February 16, 2009 — Manufacturers seeking innovative ways to improve employee safety without hindering productivity now have a simpler, more cost-effective solution thanks to the new, safe-speed control solution from Rockwell Automation.
The Allen-Bradley Guardmaster Minotaur MSR57P dedicated safe-speed monitoring relay is a first-of-its-kind safety relay – it is designed to allow personnel to enter hazardous areas while motion is present. The device supports numerous input devices such as E-stops, light curtains, enabling switches and interlock switches, which detect demands on the safety system and initiate a stop request of the motion. It also monitors personnel in the hazardous area while the machine is in a safe-speed condition.
Users can configure the safety relay with either Allen-Bradley DriveExplorer software or a human interface module (HIM device), using a variety of parameters to help meet specific application requirements, including safe direction, safe limited speed, and safe maximum speed with door control and monitoring. For example, the Guardmaster MSR57P relay can help increase productivity by unlocking doors automatically when the speed of the machine is below a safe speed limit or zero speed is detected.
Designed for easier integration, flexibility and performance, the Guardmaster MSR57P relay is ideal for new and existing installations, and is suitable for a variety of applications, including automotive and tire manufacturing, printing machines, ski lifts and amusement rides. It can be used with standard drives and with the “safe-off” option on Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives. The Guardmaster MSR57P relay monitors the speed of the motion via one or two encoders, depending on the level of integrity required. If an encoder already is installed in the system, the Guardmaster MSR57P relay can monitor the same signals without requiring another encoder to be installed.
The safe-speed control technology central to the Guardmaster MSR57P relay will be available as an integrated option in future releases of PowerFlex 750 Series AC drives and Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6000 servo drives, allowing customers to choose the platform they need for their specific applications.
“The release of the MSR57P illustrates the continued commitment of Rockwell Automation to invest in and create innovative safety automation solutions that help manufacturers best protect people and processes – and boost the bottom line in both legacy systems and new installations,” said Sal Spada, research director, Discrete Automation, ARC Advisory Group. “The safe-speed technology from Rockwell Automation sets the bar in the industry for comprehensiveness. The integration of this level of functionality into such a compact solution is unprecedented. Moreover, it allows manufacturers to employ the most current safety strategies by providing the ability to reduce the risk of personnel injury well below tolerable levels without requiring a complete shutdown.”
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage for their businesses. The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation that include Allen Bradley controls and services, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
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