC-WS is to ensure safe operation of stand-alone machines or systems. To meet your system configuration, it allows you to have additional I/O points of up to 144. Also, you can easily make settings and create logic by using the Setting and Monitoring Tool exclusively provided for the controller.

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The safety relay module embeds a safety circuit that complies with safety standards EN954-1 Category 4 and ISO13849-1 PLe. With this module, a basic safety function is available by just wiring, without the need for programming.

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Ensuring safety, and operating at the highest levels of efficiency and productivity doesn’t have to be difficult. The MR-J4 Servo features an integrated Safe Torque Off (STO) as a standard option on all servo amplifiers. If more advanced safety functionality is required the MR-J4 flexible safety options have you covered. Users may choose to use a controller based safety solution wiring the safety inputs directly into the Q-Series safety module Q173DSXY, or for even higher safety levels, simplified safety programming, and reduced safety wiring add the optional MR-D30 Functional Safety Unit to a few or all of your MR-J4 servo axes.

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• Understanding Servo Safety SIL Ratings (Sign In Required)

The A800, E700-SC and D700 Series Variable Frequency Drive Families are well suited to meet a number of machine safety directives and categories including: PLd and SIL2 (STO) as standard, and up to PLe and SIL3 when using A800 with the Safety option interface). Our products are compatible with ISO13849-1:2008 Category 3/PLd, IEC62061:2005 / IEC61800-5-2:2007 / IEC61508 SIL2 and IEC60204-1:2010 / IEC61800-5-2:2007 Stop category 0. The A800 Series using the Safety option interface complies with EN ISO 13849-1 PLe / Cat.4 (to be supported soon) and EN 61508, EN 61800-5-2 SIL3.

• A800 Brochure
• D700 Brochure
• E700 Brochure

The M700, M70, and C70 series controls meet the EN954-1 Category 3 machine tool safety standards. Functions related to this standard include safety signal comparisons, speed monitoring between the command speed and actual speed of the Servo and Spindle motors as well as redundant emergency stop which provides the drive unit’s main power to be shutdown via two routes.

• C70 Information
• M700/M70 Information

All F-series robots conform to ANSI/RIA/ISO 10218-1-2011 "Robots for Industrial Environment - Safety Requirements". This standard is now recognized as the de facto robot safety standard in the United States. The standard pertains specifically to robot construction. Features supporting this directive include: Redundant safety circuits, emergency stop inputs and outputs, inputs for auxiliary 3-position enabling devices, interlock inputs for control of zone safety from external switches and sensors, controller mode outputs, robot error output and auxiliary servo synchronization output.

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Safety devices are an important part of safeguarding machines and applications. Mitsubishi Electrics connection to SICK safety devices allows the creation of safety solutions to protect against injury and create a safer working environment for employees.

• SICK Safety Devices