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• Automation Today
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UPDATE #10

• Summary

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In this issue:

• ControlLogix increases EtherNet/IP performance
• Rockwell Automation wins Best New Product award
• SmartGuard safety controller offers complex logic in a smaller footprint
• New Safety Relays save time and space
• Integrated motion and distributed control for small applications
• Premier Integration helps to reduce cost, time and errors
• VersaView now serves broader industrial applications
• I/O Modules extend Integrated Architecture to small applications
• Versatile new bases for Flex and Point I/O Families
• Process Solutions – Field Devices
• Energy efficient liquid-cooled AC drive delivers 65% space saving
• New IP69K-rated ArmorStart Distributed Motor Controller
• Cost-effective micro drives get even more powerful
• Easy vision sensor tackles production errors
• HMI Conversion Services

New non-contact interlock switches

When it comes to machine safety, protection of personnel and equipment is a primary concern. At the same time, flexibility and productivity are points that must also be considered as engineers design safety systems. The new Allen-Bradley Guardmaster SensaGuard family of non-contact switches will help designers address these issues.

The SensaGuard family of coded non-contact interlock switches is Category 4/SIL 3 rated and is intended for machine guarding with part or full body access. It is particularly suited to machines where multiple access doors must be monitored. Featuring the latest RFID technology for coding and inductive technology for sensing, SensaGuard’s large sensing range and tolerance to misalignment offers a cost-effective solution that is ideally suited to a wide range of industrial safety applications.

SensaGuard switches can be connected to many types of standard Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays from its two Safety PNP outputs and one auxiliary PNP output. These include the Minotaur MSR126, MSR127, MSR200/300 Family, SmartGuard and Safety I/O Blocks. Multiple actuator sizes allow for a large sensing distance - typically 15-25mm. Both plastic and stainless steel versions carry an IP69K environmental rating and come with electronic short circuit and over-voltage protection built-in. The stainless steel version is particularly suitable for use in hygiene-conscious, harsh or high-pressure washdown environments typically found in the food and beverage and life science industries. Other typical applications for SensaGuard include, packaging, materials handling, printing, fibre and textiles.

SensaGuard uses standard size mountings and proximity switch brackets, making it easy to retrofit to existing installations. Its Cat 4/SIL 3 rating can be maintained even when multiple units are connected in series. LED indicators located on the switch body give a visual indication of door status, and extended built-in diagnostics ease troubleshooting. A wide range of other Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety devices, such as light curtains, E-stops and interlock switches, can also be easily connected in series to create dynamic machine guarding solutions.