Change of guard in Scandanavia.

A distinguished figure is stepping down as General Manager of Pilz Skandinavien K/S. After 28 years in the role, Allan Paulsen has decided to retire.

Bjarne L'ainé Erichs

Allan Paulsen has been at the helm of Pilz Skandinavien since 1996, initially as the sole employee and with a simple office at the address Ellegårdvej 25D in Sønderborg. Since then, the company has grown considerably and now has offices in both Finland and Sweden, as well as distributor networks in Norway, the Baltic States and in Iceland.

On 1 October 2024, Bjarne L'ainé Erichs will take over as General Manager. During his 27 years with the company, most recently as Technical Manager, he has been the driving force behind the successful establishment of Pilz Skandinavien’s consulting and training department in particular.

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@PilzDK @Pilz_INT #PAuto #Scandinavia

Machine safety.

The CMSE^® - Certified Machinery Safety Expert qualification provides extensive knowledge about the required safety standards of plant and machinery. The participants qualify as a globally recognised expert for machinery safety with CMSE - and gain an internationally recognised TÜV certificate.

The course is provides a 360° approach to machinery safety:

> Risk assessment > Risk assessment workshop > Mechanical guarding > Safety components & technologies > Electrical safety

> Functional safety of control systems > Functional safety of pressurised fluid systems > Functional safety workshop > Examination and certification

The CMSE^® Application form and associated requirements are sufficiently detailed to ensure that training participants are at a level compatible with the technical content of the training and are capable of undertaking the written examination. Applicants should study the requirements carefully and complete all areas of the application form prior to submission.

Courses are held in the following  countries: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland*, Italy, Swedan, USA. If your country is not mentioned the Global CMSE Organisation should be contacted directly

They also offer online courses and  company-internal CMSE training courses. 

*Here are the dates for courses in Ireland:

@Pilz_INT #PAuto #Manufacturing #Safety

A fast, comprehensive overview of the plant.

The web-based visualisation software PASvisu now with Modbus/TCP interface and Secure-Client – Open for all visualisation tasks - but secure

Obtain a fast, comprehensive overview of a plant: that’s the purpose of Pilz’s web-based visualisation software PASvisu. The new version of PASvisu now also supports the Modbus/TCP protocol. The protocol enables all controllers to be connected quickly, along with other industrial components. The update also includes a secure Client/Server connection, enabling data from the PASvisu Server to be transferred safely to the user's visualisation system.

From the new version v1.10 for PASvisu, the web-based visualisation software supports not only OPC UA but also the Modbus/TCP protocol. This enables a simple exchange of process data between PASvisu and almost any control system. It is also possible to process data from different controllers simultaneously in one visualisation project.

As an open system, there is no need to change the existing automation infrastructure when using PASvisu: PASvisu can be used on existing machines with the available controllers. It can also be used via almost any end device, e.g. HMIs already integrated within the machine, external PCs or tablets.

“Secure-Client” ensures greater security during data exchange.  The “secure” Client/Server connection is also new. All data traffic between PASvisu Clients, Builder and the Server is now fully encrypted. At the same time user authentication has been increased: only authenticated Clients can log in to the PASvisu Server. That prevents manipulations and guarantees secure data transfer within the overall visualisation project.

@Pilz_INT #PAuto #Modbus

Safe automation: Learning how to do it.

A modular training system has been launched on the market by Pilz.  The Pilz Education Systems (PES) allows institutions of training/further education can improve the practical training in the field of safe automation technology.

In total, there are nine different control panels that can be combined with one another from the sensor technology, control, operation and maintenance sectors as well as a board that simulates a real plant. Thanks to the use of "genuine" industrial components, the safety and automation functions of a plant or machinery can be realistically simulated.

The modules of the training systems can be used straight away and combined in different ways without any further installation work. The documentation supplied is presented in such a way that the exercises can also be completed by self-study, without instruction. With this offer, Pilz addresses institutions of training/further education such as industrial companies or vocational schools and universities, for example in the fields of electrical engineering and automation.

With the Pilz Education Systems, apprentices can learn the practical basis of safe automation, for example. With the help of wiring examples, they execute their own projects and solve tasks based on predefined sample exercises. The level of difficulty can be varied: By way of an easy entry point, the trainer can for example use the modules with the basic sensor technology functions and relays. That enables them to explain the basics of machinery safety engagingly without any programming knowledge being necessary.

As the tuition progresses, modules with more complex controllers are then used (for instance, a panel on the subject of logic where students can learn how to compile more complex safety circuits with fixed or free configurations). The “conveyor belt actuator technology” control panel offers maximum focus on practicality because it represents a complete machine and its safety and automation functions.

Students should be able to commission the system using a variety of programming languages so that the workpiece on the conveyor belt is set in motion and the appropriate safety functions are triggered as necessary.

 @Pilz_INT #PAuto @PilzSafety

Safety working with robots.

The BMW Group is working with Pilz for safety when working with robot assistants, : the automation company carries out the conformity assessment including final CE marking. Thus Pilz ensures safe human-robot collaboration (HRC) at multiple production sites of the BMW Group.

One of the particular challenges when it comes to safety is presented by workstations where humans and robots work together without guards. Here the BMW Group both in Europe and in the USA is trusting in the expertise of Pilz: the automation company is conducting the conformity assessment procedures required by law at a variety of production sites of the BMW Group in Germany, England and the USA, from risk assessment through the safety concept and validation to the CE marking of multiple applications.

Pilz signs the final declaration of conformity as authorised representative, taking responsibility for ensuring that every application meets the requirements of the respective market. The BMW Group employs flexible robot assistance systems in its production. Here workers and robots work together “hand in hand” in the most confined of spaces – entirely without safety fences.

While there may and can be collisions between humans and machines, these must never present a danger to the humans. That's why the validation of HRC applications takes on particular importance: the experts from Pilz use a safe and reliable measuring process to determine whether the possible collisions are acceptable in terms of safety. With the BMW Group, as with other customers, Pilz uses a collision measuring set it has developed in-house.

@PilzSafety #Automotive #PAuto

Protection from network-based attacks!

If people, machinery and industrial processes are intelligently linked, these networks are also more susceptible to attack. The Pilz SecurityBridge protects the configurable, safe small controllers PNOZmulti and the automation system PSS 4000 from network-based attacks and unauthorised access. Plant and machinery are thus not only safe, but also secure, which ensures the safety of employees and increases the availability of the machinery.

PNOZmulti

Safety needs to do both – not only ensure protection for humans and machinery, but also offer the necessary degree of flexibility and availability in the smart factory. This requires a holistic approach in terms of safety & security, which can be supported through hardware solutions such as the Pilz SecurityBridge.

Pilz is expanding its product range with SecurityBridge to include the area of Industrial Security. It  protects the connections between the programming/configuration tools and the hardware controllers from manipulation by detecting unauthorised changes to the automation project, for example. The SecurityBridge acts as a firewall. However, unlike generic firewalls, they do not need complex configuration; thanks to application-specific default settings they are easy to commission using the plug-and-play principle.

As well as benefiting from the security aspect, users also enjoy higher plant availability because only the data that is necessary (authorised configuration and process data) is transmitted.

Pilz will also develop future products from the perspective of security, within a TÜV-certified process in accordance with IEC 62443-4-1. Aspects such as threat scenarios, strengths and weaknesses of protocols or encryption methods are taken into consideration from the outset. The following is true in networked plants: Without security, the machinery safety can also no longer be ensured.

The same applies for both security and safety: To ensure that technical measures can work, these must be accompanied by organisational measures such as handling instructions, procedures and training. The Pilz Academy also offers training courses on the topic of industrial security.

@Pilz_INT #PAuto #Cybersecurity

Automation systems facility in Cork expands.

A new €7.4 million software development centre in Cork (IRL) has been opened by Pilz. The opening of this state-of-the-art facility coincides with the 20th anniversary of the company’s presence in Ireland.

Renate Pilz, Past-President of Pilz

The new three storey 2,500 sq m facility is located next to the existing Pilz Ireland building and doubles the capacity of the overall Pilz campus in the Cork Business and Technology Park.

Set to be a global centre of excellence, it will immediately house 125 employees in the Software Product Research and Development Division. The company is actively recruiting, with 70 new jobs in total planned by 2023. This will bring total employment across the Pilz Ireland campus to 220, as Pilz implements its 2025 vision. The 2025 vision is to cement Pilz as a global provider of products, systems and services in all aspects of automation, driving the smart factories of the fourth industrial revolution.

The engineering tools used to plan, design, program and visualise Pilz automation control systems globally are conceived and developed in Cork. The investment in this new centre will allow Pilz to expand its current portfolio of automation systems, while developing their technologies around Internet of Things (IoT), analytics and new Software as a Service (SaaS) applications.

Pilz Ireland welcomed An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney TD, local business and industry leaders, and academics from University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology. Demonstrations at the event included Pilz safe automation systems. Also showcased were some of the company’s disruptive technological breakthroughs related to automation in the cloud, human-robot collaboration, and the use of Augmented Reality in both training and the development and support of automated systems.

Thomas Pilz, Managing Partner of Pilz, Renate Pilz, Retired President of Pilz and Susanne Kunschert, Managing Partner of Pilz.

Speaking at the official opening, Thomas Pilz, Managing Partner of Pilz, said: “Pilz is committed to remaining at the forefront of innovation, and this new centre at our Irish operation showcases that vision. Coupled with the milestone of 20 years of Pilz in Ireland, today marks a new step for the company in Cork as we scale and grow.”

John McAuliffe, Managing Director of Pilz Ireland and Vice President of Pilz International Services Group, added: “The cutting-edge technology in our new facility will allow the company to not only respond to the new challenges facing the global manufacturing industry but also to innovate and grow, building on our existing reputation as IoT pioneers in safe automation. Global spending on IoT is set to reach $1.29 trillion by 2020 (IDC Report) - but this is dependent on the implementation of clear Industry 4.0 strategies.

“Pilz is a member of the demonstration and research platform SmartFactoryKL and is, as a member of OPC Foundation, actively involved in formulating uniform standards for Industry 4.0. Our systems ensure workers, plants and machinery stay connected, productive and safe. This is becoming more critical as levels of automation increase to achieve agility and productivity in manufacturing.”

LtoR: John McAuliffe, Managing Director of Pilz Ireland, Simon Coveney T.D. Tánaiste & Minister for Foreign Affairs (Irl), Susan O’Connell, Vice President of Software Development at Pilz and Jose Fernandez also of Pilz.

Commenting on the event, An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney TD said: “It is fantastic to see a company such as Pilz committed to Cork, and taking their investment to the next level. The success of Pilz is a testament to the opportunities for growth in Cork and the surrounding region.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, commented: “IDA Ireland has worked closely with Pilz over the last 20 years and I would like to sincerely congratulate the entire team on this milestone today. Pilz is a progressive, forward-looking company, and this state of the art new centre will futureproof the company as it develops its next generation intelligent software.”

With custom-built office space and new laboratory facilities, the Cork campus of connected facilities will now house three Pilz Group activities: Software Product Research and Development, International Services Group and the Global Account Management team. The Pilz International Services Group develops innovative safety engineering services and training for delivery world-wide by Pilz group companies. The campus is also home to Pilz Ireland Industrial Automation, serving the Irish market with Pilz Automation Systems and Engineering Services. Pilz Ireland has significant customers in the food and beverage, medical device and pharmaceutical sectors, among others.

 #PAuto #Ireland @Springboard_PR #Ireland

Machine & process safety training schedule! (Ireland)

Pilz Ireland have announced Public Training Dates and costs for 2014 in Machinery Safety Training & Process Safety Training in Dublin & Cork (IRL)

LoTo Training

Develop a detailed understanding of the requirements of LoTo (Lock Out Tag Out), in particular in relation to Machinery Safety. The training covers both legal requirements and best practice... more information (pdf) Date: 10 September 2014 Location: Cork  Cost: €350 per person Date: 22 October 2014 Location: Dublin  Cost: €350 per person

CE Marking & Machinery Regulations

Develop a detailed understanding of the key European Directives, in particular the Machinery Directive, in relation to CE Marking and detail the process required to CE Mark a machine ... more information (pdf) Date: 09 September 2014 Location: Cork Cost: €350 per person Date: 21 October 2014 Location: Dublin  Cost: €350 per person Robot Safety This course examines how the risks associated with the use of robotic systems should be assessed and how to achieve safety with high availability and productivity... more information (pdf) Date: 02 October 2014 Location: Cork Cost: €350 per person Date: 05 November 2014 Location: Dublin Cost: €350 per person

Safe, non-contact monitoring

Pilz has now added the safe proximity switch PSENini to its safe sensor technology portfolio. PSENini detects the approach of metallic objects without using contacts. Safe detection is provided even on multiple position applications – with long cams or rotational movements. The non-wearing technology is particularly suitable for high switching frequencies and guarantees high productivity and a long service life.

PSENini are available in an IP67 design and so are suitable for use under difficult industrial conditions such as heavy soiling, shock or vibration.

The safe proximity switches supply signals relating to positions and end limits and detect metal objects with high repetition accuracy. As a result, the positions of machine components such as turntables or robots’ rotational movements can be monitored safely, so that the production process is not compromised.

The safe proximity switches provide short reaction times and user-friendly diagnostics via LED. This means that error sources can be identified as quickly as possible when a machine suffers from a safety-related shutdown.

Safe proximity switches PSENini can be connected in series – even in conjunction with Pilz safety switches PSENcode and safety gate systems PSENslock.

Series connection saves on inputs and therefore reduces the wiring effort. So less work is involved in project configuration and installation, plus there are fewer costs. What's more, existing plant and machinery can easily be retrofitted via safe semiconductor outputs.

Whether used individually or connected in series, the safe proximity switches meet the safety requirements for applications up to PL e of EN/ISO 13849-1 or Cat. 4 of
EN 954-1 and SIL CL 3 of EN 62061.

Safety of insulated supplies!

PMD s20 has now been added to the portfolio of electronic monitoring relays in the PMDsigma series from Pilz. With it, it is simply turn and click to set all the values, which can then be stored on a chip card. This gives users the flexibility to transfer data for other devices.

PMD s20 monitors the electrical safety of insulated supplies – for operating theatres, offshore installations or the electroplating industry for example – and prevents power failures due to short circuits.

Insulation monitors PMD s20 monitor the insulation resistance of unearthed AC/DC systems, simply and reliably. De-energised systems can also be monitored thanks to a separate supply voltage.
Normally energised and normally de-energised mode can be freely selected via two relay and analogue inputs.

The device is quick to assemble via spring clips, so there is no need for tools. All values are set simply and securely via a rotary encoder with key function. Set-up and commissioning times are reduced as a result.

Support for parameter setting is menu-driven on a plain text display, which also provides user-friendly diagnostics. All values can be set, displayed and called up via the display. An up-to-date measurement of the insulation resistance can also be shown permanently on the display. Once the values have been created, they can be stored on a chip card. This saves time and effort during commissioning and when exchanging units.

All setting elements are covered to protect them from unauthorised access, thereby offering increased protection against manipulation.

Insulation monitors PMD s20 have a universal power supply and are therefore suitable for universal use.

Machinery safety

Not everyone’s a mathematical genius. That’s why, as far as possible, it’s important to simplify the complex calculation of safety functions in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 and EN/IEC 62061.

So Pilz has enhanced its PAScal software tool, used to verify the functional safety of machinery. With improved libraries, which store the safety-related characteristic data for all Pilz products, the new version v1.5.0 is even more practice-oriented. It also allows you to import libraries from other manufacturers in Sistema format, the similar software assistant produced by the IFA (Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance).

As a result, PAScal can be applied quickly and simply, even across manufacturers. Libraries in PAScal can be updated automatically through the Internet.

To provide optimum support to machine designers, the internal data structure of PAScal has also been adapted.

Several data records for different operating modes can be entered for each component, so it’s no longer necessary to divide them over different library entries. Data records can be based on a particular version, so it’s possible to enter components whose performance data varies during the course of their lifecycle. And components with general fault exclusion can still be incorporated, purely for documentation purposes. Finally it is also possible to choose whether to store components with the necessary values for EN ISO 13849-1 or EN/IEC 62061.

Proven in practice
Various features and functions support speedy work practices.
Operation of PAScal is largely graphical and so is simple and intuitive. An automatic check guarantees that any changes to library entries or new libraries are taken into account, even on completed projects. A compact and clear report from PAScal replaces the normally weighty tome. For greater user convenience, the Safety Calculator provides six languages, right down to the libraries. And plenty support is available from Pilz for any questions from users.

Calculations without the headache
The PAScal Safety Calculator calculates the PL (Performance Level) or SIL (Safety Integrity Level) that safety functions on plant and machinery can achieve depending on the components that are used. The result is verified with the required PL from EN ISO 13849 or SIL from EN/IEC 62061. The results are displayed graphically, so it is easy to see how well the required safety level can be achieved at which points and with which components, or where improvements may be necessary.

Compact modules for decentralised I/O system

Compact modules are now available for the Pilz decentralised I/O system PSSuniversal.
Modules are available with 16 digital standard inputs and 16 digital standard outputs; there are also modules with digital inputs and outputs.

The three new compact modules are also compatible with the electronic and base modules in the system PSSuniversal.

Fewer components are needed when using compact modules, enabling savings to be made. The new compact modules represent an economical solution; with 16 channels, only one compact module is needed, instead of the four individual modules that used to be required.
Various connectors are available, so that the modules are suitable for 1, 2 or 3-wire connection technology.

The high packing density of the compact modules reduces the assembly area by up to 40 per cent. What’s more, replacing four individual modules with one compact module reduces the number of components required substantially, saving a considerable amount of space in the control cabinet.

Fewer modules, combined with an extremely simple connection technology, guarantee that PSSuniversal compact modules are simple to handle. Thanks to plug-in terminals which can be pre-assembled, the compact modules are ideally suitable for series applications.
In practice, the large area available for labelling the equipment identifier for each signal, plus the clear visibility of the signal and status LEDs, all make handling of these compact modules considerably easier.

Highest level of safety for up to 64 sensors

Digital input modules for the control system PNOZmulti

The IP67 digital, decentralised input module PDP67 F 8DI ION is now available from Pilz, enabling a higher number of sensors to be connected safely, even outside the control cabinet. As a result, decentralised monitoring of all sensors in the field can be connected to the configurable control system PNOZmulti.

The digital input modules enable contact-based as well as electronic sensors to be connected outside the control cabinet with as much as ease as inside, in accordance with PL e of EN ISO 13849-1 and SIL 3 of EN/IEC 62061; the unit carries out the required feasibility check. As a result, the PNOZmulti is available as an evaluation device for centralised as well as decentralised sensor technology, with proven configuration and diagnostic functions via the PNOZmulti Configurator.

Communication is via a safe data link, so up to 64 safe sensors can be monitored decentrally. Hardware costs are reduced because this solution manages without a local control cabinet and uses only a single cable for communication and supply. All the benefits of the PNOZmulti product range can be enjoyed – free and easy configuration, rapid diagnostics plus the option to monitor a wide range of safety functions with just one unit.

It’s important to note that safety level PL e of EN ISO 13849-1 is only maintained when electronic sensors are used, as these enable a feasibility check. The time needed for this feasibility check must be taken into account in the machine configuration, to ensure that an e-stop is triggered in time in the event of danger.

If contact-based sensors are used, the performance level for a corresponding interface will be assessed as PL c in accordance with the standard EN ISO 13849-1.

Safe processing of analogue values

The new automation system PSS 4000 from Pilz, now includes safe analogue input modules, which significantly extend the system’s application range. Modular, fine-granular hardware gives the automation system flexibility, enabling the design to be tailored exactly to the requirements of the plant or machine.

The control system PSSuniversal PLC of the automation system PSS 4000 now has various head modules available, to which I/O modules can be connected individually. The head modules are available in different performance classes, either for control functions, for a local preprocessing function or in the form of a pure communication interface for SafetyNET p. All head modules can be used for standard control tasks as well as safety-related control functions up to SIL3 of IEC 61508.

Applications – safe and decentralised
Applications requiring safe, decentralised recording of analogue values are now accessible with the new, failsafe analogue input modules for PSS 4000: due to the redundant input data, a safety assessment in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 PL e (Cat. 4) and EN/IEC 62061 SIL CL 3 can be achieved.

Two different modules are available for safety-related evaluation of voltage signals from -10 to +10 V or current signals from 0 to 25 mA.

Decentralised, safe recording of analogue values enables the installation work required in widely distributed plants to be reduced, thanks to short cable routes. At the same time, interference on the measuring lines is minimised, shielding measures can be reduced and compliance with installation regulations for control and power cables is much easier.

Analogue modules for extended application range
In addition to the modules for the normal application range, special versions of the module are also available for more extreme application areas. The modules have an identical function, but special measures enable them to be used under heightened environmental conditions – such as in a temperature range of -40 °C to +70 °C. Higher mechanical robustness values for vibration and shock stress also reduce the cost of mechanical compensation measures for items such as mechanical spring or absorption elements. Additional measures for control cabinet air conditioning or dehumidification are no longer needed.

Other potential application areas for safe analogue input modules include monitoring of valve positions, temperature or fill levels on process machinery, or in the field of building automation.