KEB Automation Adds Functionally Safe Encoders to DL4 Servos
Safety is a top priority in the fast-paced manufacturing world. Brusatori Electric Motors, part of the KEB Automation brand group, has integrated functional safety features into its DL4 motor series.
The compact DL4 series of servomotors from KEB Automation now offers even more customization options to meet individual needs, ranging from 5 Nm to 530 Nm torque to meet functional safety requirements. Developed, assembled, and tested in Italy, the DL4 series exemplifies Brusatori's (and parent company KEB’s) commitment to reliability and safety in industrial applications.
The DL4 servomotor product. Image used courtesy of KEB
What is Functional Safety?
Functional safety is rooted in several key aspects that collectively ensure the safety of industrial systems. According to Luca Banfi, head of sales at Brusatori, it revolves around three fundamentals.
Degree of Reliability in Product Design
At the heart of functional safety lies the reliability of the product design itself. This entails attention to detail during the design phase to identify and prevent potential failures. By implementing robust design practices, Brusatori can enhance the overall reliability of its products, thereby minimizing the risk of safety-critical failures.
Limitations in Object Architecture
Another crucial aspect of functional safety involves addressing limitations inherent in the object's architecture. These limitations include system interfaces, communication protocols, and structural integrity. By carefully evaluating and mitigating architectural constraints, manufacturers can improve the safety level of their products and reduce potential hazards arising from architectural shortcomings.
Probability of Dangerous and Accidental Failures
Functional safety also hinges on assessing the likelihood of dangerous and accidental failures within the system. This entails comprehensive risk assessments to pinpoint potential failures and their associated probabilities. By quantifying these risks, manufacturers can implement targeted measures to reduce the likelihood of hazardous failures, enhancing overall system safety.
Legislative Frameworks
While these three aspects form the cornerstone of functional safety, it's essential to recognize that other considerations are at play. Legislative frameworks, for instance, ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. These guidelines mandate that personnel operating and maintaining industrial systems possess engineering knowledge.
The legislation serves as a standard for manufacturers, outlining basic requirements and best practices for upholding safety standards. By adhering to these regulations, manufacturers can mitigate legal liabilities and demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel and machinery.
Intended applications of the DL4 servomotor product line. Image used courtesy of KEB
How Exactly is Safety Measured?
Safety Integrity Level (SIL) is a measure used to ensure that control systems are reliable and safe. By setting standards for safety performance, it helps minimize the risks associated with system failures.
SIL defines different levels of reliability that safety systems must meet to prevent accidents. The higher the SIL level, the more reliable the system is. This means it's better equipped to handle critical safety functions and ensure the availability of machines or systems. SIL is crucial for quantifying the reliability of safety-critical functions and ensuring overall safety in industrial settings.
Brusatori Electric Motors Prioritizes Safety with New "FS" Encoders
The four new encoder components will have "FS" stamped on them, showing they're all about Functional Safety. It's a move to make sure they fit right in with other essential parts like PLCs, drives, and brakes, making everything work smoothly and safely. This exciting update also changes how things are done at Brusatori; they'll add extra steps during assembly and do thorough double-checks during testing. It's all about meeting safety standards and ensuring every product is top-notch.
By making these adjustments, Brusatori shows they're serious about keeping things safe and reliable for their customers.
