Product Stories

Pilz is launching the PSS4000 Automation System and PAS4000 software suite that together provide a new way to design, program and implement automation. A key feature of the concept is the integration of safety, standard and motion control, as well as visualisation and diagnostics

The Pilz PSS4000 takes decentralised machine control to a new level by virtue of the close integration of all aspects and the way in which configuration and programming of the entire decentralised control system is carried out via a single Pilz Automation Suite, the PAS4000. Material can therefore be copied and reused extremely easily both within a project and from one project to another. This feature is believed to be unique.

Today machine designers typically specify the hardware then write the control program to suit. However, any changes required either during the development or after the machine has entered service are cumbersome and costly to execute. With the PSS4000 and PAS4000, this approach is turned on its head. The programming phase can start as soon as the machine's basic functions are known, with the hardware specification following on or taking place in parallel. This saves time in the development phase and means that changes are much simpler and less costly to implement.

Another innovation in the PAS4000 suite is the programming of safety-related functions using tools that are compliant with the IEC 61131-3 standard for PLC programming languages. Pilz believes that this is another industry first. Furthermore, safety has been integrated from the outset rather than added later, which means that it is far more closely integrated with the other aspects of the system than is the case with products from other manufacturers.