With the SD 4.0 platform, the Schmersal Group is driving forward the connectivity and networking of safety switchgear – and thus enables its condition monitoring. Via the current generation of the SD bus, electronic safety sensors and guard locking equipped with an integrated SD interface can transmit comprehensive status and diagnostic data to a higher-level machine control system. This includes, for example, the number of switching cycles as well as limit and distance warnings. Via the SD interface it is also possible to individually lock, unlock or configure safety switching devices. For example, the user can set the latching force of the MZM 100-SD electromagnetic guard locking via the SD bus. This enables the user to increase the productivity of the respective machine because irregularities are detected at an early stage. In addition, weak points in production can be detected or personnel can be retrained if the evaluation of the diagnostic data shows that operators frequently intervene in the process at a safety door or in a danger zone.
This solution was nominated for the Automation Award 2020 in the DIGITALIZATION category.
