Launched in a global release today, SICK’s next-generation W16 and W26 sensors with “BluePilot” alignment are at the helm of a streamlined portfolio of photoelectric sensors, radically-upgraded to optimise ease-of-use with complete object detection reliability.
The W16 and W26 proximity, reflex and through-beam laser sensors are manufactured at a purpose-built, fully-automated production facility in southern Germany. They mark the culmination of a two-year, €multi-million research and development project involving extensive consultation with SICK customers worldwide.
“When we asked our customers what was most important for future development of photoelectric object detection, they put usability top of the list; they already expected our sensors to be robust, 100% reliable and always available,” says David Hannaby, SICK’s UK Product Manager for Presence Detection.
“So, we set out on a journey to achieve the best of all worlds in one family. We developed the new operating technologies our customers wanted, as well as bringing together all of SICK’s leading optical sensing capabilities to produce a consistent high-flier.”
For usability, the W16 and W26 sensors are launched with SICK’s new BluePilot assistant, which features a line of five LEDs mounted on top of the sensor for quick, easy and accurate alignment of the light spot even over long distances. The BluePilot combines a potentiometer and teach-in button to simplify set up, range assessment and application mode selection, and provides a real-time on-sensor status display.
Manufactured in new robotic production facility to ensure consistent plug-and-play alignment of every device, SICK W16 and W26 sensors bring together the best of SICK’s optical sensing technologies to meet any detection challenge:
SICK’s patented Twin-Eye technology achieves reliable detection for reflective materials such as films, foils, contrast-rich or uneven surfaces. The Twin-Eye’s unique second receiving channel builds in high process stability reducing the risk of false or missed signals due to deflections of the light beam.
SICK has incorporated LineSpot linear optics to provide highly-reliable detection where the object has mesh, perforations, integral gaps or breaks.
SICK ClearSens optical filter technology makes light work of semi-transparent and transparent objects, such as bottles and plastic trays. Intuitive mode selection on the device make it easy to set up the sensor according to the characteristics of object to be detected.
With SICK’s revolutionary OptoFilter technology onboard, the sensors are immune to interference from unwanted light sources and reflections, including LED lighting, hi-viz safety workwear or reflections from machinery.
SICK’s AutoAdapt function means if the reflector or the front screen of the sensor becomes contaminated, the photoelectric sensor automatically adjusts its switching thresholds for reliable detection.
An industry-first in-built Bluetooth option allows easy monitoring and advanced commissioning from smart phones or tablets.Smart IO-Link two-way communication is standard on all devices to enable easy set up and parameter cloning of replacement sensors, addressability and diagnostic functions, as well as opportunity to incorporate sensor-level smart tasks such as counting and time measurement.
Every W16 and W26 comes in a robust Vistal housing to withstand all chemical, thermal and mechanical environmental conditions as well shocks and vibrations. The casing is laser-etched with all product identification so that the sensor remains easily identifiable even after years of service. A 2D barcode enables easy identification and access to product manuals via mobile phone.
The LFP Cubic Level Sensor from Sick UK is one that uses TDR technology (time domain reflectometry), so can be used in oil- and water-based liquids without calibration.
The LFP’s guided radar uses time-of-flight technology to measure electromagnetic pulses. The time difference between the sent pulse and the reflected pulse is used to calculate the level, both as a continuous value (analog output) and a freely positionable switching point (switching output).
Due to its flexible probe that can be changed or cut, the LFP Cubic Level Sensor from Sick UK can integrate quickly into any application. The LFP Cubic can work in deposit forming and foaming liquids. The sensor’s intuitive setup uses four buttons and a display to ensure quick and easy adaptation to the application. Remote amplifier, IO-link interface and versions with a process connection in titanium are additional features for versatile use.
At a glance;
Level sensor for fluids
No mechanical moving parts
Manually cutable and exchangeable probe with lengths from 200 mm up to 2,000 mm or rope probe up to 4,000 mm
Resistant to deposit formation
Process temperature up to 100 °C, process pressure up to 10 bar
3 in 1: combined display, analog output (acc. NAMUR NE 43) and binary output
High enclosure rating of IP 67, rotatable housing and remote amplifier version
Your Benefits;
Rugged design increases service life
High flexibility due to cutable and exchangable monoprobe or rope probe
Cost savings due to multiple output signals: one system for both level detection and continuous level monitoring
Time and cost savings due to low maintenance and quick commissioning without calibration
Titanium process connection brings high chemical resistance
Compact and rotatable housing or remote amplifier ensures flexible installation
No crosstalk when several sensors are mounted next to each other
Sick’s Guide for Safe Machinery is a practically orientated reference book for manufacturers, designers, system engineers and anyone who is responsible for machine safety.
The latest edition of Sick’s Guide for Safe Machinery contains, among other topics, useful information and support in the implementation of the new standard EN ISO 14119. This new standard contains specific requirements for selecting and using interlocking devices and it is important to understand what effect these changes will have for machine manufacturers.
Safe machinery provides legal protection for both manufacturer and user. Machine users expect to be offered only safe machinery or devices and there are regulations for the protection of operators of machinery worldwide. These regulations are subject to regional variations.
However, there is broad agreement on the process to be applied during the manufacture and upgrade of machinery;
During the design and manufacture of machinery, the machine manufacturer shall identify and evaluate all possible hazards and hazardous points by undertaking a risk assessment (formerly also called a hazard analysis).
Based on this risk assessment, the machine manufacturer shall take suitable design measures to eliminate or reduce the risk. If the risk cannot be eliminated by these design measures or the remaining risk cannot be tolerated, the machine manufacturer shall select and apply suitable protective devices, and provide information on the residual risks if necessary.
To ensure the intended measures work correctly, overall validation is necessary. This overall validation shall evaluate the design and technical measures, as well as the organizational measures in context.
What does the Sick guide contain?
Sick’s Guide for Safe Machinery is an extensive guide on the legal background relating to machinery and on the selection and use of protective devices. It will show you various ways in which you can safeguard machinery and protect persons against accidents taking into account the applicable European directives, regulations, and standards. The examples and statements given are the result of our many years of practical experience and are to be considered typical applications.
This guide describes the legal requirements relating to machinery in the European Community and their implementation. The legal requirements relating to machinery in other regions (e.g., North America, Asia) are described in separate versions of this guide.
Who is this guide for?
Sick’s Guide for Safe Machinery is aimed at manufacturers, operating organizations, designers and system engineers. In fact, anyone who is interested in, or responsible for machine safety.
Looking for more information? We can help with that…
If you would like a copy of the guide, please get in touch
Difficult learning, complicated programming and system configuration are now a thing of the past when it comes to machine safety.
Sick Flexi Soft
Flexi Soft by SICK makes it all so simple by using the intuitive and ergonomic programming software. With the Flexi Soft Designer, the entire project is programmed from beginning to end. The planning is done via the PC, and hardware is selected and combined to offer optimal amounts of inputs and outputs. All tactile and optical safety sensors can be attached to these modules in order to complete the project. Up to 12 modules can be attached to the chosen CPU and thereby up to 144 inputs/outputs can be used. Due to the individual and compact 22.5mm wide modules, the control cabinet only needs to house enough safety controller to match the application.
Flexi Soft is a programmable, modular expandable safety controller by SICK.
The main CPU module FX3-CPU is the CPU of the entire system where all input signals are monitored and processed via safety logic programs stored inside the CPU’s memory.
These signals are used to switch outputs on the system through the FLEX BUS+ interface which interacts all units to one another.
The FX3-CPU has an RS-232C interface allowing connection to the easy-to-use Flexi Soft Designer in order to upload/download projects and change system settings.
The RS-232 port can also be used as a permanent port to a PLC or HMI if required.
The main module FX3-CPU1 has 2 EFI-connections on it.
An input/output extension module FX3-XTIO has 8 safety inputs and 4 safety outputs.
The input expansion module FX3-XTDI has 8 safety inputs.
Flexi Soft Modular Safety Controller
Main Modules
General function blocks (i.e. AND/OR/XOR/NOT)
Application-specific: Bypass, Muting, Press, etc.
RS-232 port for configuration and real-time diagnostics
EFI connection for expanded sensor functionality, thorough diagnostics and bidirectional device communication
FX3-CPU0: without EFI connection
FX3-CPU1: with 2 EFI connections
Separate memory plug to save the safety controller’s configuration.
In-/ Output expansion modules
FX3-XTIO: Input/output expansion with 8 safety inputs, 4 safety outputs and 2 test outputs
FX3-XTDI: Input expansion with 8 safety inputs and 8 test outputs
Up to 12 modules can be attached to the chosen CPU and thereby up to 144 inputs/outputs can be used
UE410-4RO: 2 x 2 normally open, 2 x 1 application diagnostic output and 2 x 1 EDM contacts
UE12-2FG: 2 normally open and 1 EDM contact, cascade
UE10-2FG: 2 normally open and 1 EDM contact
Gateways
To connect the Flexi Soft to an existing PLC, you can do this by integrating up to two Gateways.
The following modules are available:
EtherNet/IP FX0-GENT
PROFIBUS-DP FX0-GPRO
CANopen FX-GCAN
Modbus TCP FX0-GMOD
DeviceNet FX0-GNEV
PROFINET IO FXGPNT
In-System added value
Usage of enhanced sensor functions through the EFI-interface.
The EFI-interface (Enhanced Function Interface) is a two wire communication between safety sensor and controller.
All EFI sensors connected to Flexi Soft can be accessed and programmed via the Flexi Soft’s RS-232 connection.
The software incorporates a high quality diagnostic function delivering fast and accurate actions, allowing the user to make program changes or fix errors productively.
So if you are after simplicity with a high-level of safety, from the integration of an Emergency stop, to the integration of optical safety sensors. Or even the combination of entry/exit stations with entry protection, with the option of networking to complex machinery with minimal effort, then the SICK Modular Safety Controller is the solution for you!
SICK has continued to add further new innovative products to its portfolio with two product families that open up a great variety of possibilities in conjunction with safe sensor and control solutions.
Both the RE1 and the RE2 magnetic safety switches come equipped with either normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) contacts , and use coded magnetic actuators which enables them to be used in areas where high levels of contamination may occur. Being easy to clean, makes them suitable for operation in environments where there are strict hygiene standards or contaminated areas. The RE1 / RE2 switches are ideal for applications of this kind as their operating principle enables greater tolerances where precise guidance of guards is difficult.
The RE1 switch offers a response range of up to 7mm with 1 NO/1 NC or 2 NO contacts and the RE2 switch of up to 9mm with 1 NO/1 NC, 2NO or 3 NO contacts. Their performance level is up to PL e / Cat 4 (EN ISO 13849) making it possible to directly connect to safe control solutions whilst eliminating the need for any additional wiring and installation time. Both of these ranges can be supplied with a standard plug connector or connected cable.
Additional benefits of the Sick RE1 / RE2 also include long life due to their durable and low maintenance design, high level of machine availability due to high tolerances for door misalignment. Fast diagnostics via LED status indication on RE2 (RE27) making them an ideal fit for many machine designs and installations.
For further information, technical data – Please contact us.
Formed in 1990, Controls and Drives Ltd, is based in its own purpose-designed premises in Leicester and is the only Mitsubishi Technology Partner in the Midlands.
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