November 5, 2018 — New additions to the Rockwell Automation machine safety portfolio are intended to help engineers right-size their safety systems. The Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix 5380 controller family can now meet SIL 2/PLd to SIL 3/PLe safety requirements. This allows engineers to build safety systems to an application’s required safety level. The controllers are also designed to meet the productivity, communications and security requirements of smart machines. Rockwell Automation is also introducing safety modules for the FLEX 5000 and Compact 5000 I/O product families.
The modules deliver improved safety response times, allowing engineers to move guarding devices closer to machines. The safety modules are TÜV certified for use in safety applications up to SIL CL 3, PLe, Cat. 4. The PowerFlex 755 and 755T AC drives offer an Integrated Safety Functions Option Module, providing several safety functions based on IEC 61800-5-2 standards. The module monitors speed, direction and position, and integrates safety and standard control systems on a single EtherNet/IP network using one controller.
In addition, the networked safety solution provides zone control in which one zone of the machine is brought to a safe state while other zones continue to operate. The additions to the machine safety portfolio are all designed to communicate over EtherNet/IP and are tested against machine safety standards to ease compliance. The products will also be included in the next release of the Safety Automation Builder software tool. Rockwell Automation provides a range of support for every stage of the safety lifecycle, from risk assessments and design services to installation, validation and training services.
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation is dedicated to industrial automation and information, making its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs approximately 23,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
