Productivity and safety working in harmony - Safeguard Detector from SICK

Waldkirch, May 2017 – At this year's Interpack, SICK will be presenting Safeguard Detector – a functional safety system for packaging machines, where the material serves as natural protection. The TÜV-certified safety system not only makes sure that the operator is protected when setting up the carton and loading the input magazine, it also provides a safety function without resulting in high costs.

Increase safety and productivity of packaging machines with the modular Safeguard Detector safety sensor. The Safeguard Detector consists of the Flexi Soft safety controller and two MultiPulse photoelectric proximity sensors. The Safeguard Detector securely detects whether a movable physical guard is located at a previously defined position, e.g., the packaging material in the carton magazine of packaging machines. If there is sufficient packaging in the carton magazine, then it is not possible to reach into the hazardous area while the machine is running.

Functional safety in the system

Two MultiPulse photoelectric proximity sensors are mounted on both sides of the induction line and monitor the packaging machine’s magazine. The logic for analyzing the signals is provided by certified function blocks in the modular Flexi Soft safety controller. If there is not enough material in the magazine, the hazardous area is no longer covered. Flexi Soft then safely switches the plant off and the machine’s dangerous movement is stopped.

As long as the carton magazine is sufficiently full, the Safeguard Detector will ensure safe operation. The machine can be refilled during operation so it remains productive all the time.

SICK is one of the world’s leading producers of sensors and sensor solutions for industrial applications. Founded in 1946 by Dr.-Ing. e. h. Erwin Sick, the company with headquarters in Waldkirch im Breisgau near Freiburg ranks among the technological market leaders. With more than 50 subsidiaries and equity investments as well as numerous agencies, SICK maintains a presence around the globe. In the fiscal year 2016, SICK had more than 8,000 employees worldwide and achieved Group sales of just under EUR 1.4 billion.