A slim-line version of a machine-guard safety interlock system is just 19mm wide, is fully encapsulated, is made in ABS plastics and can be used on equipment that is regularly hosed down.

Mechan Controls plc has announced that a new slim-line version of its popular MAGNASAFE MS6 machine-guard safety interlock system is now available. Originally sold only in stainless steel, the new model is manufactured in ABS plastics and both switch and actuator are just 19mm wide. The switch itself is 17mm high but, despite its small size, the MS6 now comes with up to three contacts - dual safety contacts and an auxiliary - so it helps to improve safety and minimise unnecessary stoppages.

Designed for use in demanding industrial environments, the new version of the MS6 is fully encapsulated and retains its IP67 rating.

Like its stainless steel counterpart, it is designed for use on equipment that is regularly hosed down and is suitable for use in hygiene-critical industries such as the food, pharmaceutical and packaging sectors.

The new compact model features a 10mm non-contact switching distance and is both easy to install and tolerant to misalignment.

Measuring 82.5mm in length, it offers a wide selection of contact configurations and comes with either DC or AC switching.

Mechan intends to make the new compact unit one of its mainstream products for 2006-7 and is pricing it accordingly.

The ABS version will be priced from GBP 39.

'The new slim-line MS6 is designed to enable easy installation and will obviously save space on customers' machines,' said Mechan Controls sales director, Peter Knowles.

'More importantly, perhaps, its safety features have been upgraded by making it available with three contacts rather than two'.

'Based on these factors, the product's very competitive price and the continuing popularity of our existing MS6 products, we expect the new ABS version to be extremely well received.' In fact, the slim-line version has already so impressed an American distribution company that it recently placed an order for 1500 switches, several weeks ahead of the product's official launch date.

As a result, the product is now available for immediate despatch to customers in Britain, Europe and the United States.

A compact, coded non-contact guard-door monitoring sensor is seen as an alternative to electro-mechanical safety switches for monitoring the position of the safety guards.

Man-machine safety specialist Schmersal has introduced the BNS 260, a compact, coded non-contact guard-door monitoring sensor, which the company sees as an alternative to electro-mechanical safety switches for monitoring the position of the safety guards. Features include its compact size and the coded NC contact that guarantees a high level of safety, which, when used with an appropriate safety-monitoring module such as Schmersal's AES series, meets the requirements of Control Category 4 to EN 954-1 or SIL Level 3 to IEC 61508. It is also suitable for applications of PDF class M to EN 60204-1.

Users can also choose between 1 NO / 1 NC and 2 NC contacts and the signalling contact can be NO or NC.

The BNS 260 also features an optional LED, which signals the switching condition, and for applications where the sensor must be fitted in a 90deg rotated position, a special actuator version with lateral active surface is available.

Commenting for Schmersal, managing director Terry Hayward said: 'The BNS 260 is extremely compact and can be easily integrated into a machine's construction.

By using the non-contact operating principle, it is not subject to mechanical wear and therefore has an extremely long life, making it ideal for use in harsh ambient conditions as well as where high hygienic standards have to be maintained.' The BNS 260's switching distance matches the needs of typical applications during the position monitoring of guard doors and, thanks to it non-contact design, can tolerate much larger misalignment between the machine profile and the safety guard.

PROFIsafe is defined for PROFIBUS and PROFINET and is believed to be the only solution, which completely covers factory and process automation applications, says Profibus.

In recent years, safety technologies have progressed from conventional technology based on relay controls to digital technology with special bus systems to integrated solutions using standard bus systems. PROFIBUS International (PI) is the trendsetter in this new safety technology and technology leader with PROFIsafe. PROFIsafe is defined for PROFIBUS and profinet and is the only solution which completely covers factory and process automation applications.

PROFIsafe has taken over the market-leading position with this concept.

More than 20,000 PROFIsafe systems and nearly 190,000 PROFIsafe nodes are already in use worldwide, 10% of which in process automation.

Safety applications cannot be ignored in automation technology.

They protect people from injury (e g, with presses, automated handling systems, moving parts), they protect machines and goods from damage and they protect people and environment in the process industry from injury, e g, by the escape of hazardous materials (overflow, over pressure, temperatures).

PROFIsafe on PROFIBUS and on PROFINET IO is used for secure communication, in factory automation and in process automation.

The spectrum of available devices includes secure input and output modules of the remote I/O to light curtains, laser scanners and transmitters to drives with integrated safety functions and robots.

With PROFIsafe, safety technologies can be combined with the benefits of standard automation systems in terms of control systems, field devices and communication.

The PROFIsafe layer covers the complete transmission path from sensor to safety control and even proprietary backplanes, if necessary.

The result is, as follows.

* Cost savings in the wiring and flexibility in commissioning, extension and retrofitting.

* Consistent engineering and high-performance parameterizing and diagnostics.

* Flexible adaptation with modifications and extensions.

* Considerably lower costs than when using two separate systems.

Motors and drives play a key role in the new safety technology.

PROFIsafe enables actuator functions that guarantee not only the safe separation of the power supply to the motor but also the safe monitoring of motor movements.

Safe stop functions can be implemented by stop categories 0, 1 and 2, e g, safely-limited torque, safely-limited speed or safely limited position.

Savings potential for the user results, among other things, discontinuation of switches and a quick, regular restart after triggering the protection function.

Device manufacturers appreciate PROFIsafe for the simple and universal software solution, the convenient development support and established certification processes.

PROFIsafe is already being used in machines and plant construction and by well-known car manufacturers worldwide.

Nearly 10% of all PROFIsafe applications are used today in process automation.

The traditional process instruments with 4-20mA or HART communication can be integrated over secure remote IO in PROFIsafe applications.

Initial PROFIsafe-compatible PROFIBUS PA products have been announced for mid 2006.

PROFIsafe meets the new NAMUR recommendation NE97, i e, process instruments can be operated through parameterization in safety or standard mode.

Guidelines were established with TUV and BGIA for testing and certification of PROFIsafe products.

Two test labs of PROFIBUS International are accredited for PROFIsafe.

A safety monitoring module ensures the safety of machine operators when they are performing repairs or maintenance in hazardous zones with shut-down machine control.

The new SRB 100 DR safety monitoring module from Schmersal ensures the safety of machine operators when they are performing repairs or maintenance in hazardous zones with shut-down machine control. Introduced as an extension to the Protect-SRB safety relay range, the SRB 100 DR ensures that the machine control can only be switched on after the operator has activated both reset buttons in the correct order and left the hazardous area. The allocated time for the 'double-reset', which normally involves pressing buttons both inside and outside of the hazardous area, can be adjusted by means of a DIP-switch.

When the reset procedure is activated correctly, the SRB 100 DR generates a release signal, which is processed by a standard safety relay module as a start signal.

The processing of the button signal is realised through the additional edge detection, i e, the trailing edge is monitored after the reset of the command device.

Sick (UK) has introduced the UE44X7 field mountable controller for standalone and networked applications.

Sick (UK) has introduced the UE44X7 field mountable controller for standalone and networked applications. The units are perfect for discrete machines or part of a multiple zone process line that requires complex function block logic. One huge bonus is that the configuration software is free and based on the standard Sick CDS tool.

The rugged, standalone, IP67-rated units allow standard PLCs to control safety outputs without the need for a separate safety-rated controller.

They are perfect for new and retrofit applications; offer easy connection to outputs on the device plus direct and easy assignment of inputs to outputs.

The I/O supports both standard and safety-rated devices.

System response time is greatly reduced with the UE44X7, as network transmission time can be eliminated.

The fast shutoff function is fixed at 8ms or less and a logical combination of input signals using AND/OR functions, simplifies controller based application logic.

The safety-enabled capability allows a standard PLC to control the safety output such as an actuator via the network with the UE44X7 providing a safe switching signal.

This eliminates the need for a dedicated safety PLC, simplifies the overall system and provides unmatched system performance in combination with fast shutoff.

A supervisory safety rated controller is no longer needed for offline machines.

Up to 32 function blocks can be directly connected to the I/O.

Logic can be implemented locally on the machine or cell and CDS configuration software guides the user as to how many function blocks are available for the local application.

The UE44X7 units provide an extremely efficient and cost effective safety solution.

Standard components can co-exist on the same physical media with devicenet Safety components without the need for special variants.

Each unit supports the configuration and use of six dual-channel safety capable inputs, two dual-channel safety capable outputs and up to twelve test/signal outputs using a single node address.

As with other products from the Sick catalogue, they will have a major impact on improved safety wherever they are used.

Facelift Access Hire has opened its new Birmingham depot.

Facelift Access Hire has opened its new Birmingham depot. The acre site, which became fully operational this week, completes the company's ability to supply access and safety equipment, alongside its extensive training facility on a national basis. Gordon Leicester Facelifts Managing Director said 'We've been looking for a base within the Midlands for some time.

This site has provided us with the opportunity to bridge the void we previously had between our Liverpool and London operations, and it's a direct response to our customers' demands for improved service location.

Portable system that measures human vibration s designed for monitoring exposure of human operators to the harmful influences of vibration of hand-tools, machinery and heavy vehicles.

The Type 4447 Human Vibration Analyser is designed for monitoring exposure of human operators to the harmful influences of vibration of hand-tools, machinery, heavy vehicles, etc It is a compact, battery-driven, standalone instrument ideal for field work and with a versatile graphics display for control of the instrument and analysis of results. Four buttons control all functions, and all necessary data is displayed for instant assessment of exposure to vibration. A USB interface provides for archiving and post processing of the data for calculation of vibration doses.

Among the parameters which the Type 4447 simultaneously measures and calculates are triaxial running RMS vibration and peak vibration, weighted or unweighted, crest factor for each axis, frequency-weighted hand-arm vibration and whole-body vibration, the combined vibration on all three axes as a vector sum, MTVV (maximum transient vibration value), MSDV (motion sickness dose value), and VDV (vibration dose value).

The Type 4447 is delivered together with a software package for calculation of vibration exposure to check the action values and limit values as stated in European Directive 2002/44/EC.

Bruel and Kjaer sought input from many interested parties in the design and development of the instrument.

They include consultants working with measurements of, and risk evaluations caused by, exposure to occupational vibration; occupational health departments; manufacturers of building machinery, freight vehicles and other machinery; manufacturers of anti-vibration pads, seats and personal protection equipment; manufacturers of all kinds of hand-tools; and educational and medical institutions.

'How to use BS EN 60204-1: 2006 Safety of Machinery' provides an easy to understand guide to this safety standard and recommends which products are needed to achieve compliance.

Schneider Electric has published a new document - 'How to use BS EN 60204-1: 2006 Safety of Machinery' - which provides an easy to understand guide to this important safety standard and recommends which products customers need to implement to achieve compliance. The 52-page document is free to download from the Schneider Electric Web site. BS EN 60204-1, the harmonised standard which aids conformity with the relevant requirements of the Machinery Directive, is complex, extensive and has been comprehensively revised since it was first published.

All of this can prove daunting, especially for new users.

Because of this, Schneider Electric commissioned Brian James Clark OBE, a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical Engineers who has been at the forefront of machinery safety standards for many years, to write a simple and easy to use guide.

With this free guide, Schneider Electric's customers can now more readily understand and apply the BS EN 60204-1 standard.

Since 1986, BS EN 60204-1 has been revised and re-published as a British Standard four times.

'How to use BS EN 60204-1: 2006 Safety of Machinery' is an invaluable aid to using the standard, and it includes advice on even the most recent additions, such as normative Annex A - 'Protection against indirect contact in TN-systems'.

Machinery safety has always been an important issue, but over the past decade the standards for safety have become more stringent globally.

Compact safety relays that are multi-functional, have improved diagnostics, are easier to expand, benefit from improved switching capacity and include a 12.5mm wide safety relay.

Pilz Automation Technology is launching the all-new PNOZsigma range of compact safety relays that are multi-functional, have improved diagnostics, are easier to expand, and that benefit from improved switching capacity. Included in the line-up is what is believed to be the world's first 12.5mm wide safety relay. This is the fourth generation of volt-free contact safety relays from Pilz and it incorporates a number of features that have been requested by customers around the world - including international approvals to make life easier for exporters.

In addition, the range has been designed in such a way that a smaller number of relays perform the functions that previously required a much broader product range.

For example, the 22.5mm-wide Category 4 PNOZ s5 safety relay monitors emergency stop switches, guard switches or light curtains - plus it benefits from an integrated timer function.

This simplifies ordering and stockholding for machine builders, system integrators and maintenance departments.

Patented features within the PNOZsigma relays help to make the units more compact than ever before; typically the relays deliver the same functionality in 50% of the space required previously, and it is now possible to install six safety outputs within a width of just 30mm.

Despite their small physical size, the relays contain a microprocessor that delivers improved diagnostics via six LED indicators on the front panel.

All safety relays in the range also now benefit from a semiconductor output for indication purposes.

For the models with user-selectable reset mode, operating mode and time functions, the configuration is now performed by means of switches on the front panel rather than by wired connections.

The advantage of this is that the set-up is quicker, the chance of errors is reduced, and the tamper-proof technology is safer (if the switch position is altered, the relay will shut down the safety circuit - and it will remain shut down even if the switch is moved back to its original position).

For extra protection, hinged covers over the switches can be secured in place using tamper-evident tags.

With traditional safety relays, adding an expansion module has required connections to be wired manually.

However, the PNOZsigma relays feature a socket on the top that enables them to be connected to a neighbouring expansion unit by means of a jumper connector.

Not only is this quicker and error-proof, but it also avoids the loss of a safety output that is the case when wiring a traditional safety relay to an expansion module.

All of the PNOZsigma safety relays can be ordered with either plug-in screw terminals or plug-in terminals with new spring-loaded terminal technology.

Furthermore, the terminals have the same designations and are located in common positions on all models for ease of wiring and replacement.

The combination of jumper-connected expansion modules and spring-loaded cage clamp terminals can reduce wiring time by up to 20%.

Other features of the PNOZsigma safety relays include a start-up facility for checking the correct functioning of light curtains and guard switches prior to a machine being enabled to start, and a maximum switching capability of 10A.

Please contact Pilz to request more information about the PNOZsigma safety relays, or visit the Pilz Web site.

Man-machine safety specialist has published a 'new-look' product Web site that includes an excellent engineering guide to the world of machine safety, offering access to comprehensive information.

Man-machine safety specialist Schmersal has published a new-look website to provide customers with the latest product news and specifications.

The site is an excellent engineering guide to the world of machine safety, offering access to comprehensive product and applications information for the whole Schmersal range, including the latest BNS 260 non-contact guard-door monitoring sensor and SRB 100 DR safety monitoring module.

Introducing the website, managing director Terry Hayward says it also enables users to download news of recent installations and the company's brochures, datasheets and newsletters.

To help engineers specify the correct safety relay modules, Schmersal has published a 170-page Protect-SRB catalogue, which includes a double-reset input module and input extension module.

Schmersal's range of Protect-SRB safety relay modules is one of the most comprehensive available for the signal processing of emergency-stop, interlocking and other protective devices. To help engineers specify the correct modules for their application, Schmersal has published a 170-page Protect-SRB catalogue, which includes two brand-new units, the SRB 100 DR double-reset input module and Protect-IE input extension module. The catalogue is divided into safety relay modules for the signal processing of one or two safety contacts with NC contact behaviour and of NC/NO contact combinations.

It also presents the current range in subdivisions of type, number of safety enabling outputs and supply voltage.

A stand-alone safety interlock switch requires magnetic and ferroresonant signals to close the safety signals, making this switch highly resistant to tampering and withstands wash downs.

Scientific Technologies introduces The MFS stand-alone safety interlock switch. This new switch requires magnetic and ferroresonant signals to close the safety signals, making this switch highly resistant to tampering. A NEMA 4 enclosure enables the MFS to withstand water washdown cleaning, while providing up to 10 million actuations of operation.

The switch is pre-wired and mounts easily on 1in square tubing.

For lower risk applications it can be used as a stand-alone safety switch with direct switching of relays and contactors up to 2A at 230V AC.

The MFS can be coupled with safety monitoring relays in applications that require a higher level of safety reliability.

* About STI - Scientific Technologies (STI) is a North American leading provider of automation safeguarding products and services through its Safety Products Group.

STI's Optical Sensor Division (OSD) provides safety products that are used to protect workers around machinery, automated equipment and industrial robots.

Our products serve a wide variety of applications and markets, including semiconductor, automotive, electronics manufacturing, packaging and consumer markets.

STI's Machine Services Division (MSD) provides safety services such as: safeguarding equipment installations, machine safety assessments, and the design and custom fabrication of guarding solutions.

MSD specializes in machinery services including the repair, relocation, installation and service of fabricating machinery.

MSD serves customers in a variety of industries, including metal fabrication, aerospace, electronics, building materials, automotive and food processing.

Sick (UK) has introduced the UE44X7 field mountable controller for standalone and networked applications.

Sick (UK) has introduced the UE44X7 field mountable controller for standalone and networked applications. The units are perfect for discrete machines or part of a multiple zone process line that requires complex function block logic. One huge bonus is that the configuration software is free and based on the standard Sick CDS tool.

The rugged, standalone, IP67-rated units allow standard PLCs to control safety outputs without the need for a separate safety-rated controller.

They are perfect for new and retrofit applications; offer easy connection to outputs on the device plus direct and easy assignment of inputs to outputs.

The I/O supports both standard and safety-rated devices.

System response time is greatly reduced with the UE44X7, as network transmission time can be eliminated.

The fast shutoff function is fixed at 8ms or less and a logical combination of input signals using AND/OR functions, simplifies controller based application logic.

The safety-enabled capability allows a standard PLC to control the safety output such as an actuator via the network with the UE44X7 providing a safe switching signal.

This eliminates the need for a dedicated safety PLC, simplifies the overall system and provides unmatched system performance in combination with fast shutoff.

A supervisory safety rated controller is no longer needed for offline machines.

Up to 32 function blocks can be directly connected to the I/O.

Logic can be implemented locally on the machine or cell and CDS configuration software guides the user as to how many function blocks are available for the local application.

The UE44X7 units provide an extremely efficient and cost effective safety solution.

Standard components can co-exist on the same physical media with devicenet Safety components without the need for special variants.

Each unit supports the configuration and use of six dual-channel safety capable inputs, two dual-channel safety capable outputs and up to twelve test/signal outputs using a single node address.

As with other products from the Sick catalogue, they will have a major impact on improved safety wherever they are used.

Facelift Access Hire has opened its new Birmingham depot.

Facelift Access Hire has opened its new Birmingham depot. The acre site, which became fully operational this week, completes the company's ability to supply access and safety equipment, alongside its extensive training facility on a national basis. Gordon Leicester Facelifts Managing Director said 'We've been looking for a base within the Midlands for some time.

This site has provided us with the opportunity to bridge the void we previously had between our Liverpool and London operations, and it's a direct response to our customers' demands for improved service location.