New options for machinery safety

Designed for smaller machines, the easy to use SC10 safety controller replaces the func-tionality of two or more safety relay modules and features an intuitive user interface with advanced diagnostic capabilities. The SC10, as it supports a wide range of safety devices, eliminating the need to buy and stock safety relay modules dedicated to specific safety devices.

Each unit has two 6A relay outputs with three normally open sets of contacts, enabling the creation of independent safety zones with unique outputs for different safety functions. It has ten inputs, including four inputs that can be converted to outputs for more efficient terminal use. Automatic Terminal Optimisation (ATO) makes it possible to increase the number of available inputs from ten up to 14 to accommodate additional devices. Industrial Ethernet two-way communication enables 256 virtual non-safety status outputs and 80 virtual non-safety inputs.

Set-up and management of the SC10 could not be simpler, thanks to its clear, icon-based programming with drag-and-drop PC configuration. The unit has an external drive (SC-XM3) that can be used to configure the SC10 in seconds without a PC. Users simply create and confirm a configuration using the safety controller software, then write the configuration to the SC-XM3 and insert it into the micro USB port of the SC10. The configuration, network settings, and passwords automatically download to the SC10. The configuration can be applied to multiple SC10 safety controllers to get machines up and running quickly, or to a single unit for an easy swap out in the field.

Also new are the SR-IM series safety relays – cost-effective interface modules that provide isolated safety output contacts for safety light curtains or similar primary safety devices, with solid-state or hard contact outputs and external device monitoring (EDM) capability. They can be used to expand the available outputs of a safety controller and increase the switching current capacity of low voltage safety devices up to 6A.

Encased in a 22.5mm DIN-rail-mountable housing, models are available with three normally open (NO) safety outputs, or two normally open (NO) safety outputs and one normally closed (NC) non-safety auxiliary output. With 24V DC operation and a 20 millisecond maximum response time these modules can achieve up to SIL 3 (IEC 61508/IEC 62061) and Category 4, PLe (EN ISO 13849-1).

Finally, Turck Banner has introduced the SI-RF series of safety switches that utilise RFID technology. SI-RF switches are available in single or cascadable types, allowing a series connection of up to 32 sensors using a standard 4-wire cable with M12 connectors, T-adapters, and an end plug. In-Series Diagnostics (ISD) provides users with data from each sensor in the chain. A novel feature enables users to choose the level of tamper resistance depending on the hazard