More applications - less costs

Schmersal is launching two new variants 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 available for the bus systems EtherNet/IP with CIP Safety and EtherCAT with FSoE.

The advantage: the designer can configure the safety functions of a machine independently of the fieldbus system used, as the three variants cover the most widely used control systems internationally.

The Safety Fieldbox from Schmersal enables flexible safety solutions, fail-safe and fast installation as well as high process transparency. It allows the simple connection of up to eight safety switching devices via plug and play. The universal device interfaces for 8-pole M12 connectors can be used to connect a wide range of different

safety switching devices such as electronic and electromechanical solenoid interlocks, sensors, control panels, light curtains or switches.

Unique selling points of Schmersal's Safety Fieldbox are that solenoid interlocks or safety light curtains only require one M12 slot and that operator panels with EMERGENCY STOP function as well as up to three non-safe command and signalling devices can be connected.

Connecting the safety switching devices via the safety fieldbox saves costs, among other things, because up to eight safety switching devices can be connected to one fieldbox. This is significantly more cost-effective than equipping each individual device with a bus interface.

An integrated digital input at each device slot allows the evaluation of the diagnostic signals of all connected safety switchgear. This means that both the safety-related and the operational signals, e.g. those required for diagnostics, are collected and transmitted. The user can use this information, for example, to detect irregularities such as a misalignment of the safety guard and thus enable early intervention in case of service. This increases the availability of the system and reduces the risk of downtime. In addition, the user benefits from a significantly simplified and thus also more cost-effective wiring of safety switchgear.