Improving both machine productivity and worker safety by detecting zero-speed, overspeed and motion direction is the objective of new encoders from Pepperl+Fuchs, which are designed to allow safe access during setup and maintenance, the company says.
“For example, using this solution in a rolling press application would enable the press to roll at creep-speeds in a safe ‘expel only’ direction,” says Helge Hornis, manager of the company’s US intelligent systems group. “[Then] maintenance personnel could clean each roll far more efficiently than is possible with conventional machine safety options that completely disable motion.”
The system integrates into new machines or existing equipment, says the company, and can be used in applications that require SIL3, PL e and Cat 4 certification.
It says that the encoders are rated to handle axial shaft loads of 40N at maximum 6,000 rpm or 10N at maximum 12,000 rpm, and radial shaft loads of 60N at maximum 6,000 rpm or 20N at maximum 12,000 rpm.