Components address safety factor in the workplace

IDEC’s KW2D series smart RFID Reader increases tracking, security, access levels, and productivity of applications. Built for easy integration into industrial systems, this device lets OEM and end users implement secure equipment identification, access control and traceability.

While KW2D works with various RFID tag formats, IDEC-supplied colour-coded key fob or card-style tags include enhanced encryption as compared with other tag types.

Lightweight, compact and designed to work on metal surfaces, it has a built-in RJ45 Ethernet port, built-in LED and auxiliary buzzer and features push-in power terminals for safety and easy connection.

In a Human Machine Interface (HMI) environment, ensuring the safety of operators and machines is given the top priority. The IDEC CAT 4 HR6S Series of Safety Relays can monitor multiple devices, process the signals and provide the logic to assure that a safe machine environment is established per the requirements of the machine designer. This includes door interlock switches, emergency stop switches, light curtains, laser scanner and other safe inputs or safe sensing products are used for detection.

It has one module for all safety input devices and with the advanced diagnostic and output functions, it is ideal for predictive maintenance. IDEC’s CAT 4 HR6S Safety Relay was actually the first Category 2 safety relay module in the industry and is ideal for low-risk machines. It features a slim body save control panel space with push-in terminals that save installation labor and prevent loosening of wires.

The IDEC SE2L Safety Laser Scanner helps protect both personnel and machinery in hazardous areas by using reflected laser beams to detect if a human or object is present. Often used with automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and forklifts, IDEC’s new SE2L covers an extended sensing distance, making it a great fit for a wide range of industrial robots, machines and other equipment. And it features the most compact foot-print on the market.

The safe break action design found only in IDEC’s XW, XA and X6 series of Safety Emergency-Stop Switches, reverses the energy direction and uses the spring-pressure to assure NC contacts will open if the emergency switch is damaged or the contact blocks are separated due to excessive force.

The NC contacts will open, even if they are welded, and stop the machine. Both the XA and XW E-Stop Switches offer up to four safe-break contacts with a depth that’s half the size of conventional E-Stop switches, meaning the switches can be used in Level 4 safety category applications.

The new IDEC HT4P Safety Commander was built on the success of the HT3P by incorporating end-user feature requests for additional networking and operator interface functionality. The ergonomic device enables users to securely hold and protect a human-machine interface (HMI) tablet while providing power, networking, hardwired E-Stop and other operator interface devices. OEMs and automation designers can now provide flexible and safety-rated operator interface options for equipment, robotics, collaborative robots, auto-mated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and other manufacturing system applications.

IDEC HE2G Grip Switches are designed for use as Deadman Switches by second operators in robotic cells. The Off-On-Off functionality provides a high level of safety based on human behavioral studies when presented with a panic situation. Its light operating force ensures worry-free operation and additional control buttons such as momentary pushbuttons, E-stop and/or key selector switch are also available.

IDEC safety components play a crucial role as workers monitor, maintain, program and directly interact with the industrial automation systems on a growing basis. They ensure worker protection, risk mitigation, durability and ultimately enhanced productivity. IDEC’s commitment to safety and innovation makes their safety components a valuable asset in today’s industrial workplaces. As a franchised distributor, Switches Unlimited supplies IDEC automation devices, safety and protection products, auto ID switches and other switches and indicators.