Ahead of the times: Thanks to newly developed software, FANUC Robotics succeeds in providing maximum security with an integrated monitoring system.
The acceptance of the presumption of conformity to the EN 954-1 norm (safety of machinery) was extended in the official register of the European Union from 29.12.2009 to 31.12.2011. With this, the recently increased security norm, ISO-13849-1, attains exclusive validity from 01.01.2012. However, the latest FANUC DCS software version already fulfils the standards of the future safety norm. In doing so, the FANUC DCS application not only provides the norm, but can also increase safety during production and sink costs.
DCS surveillance establishes safety
With the Dual Check Safety (DCS) concept, FANUC Robotics identifies software that forms safer interactions between robot and operator. Correctly programmed and with the help of this software, the robot can supervise itself and with this, avert possible dangers for the operator.
The DCS offers the emergency stop function and reliably supervises the position, as well as the speed of the robot. Should the robot violate the defined security area or exceed the appointed speed limit, the servo motors are securely stopped by the control.
Some useful qualities were added in the new version of the DCS position and speed check. Thus, FANUC is the first robot manufacturer who surrounds its one to six axel robots with a virtual protective covering. The workpiece can also be wrapped up in these so-called "shape models" and monitored.
Dual Check Safety
The maximum of what is technically feasible
The emergency stop and protective fence circuits of the FANUC robots with Dual Check Safety fulfil the most recent safety norm, ISO-13849-1, and are certificated for the highest security level (Category 4, Performance Level e). Furthermore, with this equipment, FANUC reaches the highest technically accessible security level, with which, FANUC robots are also able to work on manual feed stations or by hand-loaded pressing.
After the ISO 13849-1 norm, the DCS Position Speed Check software option reaches Safety Category 3, Performance Level d. In this area, the security level also complies with the world s highest, which is to be reached by a system integrated robot. Moreover, the completely integrated security electronics offer the familiar reliability of FANUC robots and CNC controls.
Advantages of an integrated system
Traditionally, cam switches often limit the workspace of the robot, manual feed stations are protected by position switches and light barriers, and additional hardware switches off turntable engines and positioning. Such external security features are not only very expensive, but also fail more frequently than the robot, which takes valuable production time. The DCS Position Speed Check software option uses the internal safety features of the robot, for example, for the limitation of the robot movement in a Cartesian space or the limitation of the speed of the robot. Finally, with these internal functions, the external security systems can be reduced.
Claude Dinsmoor, General Manager, Controller Product Development, FANUC Robotics, sees other advantages: "With the relocation of some safety functions in the robot, customers can realise considerable savings in the floor space of the plant, attain more flexibility with the system layout, diminished hardware costs and reach a higher reliability."
In addition, "safe zones" can be activated and deactivated using an external device, for example, from a security SPS. The development of a system with several zones allows the operator to safely enter and leave the workspace of the robot. "This simplifies the configuration of robot cells, because it prevents the entry of the robot into a manual loading station if an operator obstructs it there", completes Dinsmoor.
The DCS Position Speed Check is particularly suitable for uses whereby the workspace of the robot must be limited because of lack of space or energy conservation. DCS helps to limit the reach of the robot s movements within a Cartesian space. This means that, in comparison with traditional systems that have customary position switches, the robot only functions in the area where the respective use is required, which is a grave advantage.
