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KEB Automation Enhances Safety with New Encoders for DL4 Servos

Mar 29, 2024 | Motion Control & Motors

Introduction to Brusatori Electric Motors and the DL4 Series

In today’s dynamic manufacturing environment, safety is paramount. Brusatori Electric Motors, a member of the KEB Automation group, has integrated advanced safety features into its DL4 servo motor series. The DL4 servomotor range from KEB Automation now provides expanded customization opportunities, with torque options from 5 Nm to 530 Nm to fulfill functional safety requirements. Crafted, assembled, and rigorously tested in Italy, the DL4 line reflects the dedication of Brusatori (and its parent company, KEB) to delivering dependable and safe industrial solutions.

Understanding Functional Safety

Functional safety is underpinned by several critical principles that together ensure the safety of industrial environments. Luca Banfi, the sales director at Brusatori, highlights three main pillars.

  • Reliability in Design

At the core of functional safety is the reliability of the design process. This involves meticulous design scrutiny to identify and mitigate potential failure points. Through rigorous design methodologies, Brusatori aims to boost product reliability, significantly reducing the risk of critical safety incidents.

  • Addressing Object Architecture Limitations

Essential to functional safety is the examination and resolution of any limitations within the object’s architecture, encompassing system interfaces, communication methods, and structural integrity. By proactively addressing these issues, manufacturers can elevate their products’ safety standards and diminish risks related to architectural flaws.

  • Assessing Failure Probabilities

A key facet of functional safety is evaluating the probability of hazardous and unintended failures. This includes detailed risk analyses to identify potential failure modes and their probabilities. By understanding these risks, manufacturers can devise strategic interventions to lower the chances of dangerous failures, thereby enhancing system safety.

  • Legislative Compliance

While these principles are foundational, compliance with legislative frameworks also plays a vital role in functional safety. These frameworks provide guidelines ensuring adherence to established safety standards and regulations, which are essential for the safe operation and maintenance of industrial systems.

The legislative landscape acts as a benchmark for manufacturers, setting essential criteria and best practices for maintaining safety standards. Compliance helps manufacturers minimize legal risks and affirm their dedication to safeguarding the safety and integrity of both personnel and machinery.

KEB’s DL4 Motor Applications

Highlighting the intended applications for the DL4 servomotor series. Image courtesy of KEB.

Measuring Safety Effectively

The Safety Integrity Level (SIL) serves as a crucial metric for evaluating the reliability and safety of control systems. By defining safety performance standards, SIL plays a pivotal role in reducing risks associated with system malfunctions.

SIL levels signify the reliability required from safety systems to prevent mishaps. A higher SIL level denotes greater system reliability, ensuring more effective management of critical safety functions and maintaining system or machine availability. SIL is indispensable for determining the dependability of safety-critical functions and bolstering overall industrial safety.

Brusatori’s Commitment to Safety with “FS” Encoders

Brusatori introduces four new encoder variants, each marked with “FS” to signify their focus on Functional Safety. This integration enhances compatibility with other critical components like PLCs, drives, and brakes, ensuring seamless and safe operation. The update signifies a shift in Brusatori’s manufacturing process, incorporating additional assembly procedures and comprehensive testing to meet stringent safety standards and deliver exemplary products.

Through these enhancements, Brusatori reaffirms its commitment to providing safe, reliable solutions for its customers, underscoring the importance of safety in the manufacturing sector.