K. A. Schmersal GmbH & Co. KG
About us
The Schmersal Group is an international market leader in the challenging field of machine safety. With the world’s most comprehensive range of safety switchgear products, the Schmersal Group develops safety systems and solutions for special requirements in a variety of user industries. Schmersal’s tec.nicum business division offers a comprehensive service portfolio to complement the range of solutions offered by Schmersal.
Founded in 1945, the company is represented by seven manufacturing sites on three continents with its own companies and sales partners in more than 60 countries. The Schmersal Group employs more than 1900 people worldwide.
Products
Safety Fieldbox
Schmersal is launching two new versions of its Safety Fieldbox. This means that the box can not only be integrated into systems with PROFINET/PROFIsafe as before, but is now also be available for the EtherNet/IP with CIP Safety and EtherCAT with FSoE bus systems. The benefit: the designer can now plan the safety functions of a machine in a project regardless of the fieldbus system that is used, as the three versions together cover the most commonly used control systems worldwide. The Safety Fieldbox from Schmersal enables flexible safety solutions, fail-safe and fast installation and maximum process transparency. It also enables easy connection of up to eight safety switchgear devices with plug and play. Universal device interfaces for eight-pin M12 connectors allow a wide range of different safety switchgear devices to be connected, including electronic and electromechanical solenoid interlocks, sensors, control panels, light curtains and switches. Unique features of the Safety Fieldbox from Schmersal include the need for just a single M12 slot for solenoid interlocks and safety light curtains and the connection of control panels with EMERGENCY STOP function and up to three non-safe command and signalling devices. An integrated digital input on each device slot allows the diagnostic signals of all connected safety devices to be evaluated. This means that safety-related and operational signals, such as those required for diagnostic purposes, can be collected and transmitted. The user can use this information to detect irregularities, e.g. a safety guard that has been moved, and enable prompt intervention if service is deemed necessary. This helps to improve system availability and minimise the risk of downtime. Users can also benefit from greatly simplified, and therefore more cost-effective, wiring of safety devices.
Safety Relay Modules PROTECT SRB-E
NEW FAMILY OF SAFETY RELAY MODULES WITH EIGHT BASIC VERSIONS All equipment versions can be employed in applications up to cat. 4 / PL e according to EN ISO 13849-1 and SIL 3 according to EN 62061 / IEC 61508. A major advantage of the new PROTECT SRB-E range is that, with each basic version, several dozen existing SRB modules can be replaced thanks to the multi-functionality. Each module can be configured for up to eleven different applications via a simple control element. All conventional safety sensors and electromechanical safety equipment can be monitored. The drastically reduced number of versions as well as a clear product-accompanying display of the eight versions with their relevant functions makes it considerably easier for the machine manufacturer to select the right module for its particular application. Functions such as start / reset monitoring or cross circuit monitoring, for example, can be set via a rotary switch. One version of the new SRB-E range is also distinguished by p-type fail-safe power semi-conductor outputs up to 5.5 A. This SRB-E variant is particularly suited to fail-safe applications with high switching capacity in conjunction with short cycle times, for example switching valve terminals or complete output modules. A combined version makes it possible to monitor two safety functions with one device, such as a two-hand control panel and an emergency stop function. The fail-safe outputs which in each case are available separately can be linked by the user according to the application. All PROTECT SRB-E versions are distinguished by very short response times in the requirements profile and signalise detailed diagnostic and status reports via LED displays. Another bonus feature of the new SRB-E range are the housings which have been optimised by Schmersal according to customer requirements.
New safety light grids with Bluetooth interface
For the first time, Schmersal launched a safety light grid with a built-in Bluetooth interface. The SLC440/COM with Bluetooth BLE is an active optoelectronic protective device that makes all status and diagnostic data on the operating status of the device available on smartphones or tablets via a Bluetooth interface on a real-time basis. The Bluetooth interface also supports easy start-up using a smartphone or tablet with the integrated setup aid. There is also the excellent option of saving the data, which can then be used, for example, to document a repeat test or for predictive maintenance purposes. The transmission of data to smartphones / tablets (Android, IOS) is facilitated by an app developed by Schmersal. BLE stands for Bluetooth Low Energy, a radio system for near-field data transmission with secure transmission. This innovative technology for optoelectronic safety systems is unique with respect to the range over which the data can be communicated. This means the BLE interface is perfect when the opto-electronic safety system is in a relatively inaccessible position. Bluetooth BLE also offers a greater range of applications. As Bluetooth is an international industrial standard, the 440/COM range of light grids with Bluetooth BLE interface can be used all over the world. The SLC440/COM with Bluetooth BLE enable significantly improved efficiency in production processes. As the status data of the light grids can be accessed easily and in real-time, errors can be resolved more quickly to achieve increased machine availability. This status information and diagnostic data enables processes to be reactivated more quickly, particularly in the event of a system shutdown if a hazard is detected. It also represents a really economical innovation as, compared to classic Bluetooth, BLE is characterised by considerably lower energy consumption and reduced costs at a similarly high communication range.
AZM40: The extremely compact electronic solenoid interlock
With dimensions of 119.5 x 40 x 20 mm, the AZM40 is an extremely compact electronic solenoid interlock. This makes it especially suitable for small safety doors and flaps. Thanks to the 180° angle flexibility of the actuator, it can approach the AZM40 on a stepless basis, making the interlock also suitable for flaps which do not close at 90° or those that open upwards to a 45° angle. This means the angle flexibility helps the interlock easily fit into compact spaces and those which are difficult to access. The AZM40 can also be fitted to standard 40 mm profiles without projecting. “The solenoid interlock meets the requirements of many users looking for space-saving solutions, as space required is a decisive cost factor in production,” explains Stephan Frick, Product Manager at Schmersal. Despite its compact size, the AZM40 has an amazing 2000 Newton interlocking force. “An interlock must be selected to withstand the anticipated forces. With interlocking force of 2000 Newtons, users are on the safe side with respect to the recommendations in the standard,” explains Stephan Frick. Thee integrated RFID technology allows a coding level of “high”. This means the interlock offers increased tamper protection in accordance with the requirements of DIN ISO 14119. The AZM40 works on the bistable principle: In the event of a power cut, it retains the current position. This ensures safe operation, whatever the status of the machine. Even if there are hazardous run-on movements, the safety door remains safely locked in the event of a power failure. Another advantage of the bistable principle is the consistently low energy consumption, as the interlock only requires power when the door is to be locked or unlocked.
AZM150: The slim solenoid interlock
With the new practical DHS-150 door handle system, the slimline AZM150 solenoid interlock from Schmersal is now even easier to use. The ergonomic DHS-150 avoids the need for a separate door handle and is suitable for machine enclosures or fencing and for all standard aluminium profiles with a width of 40 mm. The robust door bolt is particularly useful on heavy swing doors and in for use in harsh environments. One benefit of the new accessory is that the actuator is pre-positioned by the bolt in the DHS system, thus ensuring its optimal insertion into the device. This gives the system stability against lateral forces. In the event of lateral forces on interlocks that cannot be overcome, the safety door will not be opened – thus causing delays in the production process. In this regard, the DHS-150 door handle system, in conjunction with the AZM150 solenoid interlock, contributes to improved system availability. In addition, the DHS-150 door handle system is also equipped with an integrated locking device (LOTO). This locking tag function protects operating staff from mistakenly being locked inside larger, walk-in systems and machines while they are performing servicing and repair work. The locking device ensures that the door of the protective device cannot be closed and unintentional machine start-up is prevented. The AZM150 solenoid interlock has an interlocking force of 1500 Newtons and is characterised by a slimline, space-saving design. In addition, it can be combined with three different actuators for different attachment situations. A positive of the interlock is the rotating actuator head which can be locked with ease by simple placement on the cover, rather than being bolted into place. The rotating actuator head with its two insertion slots enables various installation positions and actuating options and makes the interlock particularly versatile in use.
H series
With the H series, Schmersal presents a complete programme of control and signalling devices for hygiene-sensitive applications - especially for food processing. Characteristic features of the range of command and signalling devices are gap-free transitions between sealing elements and surfaces and an absence of protruding parts. The control elements are easy to clean and so well sealed that they can withstand regular cleaning with devices such as high-pressure cleaners and aggressive cleaning agents. The new series meets the requirements of DIN EN ISO 14159 and the latest version of EN 1672-2. This standard sets out very precise specifications for the hygienic design of all control elements at the human-machine interface (HMI) of food-processing machinery. Also taken into consideration was a new regulation, which formulates the requirements relating to the selection of materials for this particular area of use (Regulation 10/2011/EU). The new H range not only meets the requirements of the standards and ‘hygienic design’ construction principle but is fully modular as well. Thanks to snap-on contact carriers and individual contacts which can also be combined (also in the Huckepack principle), this concept enables very easy and rapid installation as well as maximum flexibility and the ideal preconditions for pre-wiring. A total of 147 different devices are available, including 26 mushroom pushbuttons, 24 selector switches with two or three positions and four potentiometer-rotary switches. The designer of a food-processing machine can freely decide which type of control element from the H range he wishes to use for the design of the HMI. With its wide range of different hygienic switchgear devices, the H range is unique to the market.