01 2007 www.sick.com

Dynamic safetySafe complete solution ideally implemented at MTU

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RFID at Häfele RFID system controls “SOP” at fittings producer Häfele

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Technological leadOptical distance sensors for optimum solutions

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S I C K ’ S C U S T O M E R M A G A Z I N E

A new masterpiece in distance sensors: the DS30 Page 41

The very bestThe very best

1/2007 03

: Editorial

Dear Reader,

SICK Belgium was founded 20 years ago, we have been booking double-figure growth for the last ten years, and we now have 28 employ-ees, a leading market position, and are ideally equipped to meet future challenges.

This success has been made possible by the products which allowed us to solve a wide variety of tasks, and our consistent customer orientation. The Eurologistics link with the works in Waldkirch was set up very early and, for over a decade, has guaranteed maximum delivery reliability. We work intensively on optimising Customer Relation Management, which ensures optimum customer support and the smooth processing of or-ders. The international issue of SICK insight has become an important instrument for gaining and retaining customers. Today we are proud of supplying more than 1,500 regular customers per year – machine producers, system integrators and end-users.

Change will be the only constant in future. We are already actively thinking about what tomorrow’s market will need. Customer satisfaction remains our benchmark.

I wish you a good read in this latest issue of SICK’s customer magazine.

Best wishesBernard LejourManaging Director, SICK Belgium

insightTELEGRAM++ Bosch Rexroth and SICK form tech-nical co-operation in factory automation – aim of co-operation: system solutions that can be easily and flexibly integrated – control systems from the automation company Bosch Rexroth with SICK sen-sors permit users to save time, simplify integration through open standards and co-ordinate interfaces with one another ++ SICK AG wins special “Equal Oppor-tunities” prize in February – for exem-plary processes in promoting employees

regardless of age and gender, and for company’s family orientation – 198 companies participated in “Germany’s best employers” competition – SICK AG took seventh place overall – www.greatplacetowork.de ++

In the last issue (2.2006), we regret that a mis-take crept into the picture heading on Page 30. The correct version: safetyPLUS was used for a newly implemented project at KUKA Schweissan-lagen GmbH

: Contents

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1/2007

07

OSMA lifts rely on the DKS40 incremental encoder from SICK

26

EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061 – Dr. Michael Schaefer and Michael Hauke in interview

38

Time-of-flight’s time has come – more highly sophisticated distance sensor

41: TIT

LE T

OP

IC

Volume measurement and identification as po-tentially approved-for-trade package solution

: InterviewNothing to fear from standards duo .... 38

: HMI Special .................. 40

: Products TITLE TOPIC Time-of-flight’s time has come ........... 41

Product News ...................................... 42

When safety logic manages without software ................ 44

Bluetooth hand-held scanner for industrial use ................................. 45

3D smart camera for picking systems and robots .................. 46

Safety light curtain in specific variants .................................. 47

Efficient, despite difficult contrasts ... 48

The new-generation hand-held bar code reader ................. 49

Now also for C-slots ............................ 49

First automation light curtain with IO-Link ..............................50

Remote teach-in and diagnosis ..........51

Space-saving scanner ......................... 52

New HIPERFACE® adapter modules .... 52

Safety switches: product portfolio grows further .......... 53

New 3D smart camera ........................ 54

IP 67 safety controller ........................ 55

All-round innovation and individuality ... 55

S300 Professional safety laser scanner ............................ 56

: Museum Birr Castle in the heart of Ireland ....... 57

: SICK TourSICK Robot Day 2007 ......................... 58

SICK optimises delivery reliability ...... 58

Through wild country – unmanned .... 59

SICK’s Partner Portal ........................... 59

Training 2007 ...................................... 60

Practical safetyPLUS® afternoons ...... 61

In overalls, all over .............................. 61

: Book Corner “How to get your point across in 30 seconds or less” ........................ 62

: Info Imprint/Service ................................... 63

Trade fair dates ................................... 63

: Editorial ...............................03

: Applications Sensors get flat textile products into shape ............................ 06

Revenue recovery at TNT Express ..... 07

Dynamic safety for articulated shaft spraying plant ............................ 08

Perfect package detection .................. 09

Osterwalder AG relies on positioning drive for powder presses .................... 10

Muting, not a test of courage ............. 11

RFID system at Häfele ........................ 12

Solution found for Findus ready-to-serve meals .......................... 13

Access protection around the corners 14

2D code readers at Johnson & Johnson ............................. 15

Processing checks on engine blocks .. 16

Sensor and control modernisation on a coil press ............ 17

LMS400 in the spare parts store ....... 18

Diesel aggregate Nozzle inspection .... 19

Automatic sheet metal handling ........ 20

Safety and navigation via laser .......... 21

IVC-2D smart camera at Ford ............. 22

Safe automation .................................. 23

Wagons checked by laser ..................... 23

Vertical protection .................................. 24

Camera solution packed with information .................................. 25

Lifts positioned at floor level ................ 26

Identification of articulated shafts at MTU ...................................... 27

Distance sensors control production of laminated beams ......... 28

Automatic position detection for stage sets ....................................... 28

Omni-identification for high-speed sorters .............................. 29

Color sensors hit the tape running ..... 30

HIPERFACE®-hype in high-bay warehouse ............................ 31

: SICK MAIHAK Measurement of bulk materials ......... 32

Rugged level measuring technique ... 33

: Technology Optical distance sensors ..................... 34

The new DT20 Hi distance sensor ..... 35

Identification of the second dimension 36

Single-camera system for 2D and 3D image processing ............. 37

: News

05

>> Those who are in too much of a hurry on motorways in the Swiss canton of Vaud often make the acquaintance of the motorway police. They have extreme-ly helpful informers: speed monitoring stations with integrated LMS laser meas-urement systems from SICK – tested with sports cars!

Beware flashes when no photographer in sight

An expensive “Good morning” from the motorway police

>> The tests were carried out in collabora-tion with JohnsonDiversey in Mannheim. The company is Europe’s market leader for industrial cleaning and hygiene solu-tions. JohnsonDiversey offers a consultan-cy service for users and plant constructors based on its comprehensive practical ex-pertise in the food and beverages sector.

The W9-2 series of photoelectric switches was the test victor. But other opto-sensors, such as safety light curtains in IP 67 protective housings, also demon-strated a high level of material stability in constant contact with alkaline, chlorine-containing and oxidative products.

Opto-sensors survive strength tests

Certified material stability At www.sick.com/insight you can find out how constant use over five years is simulated, whether the sensors are still capable of functioning thereafter, and why device stability in the field is not solely dependent on the resistance of the materials.www.sick.com/insight INFO 101

A glance at the food industry

Milo Frank

How to get your point across in 30 seconds or lessA well-versed expert and trainer in communica-tion techniques shows how you can learn to forcefully present your point-of-view in half a minute. A concise commentary on his book can be found on Page 62.

insightBOOK CORNER

Current trade fairs with SICK HANOVER TRADE FAIR AND INTERKAMA+

in Hanover from 16 – 24 April 2007 Stand F54, Hall 9 www.hannovermesse.de

Control – the international trade fair for quality assurance in Sinsheim from 8 – 11 May 2007

Stand 4104, Hall 4 www.control-messe.de

The monitoring systems are avail-able either in the classic column form or beautifully designed and (almost invis-ibly) integrated in the crash barriers. The accurate measurement results of the in-tegrated LMS are of decisive important for the reliability of the monitoring sys-tems and the “fine” use of the images re-corded. Not even sports car drivers have a chance: while conventional radar traps are too slow for speeds of over 250 km/h, the LMS provides top-speed measure-ment results even at 300 km/h.

20 systems are currently installed on the motorway between Lausanne and Geneva. But the speed monitoring sys-tems, certified by Metav, also prove their usefulness in urban areas – about 40 sys-tems are used in Zurich (with 80 systems planned). www.cesag.com INFO 102

: Applications

1/200706

>> Textile folding machines from espri-Tex GmbH allow a wide variety of folds for presenting flat material products,

From a single source and available worldwide

Sensors get flat textile products into shapeWhether sheets or blankets, pillow slips or towels, the textile folding machine from the Swiss textile machine producer espriTex allows the correct folding of flat material products. Whereby a variety of sensors from SICK’s automation and safety ranges ensure precise creases.

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 103or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.espritex.biz

machine . The functions integrated in the device, and the status information, permit rapid commissioning and prevent unnecessary machine downtimes.

Rotative, magnetic, opto-electronic: automation sensors in “folding” practiceA variety of automation sensors take over important functions during the fold-ing process. During each folding action, the process starts at the same point and takes the same path at a precisely calcu-lated speed. The DKS40 incremental en-coder – extremely compact and particu-larly robust – ensures precise production processes and thus the folding quality of the flat textile products. The movement and position of the various pneumatic cylinders on the folding machine are detected by MZT6 magnetic cylinders. These can be inserted into all common T-slots from above. This cuts the con-struction and installation effort. A further advantage: secure fixing. This guaran-tees maximum reliability and switching accuracy. espriTex relies on the VL180 cylindrical photoelectric reflex switch for correctly identifying the flat material products leaving the folding machine. This device ensures that the flat textile products are reliably detected on the conveyor belt, regardless of the interplay of colours or their shape.

Best folding processes replace wrin-kles on the user’s forehead – this com-plete solution from SICK helps get the flat textile products into shape.

The modular concept of the C2000 safety light curtain combines machine safety and economic efficiency

The VL180 photoelectric reflex switch detects flat textile products on the conveyor belt

such as sheets, blankets, pillow slips and towels. “Depending on the folding machine, up to 750 flat textile products can be folded each hour,” says Samuel Gerber, Managing Director of espriTex. Customers for the folding machines are found worldwide. Which is why it was so important for espriTexi that the au-tomation and safety sensors were pur-chased from a single source and would be available to their customers all over the world.

Finger safety during the folding processFolding takes place at a machine speed of at least 500 mm/s, up to a maximum of 1,000 mm/s. The mechanical folding elements in the work process pose a risk of injury for personnel. Which is why they receive Category 2 protection from the C2000 safety light curtain. The C2000’s modular concept combines machine safety with economic efficiency, as the device properties can be specifically adapted to the needs of the folding

Samuel Gerber, Managing Director of espriTex

Textile industry

: Applications

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>> The improved performance capa-bility, however, not only results in opti-mised processes, but also offers the possibility of charging each customer for the number and volume of packages actually transported. The system has also resulted in improved sorting, prepa-ration and distribution processes in the depot, as well as better process reliabil-ity, because each package has a unique identity due to its bar code, its weight and its dimensions – so packages are both controllable and traceable.

Invoicing actual performance carried outSystem components that can be cali-brated are stipulated for so-called rev-enue recovery, i.e. the possibility of cre-ating follow-up invoices for the logistic performance actually carried out. This applies to the volume detection system in addition to the scales. The VMS520 in the DWS system is a measurement system that has been certified by the Federal Institute of Physics and Technol-

Revenue recovery at TNT Express

Volume measurement and identification as approved-for-trade package solutionTNT Express has equipped its depot in Neuss with a fully automatic DWS (Dimensioning, Weighing and Scanning) system to increase productivity during the processing of packages. The calibrated VMS520 volume measurement system and the OPS490 omniportal reading system from SICK are operated as a “package solution”.

ogy (PTB) in Braunschweig on the basis of the testing parameters in the OIML R129 standard. The scale value and the calibration error limit are 0.5 cm – each related to a maximum transport speed of 2 m/s. Objects with an edge length from 50 mm upwards can be measured with “calibrated” accuracy. It can thus be used in combination with approved-for-trade scales and bar code scanners in a complete system capable of calibration.

Sorting control by omni-scannerAn OPS490 bar code reading portal has been integrated in the DWS system to identify the packages in the depot and to control their destinations for the sorting plant. In addition to an evaluation unit, the system consists of several standard scanners from the CLV490 series. The scanner, with its integrated real-time autofocus, generates a reading field of 800 x 800 mm2 within which at least one scanner can always read the bar code label. The evaluation unit controls the individual scanner’s reading activities,

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 104or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.tnt.de and www.tnt.com

processes the reading gate and path information, and assigns the bar code information to the particular object.

Up to 2,500 packages per hour demands real-time communicationThe VMS520, OPS490 and weighing sys-tem transfer their data to the controller of the entire system, and to the depot’s IT host system, via Ethernet. So all the relevant information for the sorting and revenue recovery program is available in real time – even with high package numbers.

The DWS system is not quite as quickly amortised, but within a few months – through improved processes in the depot, and the possibility of invoic-ing the actual transport services provid-ed and, if necessary, preparing follow-up invoices.

All information of relevance to sorting and revenue recovery is available in real time – Thomas Dzaeck (front) and Gerhard Stensel from TNT Express

Package processing

: Applications

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>> As the market leader in safety technol-ogy, SICK continues its integrated safety thinking and activity with safetyPLUS ®. Those who know about safety do not expect proprietary island solutions from the supplier, but open and comprehen-sive concepts; a high level of sensor, control and application competence; as well as the consideration of time-related and global dimensions – notably the machine life cycle and internationalisa-tion. Which is why Eisenmann chose SICK for the safety automation of MTU’s articulated shaft production.

MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH: technological leader in diesel engines and drive systemsThe company MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH supplies diesel engines and com-plete drive systems for ships, heavy land and rail vehicles; industrial drives; and decentralised energy plants. In addition to complete aggregates, the Articulated Shaft Product Centre at MTU annually produces about 1 million articulated shafts. Areas of use include cars and light commercial vehicles. In 2006 Eisen-

Safe complete solution, programming included

Dynamic safety for articulated shaft spraying plantWanted: safety technology system supplier with all-round service provision concept. This was Eisenmann’s “job advertisement” for the safety-oriented automa-tion of articulated shaft production at their end-customer MTU in Friedrichshafen . The position was won by SICK with safetyPLUS® – the complete solution with sensors , control technology and services from a single source.

mann – among other things, the leading international system supplier in the ar-eas of surface technology and material flow automation – obtained the order from MTU to construct a spraying and packaging plant for articulated shafts. As a plant constructor focused on its own core competences, Eisenmann sought a competent system supplier to provide support – from creating a solution for the task in hand, through planning and im-plemention, to training and service provi-sion for the end-customer. This complete package, which also included wide-rang-ing programming tasks by SICK, was vital for the job of protecting the articulated shaft plant and a subsequent packaging plant which is, to some extent, manually operated.

Dynamic protection, not a static solutionRacks of differing dimensions are used for loading and transport in the articulat-ed shaft plant. The stack of racks, empty or full, is picked up by a forklift truck. Transport to the filling station takes place by means of a stationary steel-plate con-

veyor system. The empty racks are filled with articulated shafts at a manual work-place. Depending on how high the stack is, it is moved to a comfortable height for the workers. The racks are moved by means of a line gate with a gripper on the Z-axis. Three of these structures are set up in the plant near one another. The fact that the gates are also moved for use in a variety of departments necessi-tates a dynamic adaptation of the safety area during running operation – without loss of safety while the operating mode is changed.

Systematic safety: sensors, control and service from a single sourceThe UE4470 safety controller is at the heart of the system solution, in addi-tion to inductive safety sensors of the IN4000 series, C4000 safety light cur-tains, and M4000 multiple light beam safety devices. The UE4470 is integrat-ed in the PROFIBUS-DP environment and allows appropriate sensors (such as safety light curtains), emergency stop buttons, or gate safety queries to be logi-cally linked to one another via certified functional blocks. This allows process-oriented activation or deactivation of the particular protective areas and systems in the articulated shaft plant. Status, diagnostic and fault messages are de-tected and processed locally and via the network during operation. The constant testing of the connected components for correct function takes place by means of so-called test signals.

Safety automation of MTU’s articulated shaft production with safetyPLUS®

The C4000 safety light curtain is easily integrated

Production of articulated shafts

: Applications

09

Safe complete solution, programming included

Dynamic safety for articulated shaft spraying plant

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 105or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.mtu-online.com and www.eisenmann.com

>> The joint development between the Bremen Institute of Industrial Technology and Applied Work Science (Biba), Astrium Space Transportation and Deutsche Post World Net lasted four years. The result was presented a few months ago: the world’s first fully au-tomatic package robot that can unload containers autonomously. Among other things, the new package robot first had to learn to perceive and analyse its sur-roundings in order to derive the correct handling steps to enable automation of the physically heavy unloading work on the ramp.

LMS200 – the eye of the robot The LMS200 laser measurement system provides the essential visual capabil-ity. The laser optics, measurement unit and evaluation electronics are accom-modated in a compact housing. The maximum operating range is 80 m, and is 10 m with just 10% object reflectivity – this allows the robot’s control system, developed by the EADS aerospace sub-sidiary Astrium Space Transportation, to navigate in the direction of the container and detect the packages at close range. The very fine angular resolution of 0.25° allows the reliable detection of even the smallest of details. The LMS200 has an adjustable angular range of between 0° and 180° – so that measurement fields of differing widths can be adjusted ac-

Perfect package detection

A robot unpacksRobots have long been able to insert packages into a freight container. Automati-cally taking packages out of containers has only become possible recently – not least thanks to the LMS200 laser measurement system.

cording to, for example, the size of the freight container. With the help of the LMS200’s powerful evaluation unit the robot can rapidly and accurately detect the position of the individual packages and grip them with its vacuum-supported six-joint hand. Then the robot sets down the package on a conveyor belt behind it, which transports it further into the freight or logistical centre.

Serial production in spring 2007The trials that the automated unloading system underwent at the Deutsche Post Net World were so successful that the Bremen company ThyssenKrupp Krause has further developed it for serial produc-tion and is now selling it worldwide under licence. The first practical use started in March at DHL’s Logistics Centre in Essen . Other well-known companies from Ger-many, Italy, Finland, Denmark, the USA and Iran have already shown interest in purchasing it.

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 102or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.robotik-logistik.de

Planned safety is cost-minimised safetyThe wide-ranging safety technology colla-boration with a system supplier during the MTU project has paid off for Eisen-mann. Thus expert knowledge could al-ready be taken into account during the conception, draft and project planning of the articulated shaft plant, e.g. during the risk analysis and the development of a dynamic safety concept. This made a major contribution to preventing sub-sequent, potentially expensive, modi-fications brought about by problems that might have been overlooked. The necessary safety products, including the safety and user software, could thus be combined and taken into account in construction terms, resulting in a cus-tomised and cost-optimised safety solu-tion for MTU in its safety and automation functions.

Summary: for Eisenmann, in safety and system technology terms, the MTU project not only acts as a reference, but also as a benchmark for future projects of this type.

The UE4470 flexible safety controller is at the heart of the system solution

Unpacking system

Phot

o: B

iba

: Applications

1/200710

>> Ostwerwalder AG is a technological leader in the area of system solutions for pressing iron, ceramic, or hard metal powders and other materials. Customers for powder presses such as the UPP 8000 are sub-contractors for the automotive industry that use the plants to produce drive parts and other complex products. “These customers place particular worth on flexible use of the machines, on great precision, and on minimising downtimes and equipping times”, says Urs Straub in Osterwalder’s Electro-construction Dept. “Adjusting eight axles and more manually within a short time and with an accuracy of 0.01 mm is very demand-ing with mechanical handwheels.” With HIPERDRIVE® , Osterwalder AG is using a positioning solution that offers both ra-pidity and precision.

Osterwalder AG relies on positioning drive for powder presses

Goodbye manual workThe Swiss company Osterwalder AG equips its fully hydraulic powder presses with HIPERDRIVE® positioning drives for adjusting the limit stops of axles. Time savings combined with more precise adjustability are the most important arguments for HIPERDRIVE® – and against mechanical handwheels.

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 106or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.osterwalder.com

Absolute measurement system with PROFIBUS connectionHIPERDRIVE® (Highly Integrated Perform-ance Drive) is an integrated positioning drive in which the motor, drive, absolute measurement system, and performance and regulatory electronics are accommo-dated in a single compact housing. The absolute detection of the angle of rota-tion provides a unique positional value for each axle position – no reference run is necessary when starting up the auto-matic powder presses. The positioning drive is integrated in the CNC machine control system via a PROFIBUS-DP clip-on module. “This was also a decisive ar-gument for using the positioning drive – because the more axles a press has, the more the PROFIBUS connection reduces the wiring effort,” adds Urs Straub.

Rapid and precise Up to now, the adjustment spindles have been very difficult for machine operators to reach because of the large dimen-sions of the powder presses. “Reaching and precisely adjusting the axle limit stops takes a certain amount of time,” Urs Straub remembers. “It is now much quicker with the HIPERDRIVE® position-ing drive, because the machine opera-tor does not need to climb onto the ma-chine to adjust the axles manually one after the other. He or she can now simply position the limit stops more comfort-ably, more quickly, and more accurately in the 0.01 mm range – at the touch of a button.”

Adjustment of the axle limit stop with HIPERDRIVE® improves both the pow-der presses’ user-friendliness and their adjust ment and repeatability accuracy.

Above: The HIPERDRIVE® positioning driveLeft: The upper and lower sections of UPP 8000 powder presses each have four motor-regulated axles as standard

Powder press

: Applications

11

>> And courage is definitely required if one is working on an automatic palletiser whose safety monitoring has been modi-fied by non-experts in the works.

Signals are “lost”Modifications frequently result – as in a real case known to ACMI – from prob-lems during the process. Fully loaded pallets – in this case with glass bottles and large tins – correctly triggered the muting function during entry to the pal-letiser. But the muting sensor signals were sometimes “lost” when the pallets were only partially loaded. The conse-quence: a machine stop, reduction in throughput, and loss of production. It did not take long to find the solution to this problem – the muting sensors were simply implemented in the plant for as long as it took for all the signals to be restored. The safety risks involved were

Muting, not a test of courage

Palletiser safetyThe palletiser producer ACMI protects its systems with the M4000 Advanced multi-ple light beam safety device together with the UE403. They provide the ideal muting solution and prevent “mounting modifications” caused by “courageous” employees.

not initially apparent, either to the plant user or the employees.

Decentralised muting with M4000 Advanced and UE403 ACMI takes its responsibilities as a ma-chine producer seriously and reacted ap-propriately. Protection of the palletiser was switched to the M4000 Advanced. It was the ideal solution for local connection of the WL250 muting photoelectric switches with the help of the safe UE403 switching device – and decentralised implementa-tion of the muting function. The LED mut-ing indicator lamp is already integrated in the end cap of the M4000 – further reducing the wiring and mounting effort involved. The timing and logical sequence

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 107or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.acmispa.com

sures that this process now functions properly for pallets with any load. Thus maximum safety is achieved because passage of the pallets out of the palletis-er, past the photoelectric safety switch, triggers full activity of the safety system, even if the muting sensors are still sup-posed to be active. In the case of only half-loaded pallets, the partial cutting out of the beams of the photoelectric safety switch – compared to complete muting – ensures increased safety, be-cause at least the uppermost beam re-mains active .

Thanks to muting with the M4000 Advanced and UE403 it is no longer pos-sible for palletiser safety to be compro-mised.

Top: The M4000 multiple light beam safety device with UE403 – the perfect muting solutionRight: The LED muting indicator lamp (green) is already integrated in the end cap of the M4000

of the muting sensor signals are detected and evaluated when a pallet passes the muting station before entry to the haz-ardous area, preventing transport being switched off by the protective system.

Permanent safety The adjustable filter time on the UE403 signal inputs for the muting sensors en-

Palletiser

: Applications

1/200712

>> Day in, day out, the high reading reli-ability of RFID systems ensures the de-pendable detection and process-orient-ed diversion off the conveyor belt of all packages tagged for special order pick-ing – despite their metallic content.

Special order picking: yes or no?

RFID system controls “SOP” at fittings producer HäfeleAbout every four minutes, an RFID system from SICK checks whether a package needs to be diverted for special order picking (SOP) at Häfele’s central depot in Nagold. After successful technology trials at SICK’s Test Centre, the complete so-lution was installed in collaboration with system integrator Dematic.

Häfele – gateway to the world of fittings Häfele is a leading international com-pany for furniture fittings, architectural fittings, electronic locking systems, and advice on fittings for buildings. At its

headquarters in Nagold, Häfele runs its own central warehouse with a despatch centre. A comprehensive range of about 50,000 types of fittings is stocked in over 100,000 storage bays, administered, picked for orders, and despatched for worldwide delivery at short notice. More than 3,500 orders are processed at the central warehouse every day. If incorrect quantities are collected for the various order items, a package unit must be marked as incomplete and diverted off the conveyor for special order picking.

RFID – the right technologyDuring reorganisation and expansion work RFID, in the form of the 13.56 MHz system from SICK, was selected for this task. The RFI341 Radio Frequency Inter-rogator read/write device offers a high reading speed, communication ranges of up to 1.2 m and an integrated splitter for the connection of two antennae. The

RFID systems ensure dependable detection, and process-oriented diversion of the packages off the conveyor belt

Order picking

The RFI341 read/write device’s high reading accuracy, communication range of up to 1.2 m, and antennae techno-logy that can be modified customer-specifically are impressive

: Applications

13

Special order picking: yes or no?

RFID system controls “SOP” at fittings producer Häfele

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 108or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.haefele.com

They look delicious in their black dishes – the ready-to-serve meals from the southern Swedish producer Findus. But it takes a special photoelectric proximity switch – the WT18-3 – to ensure that the elk steak, salmon or tagliatelle lands in its dish accurately.

ed to look around a bit and seek a suitable solution on the market in order to ensure that the rim of the dish would be reliably detected in future.

WT18-3: detects all dish rimsFood-oriented robustness, a large detec-tion range with reliable background sup-pression, and dependable detection of black surfaces – only one device passed the comprehensive sensor tests involving the combination of these three “automa-tion ingredients”: the WT18-3. “This pho-toelectric proximity switch withstood the stresses of cleaning and, thanks to its new type of chip technology, offered the best detection tolerance – so that we did not need to keep making millimetre-accurate fine adjustments. Installed 50 mm above the conveyor system, no dish rim remains undetected,” Anders Sandblom explains his positive response and why the WT18-3 has now become the works standard at Findus.www.findus.com INFO 109

For 100,000 jet black dishes per day

Solution found for Findus ready-to-serve meals

The robust WT18-3 photoelectric proximity switch reliably detects the edge of the dish and ensures full plates

RFID units were specially adapted for the requirements at Häfele. ISO card trans-ponders of type TI, that the order picker attaches to the package in a transparent plastic bag with a clip, are used to iden-tify the SOP packages.

Optimised by SICK in its RFID Test CentreThe RFID solution was configured, tested and optimised at SICK’s Test Centre. The subsequent system at Häfele, set up by system integrator Dematic, could there-fore be implemented rapidly and smooth-ly, without any surprises. The reading station was mounted on an intermediate platform in the central warehouse. The approaching packages – or sometimes plastic containers with loose parts or little material – are separated by about 1.5 m. Every 3 or 4 minutes the reading system is triggered by a new package with an ISO transponder. When a good read signal is detected, the RFID system activates the pusher that diverts the SOP package out. Thus the RFID system de-tects the packages that need checking – from 530 packages per hour.

High stability in practical useThanks to the RFI341, the ISO card transponder is read with high identifica-tion reliability during practical operation. The high detection rate achieved re-mains constant even if the packages are at an angle of 45° on the conveyor sys-tem – which may occur on the set-down ramps of the packing places.

Summary: robust, powerful reading devices; modified customer-specific an-tennae technology; transponders with the right packaging and with suitable attachment to the object – the RFID sys-tem from SICK creates a system solution for a variety of tasks.

>> “Given the vibrations, and the several cleaning processes per day with high-pres-sure jets and alkaline detergents, I would not want to be a photoelectric switch here,” Anders Sandblom, Automation En-gineer at Findus, describes the operating conditions for the photoelectric proximity switches along the 1.2 km filling line. “And because we changed from white paper dishes to black plastic ones for aesthetic reasons, the old sensors didn’t have a chance.”

On or beside the dish – the rim is decisiveFindus produces almost 100,000 ready-to-serve meals every day. Thus space on the conveyor system is correspond-ingly tight: an uninterrupted flow of black dishes passes the individual filling stations – which always have to know whether the dish has arrived. “The sensors did not al-ways provide the correct answer – and the elk steak would miss out on its sauce,” An-ders Sandblom remembers. Findus decid-

The food industry

: Applications

1/200714

>> The answer is yes, the M4000 Stand-ard multiple light beam safety device. It is used on a variety of sheet metal processing machines at TRUMPF, one of the world’s leading suppliers of machine tools for laser cutting, stamping, form-ing and bending. Several machines can be monitored simultaneously by a single system – with the help of deflector mir-rors. The M4000 Standard has an inte-grated AS-i Safety at Work interface. This allows the photoelectric safety switch to be integrated in the communication structure as a safe sensor.

Modularity is TRUMPF’s trumpTRUMPF relies on modular plant con-cepts that permit expansion of the ma-chines with differing modules – right up to complete production cells. The same applies for the level of automation, which is also designed customer-spe-cifically. Therefore the safety technology used to protect the machine or plant must also exhibit a correspondingly high level of flexibility in order to meet all the demands with as few basis components as possible. This is why TRUMPF exploits the two-beam version of the M4000 Standard multiple light beam safety de-vice from SICK.

Access protection “around the corners”

Many questions – one answer

Is there a protective system with which one can protect both a single machine or a complex production cell? Is there a solution with which one can simultaneously monitor several sides (in effect, “around the corners”) with just one Category 4 safety sensor? And is there such a system with an AS-i bus?

M4000 – leading safety technologyWhether Standard or Advanced (inde-pendent of the particular functional scope required), access protection is the fundamental function of all M4000 devices. Single- or multi-sided access protection is achieved with the M4000 Standard, which offers numerous fea-tures that are not really “standard”: the laser alignment aid, the configuration buttons on the device, the LED indica-tor lamp on the receiver housing, the separate connection on the receiver for direct wiring of the reset button, and the integrated AS-i Safety at Work interface. Of these, TRUMPF principally exploits the following advantages on its Tru Laser laser cutting systems and TruPunch punching machines.

TRUMPF’s trump no. 1: the integrated alignment aidWith the assistance of deflector mirror columns, the M4000 Standard can pro-tect all of a machine’s open sides with just a single system. The integrated alignment aid provides simple adjust-ment of the transmitter, mirror columns and receiver. The consequence is rapid commissioning, considerably reduced servicing, and fewer machine down-

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times – in brief: greater machine avail-ability.

TRUMPF’s trump no. 2: the integrated AS-i Safety at Work interfaceIn communication terms, TRUMPF re-lies on the Actuator Sensor Interface (AS-i). As the M4000 has an integrated AS-i Safety at Work interface it can be connected to the yellow AS-i bus cable by means of an M12 clip. This provides both the M4000’s power supply and reliable signal transfer via the two-wire cable. This offers TRUMPF a decisive advantage: the control concept of the entire plant is simplified and the wiring effort reduced.

Free machine access and AS-i connec-tion: the M4000 Standard is highly con-vincing.

The new PM3S mirror columns – greater availability due to more robust column profile and simpler alignment thanks to mirror area that is 40% larger

The M4000’s integrated laser beam considerably simplifies alignment, par-ticularly with several mirror deflections

Protecting machine tools

: Applications

15

>> Johnson & Johnson is the world’s largest health care company. Its prod-ucts are sold in 175 countries and range from successful baby and body care brands, through hygiene products and medicinal cosmetics, to pharma-ceuticals, surgical wound care, im-plants and minimum invasion instru-ments. The Group consists of 200 com-panies, with about 110,000 employees in over 54 countries worldwide – e.g. in Thailand . The works here supplies sev-eral countries in South-East Asia. For a long time, products such as wet wipes or talcum powder were logistically con-trolled and tracked solely on the basis of their bar codes. But the EAN 13 bar codes contained no country-specific differentiation – so it was always pos-sible that products with linguistically differing packaging could get mixed up, and an end-customer in, say, the Philippines , received products destined for Taiwan!

Country and language information integrated in 2D codeThe idea of attaching a second “coun-try bar code” was quickly abandoned for space and cost reasons. Instead Johnson & Johnson now uses an ad-ditional small data matrix code with a

Tracking & tracing in the medicinal field with 2D code readers

Babylonian misunder-standings straightened outAn end to Spanish packaging for Taiwan, Chinese labels on products destined for Singapore – the use of ICR840 2D code readers at Johnson & Johnson in Thailand has allowed the prevention of products going to the wrong countries.

cell size of just 0.33 mm x 0.33 mm, for which there is enough space on the packaging and which does not adverse-ly affect the design of the packaging or label. It was therefore necessary to find a suitable reading system that could read the codes at a speed of 0.4 m/s on a transport system while coping with the critical packaging surface (similar

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to plastic), and which was also easy to use and program.

More than a dozen production lines equipped with ICR840sSICK Singapore suggested the ICR840 as a solution – the local integrator Plan-et T&S inserted the 2D code reader, with its 1.3 megapixel CMOS matrix sensor, into a total solution with a PC, PLC and control unit. Integrated software assist-ants simplified Ethernet connection and the teach-in of the codes to be de-tected. The image repeat rate is 25 Hz with an image field of 44 x 35 mm2 and a resolution of 0.2 mm. If the location of the code on the object is known (due to technical process conditions, for exam-ple), the reading field can be restricted if desired, and the image repeat rate increased to over 100 Hz – which leads to a multiple reading of each code, and thus to increased process reliability, as the code is reliably detected several times as it passes by.

After successful initial trials, Johnson & Johnson ordered a total of 17 complete reading stations for its production lines. Since then, there has been no more mixing of products – and an end to the Babylonian linguistic con-fusion.

The ICR840 stationary 2D reading device reads the country and language informa-tion integrated in the small data matrix codes

Pharmaceuticals

1/200716

: Applications Production system

>> Displacement sensors with CMOS technology, such as the OD Max, meas-ure in the micron-range. They monitor the presence and positions of objects, measure profiles and diameters, regulate processes, and take on other quality-in-specting functions. For example, on the engine blocks and cylinder heads of the automotive supplier Nemak (which spe-cialises in aluminium engine blocks), the tasks here are to check whether the re-moval of material at a cutting station has taken place as defined, and whether the surface of the engine has been damaged. The high-precision sensor that is required must be installed far enough away from the robot’s handling area.

OD Max – the maximum solutionThe OD Max was chosen for a variety of reasons. The OD350 version offers a measurement range from 250 mm to 450 mm with an accuracy of +/– 0.2 mm. This meets both the distance and accu-

Processing checks on aluminium engine blocks

Detailed inspections over long distancesFanuc Robotics has implemented a fully automatic engine block testing system at the automotive supplier Nemak in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Installed at a safe distance from the robot, OD Max displacement sensors very precisely detect the processing quality of the aluminium die-casting.

racy requirements. The CMOS technology of the OD Max measures both reflective and rough aluminium surfaces extremely reliably and with micron resolution. The concept of a separate sensor and evalu-ation with an LCD display is characterised by the simplest possible installation, com-missioning and operation. With four ana-logue outputs, five switching outputs and an RS-232 interface, the OD350 offers all the important data output methods.

Nothing wrong with the height differenceA Fanuc robot moves the cylinder block to the inspection station after it has been processed in the cutting centre. At the inspection station, three OD350s are in-stalled on a profile column in such a way that they can view on the quality-relevant locations of the die-cast surface of the engine. Using distance measurements, the surface of the semi-finished part is aligned parallel to the sensor faces before

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the actual quality inspection. Then the ro-bot moves the cylinder block linearly so that the surface can be measured by the displacement sensors. Calculation of the height difference between the unproc-essed and processed surface is based on this measurement. Everything is in order when the height difference lies in toler-ance with the pre-set height difference. The height difference to be achieved can be between 0.25 mm and 3 mm. If it is greater than this, the cylinder block will require extra processing. If lower, the part is defective.

Measurement with SICK displace-ment sensors and Fanuc robots at Nemak means that quality can be as-sured on the line.

Determines whether the cylinder block requires repair – in the μ-range: the OD Max displacement sensor with CMOS technology

: Applications

17

>> Franke makes a comprehensive range of coils at its works in Bad Säckingen – one of Europe’s largest and most modern coil production sites. More than 100 models are available, made of either stainless steel or high-quality coloured composite materials, supplemented by professional module elements and customised stainless steel products. A Schuler Hydrap 630 press has been doing its duty here for years. It was recently brought right up to date in safety terms.

Protection of hazardous areas, area blanking, prevention of accessThe SICK LVU safety curtains previously used could no longer be maintained, for economic reasons, and were replaced by the latest safety technology. Two C4000 Advanced, with a field height of 1,650 mm and 14 mm resolution for hand protection, monitor the hazardous press table from the front and the back. One 450 mm C4000 Standard each is connected as a guest via the expansion sockets. With a resolution of 40 mm, they are used on the two sides of the press to prevent access from around the safety field. In particular operating modes, cut waste is transported out of the hazard-ous area via a conveyor system during the pressing of coil blanks. For this pur-pose, the conveyor system – monitored by SICK safety switches – is pneumati-cally inserted into the press space from above. During this activity, the light cur-tains dynamically blank out the press table. The safety function is then taken over by another C4000 Standard on the conveyor system itself.

The UE470 takes over the complete safety managementWith reaction times of under 10 ms, the UE470 is the most rapid safety control-ler of its class. It is specially designed for the safety automation of presses and has parameterisable application- specific function modules. A total of fifteen inputs , eight outputs (of which two out-

Modernised under one’s own steam, certified by SICK

Sensor and control modernisation on a coil pressThe aim of modernising the Schuler Hydrap 630 press at coil producer Franke was to achieve new safety on an existing production plant. Engineers at the company mounted five safety light curtains and integrated them in the UE470 compact safety controller themselves.

put pairs that can be used as safety out-puts), two-hand functionality and double bypass offer comprehensive function and control possibilities. In addition , two safe input pairs (for electro -sensi-tive protective equipment from SICK) are available with an internal device in-terface. The integrated Test Pulse and Protective Function connection options make the UE470 a versatile and flexible solution for protecting machines. Four of the UE470’s five possible operat-ing modes are used at Franke: without blanking front and back, with blanking front and back, with blanking front with-out blanking back, and without blanking front with blanking back. These cover all the potential safety-relevant process states.

With a solemn promise: upgrade certified by SICKThe press underwent a safety inspection by SICK specialists after completion of the modernisation work. The successful inspection was confirmed and certified with SICK’s inspection seal – accred-ited by the German Accreditation Body, Technology (DATech).

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Hand protection and prevention of access from behind the press – with the C4000 safety light curtain

After more than ten months operation the user is completely satisfied with the new system – maintenance times have been greatly reduced and productivity has risen accordingly.

The UE470 compact safety controller with reaction times of less than 10 ms

Protecting presses

: Applications

1/200718

>> Level Control – i.e. the regulation of filling height – is increasingly required in processes related to production, packag-ing and logistics. This is because over- or under-deliveries rapidly impair quality and corporate image, and can lead to high costs if parts are missing, custom-

There is no replacement for delivery quality…

…not even in the spare parts store!150,000 different articles – original spare parts, tyres, accessories, and consum-ables for Audi, Porsche, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen – are stored in the central spare parts store of Switzerland’s AMAG Automobil- und Motoren AG. There is, how ever, no replacement for the LMS400 laser measurement system with Level Control – and the view it offers into the transport boxes.

ers obtain too many goods or when – as was the case at AMAG – the circulatory system believes that there are still goods in what are actually empty transport box-es. Containers that are not empty may also cause two types of error: the goods are not all removed from the transport box in the Outgoing Goods Dept. or the transport boxes with the goods enter the circulatory system without any de-fined destination. If returned boxes are re-stored without inspection, such errors remain undetected and lead to wasted time, complaints and clarification effort for both customers and AMAG, as well as costs for correcting the error.

No costs thanks to 100% view in the boxesThis task has been solved in AMAG’s cen-tral spare parts store in Buchs near Zurich with the LMS400, integrated in the plant by the Swiss logistics company Swisslog. The measurement system has been in-stalled on a frame above a segment of the conveyor system, via which the boxes are transported to the despatch area at a speed of 1.2 m/s. When a box ap-proaches, the trigger signal generated by a photoelectric switch initiates the meas-urement process. The floor of the box (di-mensions: 600 mm x 400 mm x 270mm) is scanned while passing below the frame.

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Whereby every object in the box, down to a size of 50 mm x 50 mm x 20 mm, is reliably detected. Even objects that form a completely homogeneous surface – for example a complete layer that has not been removed – are reliably detected. Thus AMAG ensures that only empty boxes are stored in the empty container stores and that consignment errors are reliably prevented during the delivery of about 11,000 items per day.

Assured delivery quality with styleThe process, cost, and image advan-tages gained by using the LMS400 are available to numerous applications and sectors, e.g. distribution centres; mail order houses; courier, express and pack-age service providers; breweries; dairies or food producers.

The blue “box of tricks” for a view in-to the box: the LMS400 now allows even small objects with unfavourable detec-tion properties to be reliably detected in moving containers – with an all-in-one sensor.

In the AMAG central spare parts depot, every object is reliably detected in the box thanks to filling height regulation

The measurement system – installed in a gantry above a segment of the conveyor belt

Automotive

: Applications

19

Nozzle inspections for diesel aggregates

First find, then measure

The automatic inspection of holes with diameters of 0.2 mm is already difficult enough. It becomes a real challenge when the position of the hole varies and it must first be found. This is where the IVC-2D smart camera comes into its own as a clever measurement solution.

>> VMK Engineering – a developer and producer of both individual machines and complete automated production lines – approached SICK in the Czech Republic. The company had developed a machine for a customer for produc-ing valves for diesel aggregates and was seeking a way of checking that the noz-zle diameter of 0.2 mm was maintained with an accuracy of +/–0.02 mm. As a result of the shape of the casting, howev-er, the nozzle opening was not centrally located but off-centre. This meant that

the inspection system first had to find the nozzle in its random position before measuring it.

The solution: camera inspection with background lightSome other sensor solutions “lost” the nozzle – but not the IVC-2D. It is installed above the test-piece which is backlit, al-lowing measurement using a transmit-ted light process. The camera has a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. A single image capture step allows the position

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Left: The IVC-2D smart camera checks the nozzle diameter of 0.2 mmTop: The correct server software was also programmed

of the hole to be found first by scanning its edges, and then determines whether the diameter of the hole is within the pro-grammed tolerance value.

From the feasibility study to the complete solutionThe first feasibility study in SICK’s appli-cation laboratory was just as success-ful as the live trials at VMK. The display of the inspection process with the help of the IVC Studio visualisation program showed that the camera could both find the nozzles and reliably measure their diameter. And incidentally, SICK in the Czech Republic also programmed the ap-propriate server software after a request from VMK, and supported integration of the complete solution in the machine.

VMK, however, is not only very sat-isfied with the support it receives from SICK, but also with the IVC-2D itself: it has so far exhibited over 99.8% reliabil-ity during more than 10,000 measure-ments.

Machine tools

1/200720

>> The LiftMaster series from Trumpf Sachsen GmbH in Neukirch is a pivoting system for the automatic handling of un-treated sheet metal, sheet metal blanks and grids on flatbed laser cutting ma-chines. The LiftMaster, available in four sizes, has a basic design that consists of a suction frame vertically mounted on a lifting column. The sheet metal to be used is first picked up by the vacuum suction system from a stack of untreated sheets. Then so-called “transport catch-ers” close below the raised sheet so that the sheet lies upon them during the piv-oting movement and the vacuum supply can be switched off. During the putting-down process, the LiftMaster suction frame takes over the sheet again, the catchers open, and the sheet is laid on the machine pallet.

Photoelectric switch manages automatic sheet metal handling

Trumpf’s trumpsWhether for detecting limit stops, individual sheets of metal, and storage slats on machine pallets, or determining the height of a stack of sheet metal –the compa-ny Trumpf Sachsen GmbH consistently relies on the WS/WE18-3 through-beam photoelectric switch for automation of its flatbed laser cutting machines.

Pick-up and set-down with the WS/WE18-3Trumpf Sachsen solves all the detection tasks with the WS/WE18-3 through-beam photoelectric switch. Three WS/WE 18-3 units are used on each suction frame – one longitudinally on one side of the sheet metal, and two transversely above the format diagonals. They are installed in a protective housing on the frame to protect them from damage or

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unintentional readjustment. Before a metal sheet is picked up there is a check to ensure that no positioning limit stops are still present on the storage wagon upon which the stack of unprocessed metal sheets sit. Then it is necessary to ensure that only one individual sheet is raised – and that it is lifted in its entire-ty. The machine pallet’s set-down slats must be detected before the catchers open when the sheet is to be set down.

The flatbed laser cutting machine with pivoting LiftMaster system

During placing of the cut sheets on the finished parts stack, the WS/WE18-3 units determine the height of the stack so that the suction frame can be lowered to the right level.

These photoelectric switches are trumpsThe WS/WE18-3’s immunity to vibra-tions, its long range, and its reliable function – even if contaminated by parti-cles stemming from the cutting process – proved decisive arguments for Trumpf Sachsen. Thus these photoelectric switches are Trumpf’s trumps for auto-mation of the LiftMaster.

: Applications Flatbed laser cutting machine

From left to right: Martin Sittig, Roland Hackenjos (both from SICK) and Matthias Höer from Trumpf Sachsen GmbH

The WS/WE18-3 through-beam photo-electric switch in its protective housing on the suction frame

: Applications

21

>> Since its founding, Proxaut in Mode-na has been one of Italy’s technological leaders – the country which produces the most automated guided vehicles. Whether ProxCAR, ProxMAG or Prox NAVY – all vehicle series offer flexible auto-mated guided solutions. Their list of ref-erences includes the food giant Nestlé, the glass producer Saint Gobain, and other companies in the paper, ceram-ics or plastics industry – demonstrating their wide-ranging field of activity.

S3000 is the safety standard“In terms of safety, the S3000 Profes-sional is our standard solution,” says Ste-

SICK: safety and navigation via laser

Flexible sensors for flexible solutionsDifferent sectors often require differing intralogistical transport solutions. The Italian AGV producer Proxaut can offer this flexibility – not least through the use of S3000 safety laser scanners and NAV200 navigation systems.

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fano Ballotti from Proxaut. With its shaft encoder input and switchable path- and speed-dependent protective and warn-ing fields, the scanner offers decisive prerequisites for mobile use.”

The most flexible navigation solutionHe sees the NAV200 navigation system as the ideal supplement, whenever re-quired, because it allows considerably more flexible adaptation to the path layout and conditions in the hall than, for example, wire-guided systems. “The NAV200 offers an accuracy of < 5 mm and thus enables vehicles to stay on the drive paths while achieving highly

accurate docking processes,” confirms Stefano Ballotti. Like optical radar, the NAV200 detects reflectors mounted in the area at distances of up to 30 m and through 360°. Combination of the angle and distance provides accurate determi-nation of the vehicle’s position and align-ment.

S3000 and NAV200 – the perfect duo from SICK for flexible AGV solutions.

Left: Stefano Ballotti from Proxaut in front of an AGV equipped with the NAV200 and S3000 Professional

Automated guided vehicles

: Applications

1/200722

>> Reflective surfaces, omnidirectional reflections, difficult contrast relation-ships – what only allows middling read-ing results with the complicated “mam-moth” image processing system used at another location is no problem at all for the compact IVC-2D.

Reading numbers and characters at Ford

2D smart camera detects CARIN bestThere’s a fiesta mood at Ford’s Fiesta body shop: a solution has finally been found for reliably reading the CARIN (CAR Identification No.) – with the IVC-2D smart camera.

Car body identification: focused on CARINCARIN plates with a sequence of 7 num-bers and letters are used to identify car bodies at the Fiesta B-Car body shop at Ford’s works in Cologne. The plates are etched on two machines, manually in-serted in a riveting tool (depending on pro-duction frequency), and riveted onto the front partition panel in the engine com-partment. It was necessary to find a solu-tion for reading the CARIN plates in order to rule out any mix-ups – and the corre-

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sponding extra effort this would involve in the final acceptance line before transfer to the spray shop. Ford’s essential demands were: a compact sensor housing for instal-lation on a pneumatic pivoting arm, high reading reliability in difficult conditions, integration in Ford’s ILVS (In-Line Vehicle Scheduling) system, and visualisation of the CARIN codes on a monitor.

Better reading with the IVC-2DPositive experiences with SICK’s smart cameras in other Ford assembly areas led to the idea of also using the IVC-2D for this task. The first trial runs in the Body Shop Servicing Electronics Workshop showed that the camera was capable of far exceeding Ford’s demands. Use of the ICL80 green-light illumination unit led to very good contrast relationships – diffi-culties caused by the strongly reflective surface of the aluminium CARIN plates and the omnidirectional reflections within the etching itself were completely elimi-nated. Programming with IVC Studio (for reading of the OCR characters, setting up filter functions for optimum contrast, and other parameterisation) proved easy and was carried out by Ford personnel. Inte-gration in the ILVS system was achieved without any trouble, as was visualisation of the CARIN data on a monitor (via the web server integrated in the camera). Each expected number, detected number and live picture is displayed on the screen during this 100% inspection.

Collaboration to continueThe possibility of car body confusion resulting from CARIN reading errors has been completely eliminated by introduc-ing the IVC-2D. Which is why Ford intends to continue its relationship with the IVC-2D. As a result of the positive ex-perience at the CARIN plant, a second system will be ordered in early 2007 and installed in the transfer station to the Paint Shop – to replace the complicated system currently used there.

The CAR Identification Number (CARIN) can be reliably read by the IVC-2D compact 2D smart camera

Automotive

: Applications

23

>> Product protection and pallet load safety are the main functions of Haloila’s stretch-wrapping machines. Two rolls of foil provide simultaneous wrapping at a tremendous speed. Two factors mean that the machine requires protection against unauthorised access or open-ing: transport to and from the machine takes place via automated conveyor technology, and the rolls require regu-lar changing. Entry of the pallets to, and their departure from, the stretch-wrap-ping machine are each monitored by one M4000 multiple light beam safety device with muting. A safety magnetic release system controls the access gate.

“Tangled” linkagesAll these sensors, as well as the emer-gency stop button, require control and monitoring. Up to now, a total of six safety relays have been responsible for this – four for the M4000 and one each for the magnetic release switch and the emergency stop button. They were wired up to one another in a compli-cated manner to create safe logic func-tions. The “tangled” linkages had little to offer in terms of rapidity or flexibility – characteristics for which the stretch-

75% less space required in the control cabinet, only two instead of six switching modules, considerably reduced wiring, but full functionality and safety – the soft-ware-free UE410 Flexi safety controller is exactly what the Finnish stretch-wrap-ping machine producer Haloila was waiting for.

wrapping machines from Haloila are famous.

Control now as transparent as the foil itselfIt’s clear – Haloila wanted to get rid of any possible tangles and has now found the right solution with the software-free UE410 Flexi safety controller. Based on a main unit, almost any desired number of input, output and fieldbus modules can be added. This is flexibility. Any control solution can be displayed and checked in advance with the Flexi configurator (see Page 44). This is rapid and cuts the engineering effort involved. Two mod-ules, with a total housing width of 45 mm (instead of the former 225 mm) are suffi-cient for implementing the safe function-al logic for a stretch-wrapping machine. This saves space on the mounting rail. The individual modules communicate with one another via a data bus and their functions are selected by means of a ro-tary switch – both features that almost entirely eliminate wiring effort.

Less is more with the UE410 Flexi – and this is not only good for Haloila.www.haloila.com INFO 117

Less space required, less wiring effort

Safe automation: less is more

No tangled foil thanks to the software-free UE410 Flexi safety controller

Wagons checked by laser measurement

Empty spaces>> Before the loading of iron ore can take place in the mines of Companhia Vale do Rio Doce in the Brazilian state of Min-has Gerais, LMS211 laser measurement systems check whether the wagons really are empty or whether other materials, or even persons, are within them.

The solution was worked out by au-tomation engineers from CVRD, the local SICK distributor. The Companhia de Vale do Rio Doce required a solution that ensured that empty wagons were still empty after their return from the seaport of Tubarao, and that any unexpected contents (or people in the wagons) were reliably discovered before reloading.

The view from above informsAn outdoor version, high measurement accuracy even on dark surfaces, largely immune to ambient conditions, and ex-perience gained from numerous similar applications were the most important reasons for selecting the LMS211 laser measurement system. Mounted on a gan-try above the rails, it looks into the empty wagons from above and reliably detects whether other materials are inside. The LMS211 issues an alarm as soon as it detects something that does not belong in the wagon, and activates a camera which takes a “closer look” and transfers the pic-tures to the control room.

The Companhia de Vale do Rio Doce is a perfect example of the detection of empty spaces: a total of 14 of these space-reporting gantries are in use. This is fine for the CVRD automation office – throughout Brazil they are now consid-ered the specialists for such cases, as well as other laser and volume measure-ment applications.www.cvrd.com.br INFO 102

: Applications

1/200724

All-round view and cycle start: a compact safety solution for circular grinding machines

Vertical protection of hazardous point-of-operation The Swiss machine producer TSCHUDIN relies on the S300 compact safety laser scanner to protect its centreless circular grinding machines. This offers effective protection for machine operators during the process of loading production parts and is also used for automatic cycle starts.

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>> The centreless circular grinding ma-chines from TSCHUDIN in Grenchen offer highly accurate processing of cylindrical parts with one or more diameters. Dur-ing the loading of such parts into the machine, the so-called rest moves out of the grinding area on a sliding carriage. This creates a hazardous point-of-opera-tion for the operator between the safety hood and the sliding carriage – which must be protected.

Small “eye” with a large field of viewThe hazardous area on the circular grind-ing machine used to be protected with a light curtain. “But it turned out that the mechanical mounting of the light curtain

on the machine was awkward for the op-erator,” explains Urs Tschudin, Managing Director of TSCHUDIN. “We were looking for another solution because the operat-ing area was also too restricted as a re-sult.” The latest generation S300 safety laser scanner represented a convincing solution for this application. With its 8-metre warning field radius and 2-metre protective field radius, as well as its 270° field of view, the compact device is a reasonably priced solution for this hazardous point-of-operation and guar-antees effective protection for operators. The S300 Standard is mounted level with the electrics cabinet on the machine and monitors the hazardous point-of-opera-

tion vertically. The device scans the area between the safety hood and the sliding carriage within a programmed range of 45°. Driving the sliding carriage out with the rest for loading of the production part interrupts the protective field of the safety laser scanner, and the grinding process is immediately stopped.

Start the machine cycle autonomouslyUp to now it has been necessary for the operator to press the start button to re-start each grinding process manually. This could be as often as 200 times per hour and was unacceptable for both eco-nomic and ergonomic reasons. The S300 Standard has taken over this cycle start. Now, when the sliding carriage moves back again, the warning and protective fields of the S300 are reactivated and the machine restarts the grinding proc-ess automatically.

Space-saver in a range of functional variantsThe S300 series offers excellent safety features in an unparalleled small hous-ing. Certified as Type 3 according to IEC 61496-3 and SIL2 in compliance with IEC 61508, all the devices meet the latest safety standards. Depending on the variant – Standard, Advanced or Pro-fessional with one, two or four monitored areas – the S300 is suitable for a variety of applications: instead of using safety mats (which are subject to friction), the S300 is ideal for space-saving preven-tion of access from behind, for monitor-ing insertion stations on machines, or as protective equipment for mobile trans-port systems or service robots.

Effective protection for the machine operator during the loading of production parts – the S300 with a 270° view

Circular grinding machines

: Applications

25

>> The system, developed by Research Manager Marco Lucisano and his col-leagues, measures how strongly a pa-perboard sample deviates from a flat surface, i.e. the curl and twist of the sheet. “These characteristics are impor-tant control values for the papermaker when selling paperboard to the packag-ing industry,” he says. “Any excessive

Packaging paper: curl and twist as a measure of quality

Camera solution packed with informationThe STFI-Packforsk research institute in Stockholm has developed an optical measuring system to determine the quality of packaging paper. The IVC-3D smart camera is the heart of this powerful system solution.

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 119 or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.stfi-packforsk.se

distortion can cause problems during the further processing to create the fin-ished packaging.”

IVC-3D: output of measured values via web-serverThe measurement system consists of three sub-units: a moistening unit (with which the various degrees of humidity of

Research Manager Marco Lucisano together with the optical measurement equipment which determines the quality of packaging paper

the paper sample can be simulated); a dri-er (which thoroughly dries the paper using an infrared beam); and the IVC-3D smart camera from SICK IVP. “We selected the camera with the help of Staffan Hakans-son from Mabema Consulting,” explains Marco Lucisano. “They are real image-processing experts who specialise in au-tomatic optical inspections for Sweden’s processing industry and have the relevant 3D camera competence.”

The samples are 10 x 10 cm2 squares that are laid out on a rotary table. On rota-tion, they pass below the infrared drier and the IVC-3D smart camera. This measures how much the samples deform under dif-fering humidity conditions. “If the paper-board is moistened or dried it takes on a cylindrical form and we can use the cam-era to directly measure the interior radius, i.e. the twist and curl, in the form of x- and y-coordinates,” explains Marco Lucisano. “As the camera has a built-in web-server with its own IP address, we can transfer the measured values directly to a PC, on which a finished image composed from the measurement points then appears.”

Live tests at usersA variety of paper producers participated in the research project. Some of them will now comprehensively test the inspection system. If it proves effective, it will pro-vide considerably more rapid and precise measurement results than systems hith-erto used for quality assurance.

The packaging industry

>> Further reading…

Further information on the new 3D smart cameras can be found on Page 54

: Applications

1/200726

>> With an annual production capac-ity of 800 new systems and 16,000 lift maintenance contracts, OSMA-Aufzüge Albert Schenk GmbH & Co. KG in Osna-brück is one of the leading producers of personal and panorama lifts, as well as lift systems for beds, cars or loads of almost any type. Whether blocks of flats, office buildings, nursing and senior citizens’ homes, department stores or industrial plants – it is important to stop cabins level with the floor. Why? There is a danger of tripping up whenever cabins and floors are uneven. This risk must be reliably ruled out when lifts are used by

Precision all the way to the “belle étage”

Lifts positioned at floor level

No steps, nothing to trip over – DKS40 incremental encoders ensure that the cabins from lift producer OSMA stop level with the floor.

older people, or those whose movement is limited. Moreover, in the case of goods lifts, imprecise positioning of the cabin during entry and exit, or loading and un-loading, can lead to the risk of tripping up or loads falling.

DKS40 prevents level differencesThe DKS40 incremental encoder allows OSMA control systems to stop the cabins exactly in line with the floor. The resolu-tion currently chosen by OSMA is 100 pulses per rotation. This corresponds to a resolution of about 3 pulses/mm. If the demands rise, any line number from 1 to 2,048 pulses can be programmed as standard. OSMA emphasises a variety of advantages offered by this encoder. In construction terms, the space-saving zinc die-cast devices fit perfectly onto the

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 120or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.osma-aufzuege.de

separate mounting unit of the lift cabin. With a diameter of 50 mm and a hous-ing height of 42 mm, the encoder is so small and compact that it can no longer be misused as a “foot up” by third-party maintenance personnel. The connection cable is positioned in such a way that it can be laid without bending, and thus protected, in a radial or axial direction.

Also ideal for maintenance and upgradingThe compact housing, the high functional reliability proven during testing by OSMA, and the unusual quality considering its application and price segment, are just as convincing for the constructors of new systems as for service technicians involved in maintenance and modernisa-tion. The DKS40 can be rapidly and eas-ily exchanged if the worst comes to the worst.

Lifts are basically designed to go up and down – the positioning accuracy of the DSK40 ensures that the quality of their movement can only go up!

Lift technology

Klaus Hebbeler from OSMA (left) with Volker Neuenhaus from SICK in a lift

The DKS40 incremental encoder ensures that cabins stop level with the floor

: Applications

27

>> Engines for aviation drives, and in-dustrial turbines and their components, are high-tech products. MTU Friedrichs-hafen GmbH relies on powerful tech-nologies and processes for production. One example is the new spraying and packaging plant for articulated shafts. For capacity reasons, the former manual labelling process has now been replaced by an innovative thermo-transfer print station with an integrated handling sys-tem – from the company SES-Strass-burg-Etikettier-Service GmbH in Buch-holz near Hamburg. The CLV bar code scanners make a significant contribution to the consistent use and reliability of the process data.

Double-checked on the moveThe articulated shafts are between 1,000 mm and 3,000 mm long. Two articulated shafts can be labelled si-multaneously in the tandem labelling station while in motion. The printing sys-tem reads out the data from the server database via Ethernet. Then the labels,

Identification of articulated shafts at MTU

Online label inspection with PROFIBUS connectionTraversing CLV431 bar code scanners at variable heights check automatically at-tached labels in the SES tandem labelling station for articulated shafts at MTU in Friedrichshafen. The read results are reported to the plant control system in real time via PROFIBUS.

with text and a bar code, are generated online and glued onto the shaft by a 2-axle handling system that moves along the shaft itself. After labelling, a CLV431 oscillating mirror scanner checks the printing of the bar code and transfers the reading result back to the PLC of the SES labelling station via PROFIBUS. If the label’s content or print quality leads to the output of an error message the articulated shaft in question is automati-cally diverted out for manual corrective labelling. This route change takes place via PROFIBUS communication with the PLC of the conveyor system.

CLV scanners offer flexible fieldbus possibilities Two CLV431 units, each with a CDM420 connection module with a foil keyboard plus display and integrated scanner pow-er supply, are used because a tandem plant is involved. For this application, a CMF400 PROFIBUS Gateway is plugged into each module, allowing communica-tion with the labelling system’s PLC. This

connection philosophy allows the use of standard scanners, regardless of the particular fieldbus present, so that there is no need to purchase and stock any fieldbus-specific scanner types.

Parameter memory safeguards scanner settingsAn external CMC400 parameter memory module is also integrated in each con-nection module. It contains all the scan-ner’s settings data so that if the worst comes to the worst the device can be exchanged very rapidly and without any loss of data or need for additional pa-rameterisation effort. The write-protect switch prevents any unintentional over-writing of the parameters.

SICK scanner solutions therefore guarantee process reliability in every case – thanks to PROFIBUS connection and parameter storage.

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 121or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.mtu-online.com andwww.ses-strassburg.de

After checking the printing of the bar code, the CLV431 transfers the read result to the PLC via PROFIBUS

Labelling system

: Applications

1/200728

Distance sensors control production of laminated beams

First measure, then pressAustria’s Springer machine factory has developed a completely new press system – the Newton 1400 beam laminating press. But before the finished laminated beams can be produced from the lamellae, DS60 distance sensors control the fully automatic adjustment of the press shaft – which may be up to 26 m long.

>> Laminated beams, the end-product of the pressing process, are used for building timber roof constructions. They provide the comfortable look and feel of wood, but are more robust than tim-ber beams, can carry considerably more weight and, above all, do not distort.

The Springer machine factory – Europe’s largest supplier of products for saw mill technology and the further processing of timber – has, with the Newton 1400, now developed a new press process. The main advantage: the press time has been reduced to about one hour per laminated beam. In addi-tion, the machine offers flexible use and is fully automated – including application of glue to the lamellae, their transport, and the filling of the press shaft. “The DS60 is by far the best solution here,”

>> Hoisting walls are installations for lifting and lowering stage sets. For dec-ades, the heavy scenes were moved up and down manually. About eight years ago Stakebrand – the market leader for theatre technology in the Netherlands and Belgium – developed the first auto-matic control system. The latest version, Stalogic Centurion, allows parts of the scenery to be moved at a rate of 1.8 m/s.

Movements comparedVery complex movement patterns can be programmed into the Stalogic Centurion system for each use, and implemented with great precision. This is possible be-cause each hoisting winch is equipped with two ATM60 encoders with SSI inter-faces. These rotative measurement sys-tems use a sensor to scan permanent magnetic elements on magnetic refer-

Automatic position detection for stage sets

When the scene-shifters shift…The Dutch stage technology specialist Stakebrand B.V. uses ATM60 series encoders to monitor the drives of hoisting winches. This provides precise positioning of automatic theatre “hoisting walls” and safety-oriented monitoring of the stage sets.

ence marks. The ATM60 offers high pre-cision as a result of its large basic reso-lution of 8,192 steps per rotation. The encoder’s multiturn property is achieved through several step-down gears with magnets mounted on them. The ATM60’s absolute position signals are transmitted to the Stalogic Centurion’s controller via the encoder’s SSI interface.

The first encoder is located behind, on the hoisting winch’s electric mo-tor; the second above, on the hoisting winch itself. The two output signals are constantly compared with one another via a safety module. If the module finds any discrepancies this means that some-thing is amiss. In this case there is a risk of injury for persons located beneath the hanging set part – the movement of the scenery is immediately stopped. “Among other things, this technology has allowed

says engineer Franz Ebner, Springer’s Construction Manager. “Without the dis-tance sensors, implementation would be impossible or could only be achieved with massive hydraulic effort.”

DS60 ensures perfect press resultsThe DS60 from SICK is responsible for the correct press result. A total of 24 distance sensors are used in a 26 m press shaft. They position the press cylinders or the pressure clamps depending on the thick-ness and length of the lamellae from which the laminated beams are to be made. On the basis of a reflected light beam that is converted to a proportional electrical sig-nal, the DS60 units determine distances in the press shaft, i.e. its filling in terms of width and height. These measured values are used to stack the lamellae. Then the hydraulic press cylinders are positioned at a height between 0 and 1,400 mm. The particular lamellae width (88 – 310 mm) is set in the same way by means of the lateral pressure bars. A press shaft can be

DS60 distance sensors determine filling in terms of width and height

ATM60 encoders reliably monitor the hoisting drives

: Applications

29

Automatic position detection for stage sets

When the scene-shifters shift…

>> The import centre supplies goods to more than 100 distribution destinations. 7,200 packages per hour pass through the sorter at peak times. There is thus no time for no-reads or other reading prob-lems – maximum reliability and availabil-ity are vital here. “Which is why we de-cided on the OPS290 omniportal read-ing system from SICK,” says Emmanuel Perez from Cinetic Transitique.

Two-fold omni-readingThe OPS290 has become standard in many goods distribution centres – as at Cedilec. Powerful bar code scanners with autofocus are arranged on a gantry frame in such a way that their reading lines reliably detect bar codes, regard-less of the width of the transport belt or the size and orientation of the object – this is omni-reading number one. The packages are also simultaneously scanned from the front, the back, above and below – omni-reading number two. “Multi-sided reading with the help of mir-rors (as implemented at Cedilec) is very useful, particularly for plants in which space is limited,” says Emmanuel Perez. “This makes the OPS290 about 50 cm narrower – which is often decisive.” Fur-ther advantages, which neither Cinetic Transitique (as the integrator) nor end-customers would want to miss out on, in-clude the simple diagnosis and mainte-

Package distribution for over 100 destinations

Omni-identification for high-speed sortersThe company Cedilec in Le Havre is the main importer for the French trading chain E. Leclerc. The order distribution system implemented by system integrator Ci-netic Transitique has a high-performance sorter. OPS290 series omnidirectional portal reading systems tell the sorter’s controller which package is destined for which destination.

filled and closed in about three minutes, depending on the length and thickness of the lamellae. The press time is about one hour, depending on the glue, at a pressing pressure of max. 1.2 N/mm2. The press is emptied in a longitudinal direction immedi-ately after the pressing time has elapsed, and can be filled again straight away.

Schwörer Haus KG swears by the Newton 1400The brilliance of this timber laminating press concept is shown by customer satisfaction at the housing specialists Schwörer Haus KG in Oberstetten: “The Newton 1400 press was a decisive rea-son for giving Springer the order, be-cause in the longer term it offers crucial advantages in the performance and flex-ibility of new laminated timber produc-tion.” Anton Bohner, Director of Schwö-rer Haus KG, explains why the company made this new investment.

In the meantime, a second machine of the same type has gone into production in Upper Austria. Here, too, it is the DS60 that is by far the best device for monitor-ing the filling of the press shaft. INFO 122 www.springer-maschinenfabrik.at www.schwoerer.de

us to apply for SIL3 certification. This is the highest possible safety certificate for such equipment. We are the first Dutch producer who can offer this safety,” ex-plains the engineer and co-ordinator of the Controls Department at Stakebrand.

SEW motors already equipped with encodersStakebrand obtains the hoisting winch motors from SEW, who already equip the motors with the encoder in the works and supply the units ready for use. Stakebrand produces a total of several hundred hoisting winches each year. They are used in new buildings as well as for modernising theatres, opera houses and cultural centres. Projects are cur-rently underway in, among other places, Eindhoven, Almelo and Enschede. www.stakebrand.nl INFO 123

nance of the gates and their particularly high availability. “Even if a scanner were to fail, it would not have any significant effect on the performance of the gate,” explains Emmanuel Perez. “Thanks to mechanical adjustment elements, and the storage of parameter data in the OPS control system, a scanner can also be replaced very quickly.”

The OPS290 is not, however, only to be found at the sorter, but also in the incoming goods area. Here it checks the legibility of the labels on the incoming goods and pallets – ensuring smooth passage of the packages through the import centre. INFO 124www.cinetic-industries.com

Smooth throughput of packages with the OPS290 omniportal reading system

ATM60 encoders reliably monitor the hoisting drives

Sorting plants

: Applications

1/200730

>> Rolls used to be changed at a par-ticular time during processing: replace-ment took place so early that there was no possibility of transport of the car body being interrupted due to a lack of tape. This security meant that considerably less tape was used per roll than was pos-sible. Which is why a sensor was sought that could precisely detect when the ro-bot had rolled out the last layer of tape. After a variety of attempts the CS8 was found to be the suitable solution: the color sensor made it possible to reliably detect the last layer when the white roll body appeared during unrolling.

With its scanning distance of 60 mm it could be directly integrated in the dis-

Checking end of rolls of adhesive tape

Color sensors hit the tape runningThe adhesive tape robots in the DaimlerChrysler’s paint shop in Rastatt are economi-cal in consumption and reliable in use. With the help of CS8 color sensors they detect exactly when the yellow band is starting to run out – optimising material use.

penser head on the robot – at an opti-mum distance to the roll of tape. The yel-low colour of the tape, the white of the roll body, and the sensitivity and detec-tion tolerance are taught-in via a button on the device. The CS8 sends a signal to the controller as soon as the white roll body has been detected – for a just-in-time roll change.

Roll-checking: economical and environmentally friendlyEven if the tape only costs a few cents per metre, the investment in the CS8 paid for itself within a few months. Even with only 5% better utilisation of tape per roll this amounts to a considerable

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information with the attached card under:INFO 125or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.werk-rastatt.daimlerchrysler.com

savings potential. And the environment profits too, because less – unused – ma-terial must be disposed of.

A lot saved with little effort – thanks to the CS8.

The CS8 color sensor is directly integrated in the dispenser head on the robot, allowing just-in-time roll changes

Automotive

: Applications

31

>> It’s all happening in the “Control House”, as the high-bay warehouse for bodies in Hall 30 is known internally. About 600 bodies for T5 transport and leisure vehicles are stored here at any time. The stackers in two of the four aisles were completely modernised in 2006. Thus the vehicles received new three-phase asynchronous motors of type SEW DT/DV for the chassis frame and hoisting gear and two new, highly precise, DME5000 laser distance meas-urement systems each. What is special about the device is that it is equipped with a HIPERFACE® interface – instead of SSI.

2 x HIPERFACE® saves money and frees up converter slotsAn SEW converter of type MOVIDRIVE MDX61B is integrated in each of the stackers’ on-board control systems. The DEH11B interface cards slotted in here have two HIPERFACE® interfaces – one for the motor feedback system on the drive. The second HIPERFACE® interface remains unused in the case of position detection systems with SSI interfaces – so that a slot must be sacrificed in the converter for a corresponding option

Use interfaces that are available and save on, or sensibly exploit, slot-in converter cards – this is the approach taken by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hano-ver during modernisation of the high-bay stackers in its high-bay warehouse for vehicle bodies. SICK presents the “HIPERFACE® double solution”.

card/DIP11B. Not so when the DME5000 with HIPERFACE® interface is used.

Position signals via HIPERFACE® direct to path encoder inputThe stackers were equipped with the dou-ble HIPERFACE® solution after appropriate firmware and software adaptations, and system tests at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. Both the encoder on the drive and the aisle positioning system now read-in their information to the con-verter via the HIPERFACE® plug-in card. Firstly, this saves the cost of the SSI plug-in cards previously required. In addition, the reduction in hardware components means reduced risk of failure. Finally, the available slots in the converters can still be used, e.g. for achieving synchronous running functions in master/slave opera-tion or for safe switching off via the sepa-rately evaluated characteristic curve of an additional encoder.

Suspicion of hype in solution for mod-ernised and new stackers The double HIPERFACE® connection of motor feedback system and positioning system at Volkswagen in Hanover has been completely trouble-free since com-

insightLINKYou can obtain further product on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enMore about the customer:www.volkswagen.com and www.vwn.de

missioning. The other two stackers in the Control House will be updated with HIPER-FACE® in summer 2007. This HIPERFACE® solution, however, is not just being hyped for modernisation, but also for the new construction of high-bay stackers – as has been shown by the numerous enquir-ies already received.

Integrated converter solution for drive control and vehicle positioning

HIPERFACE®-hype in high-bay warehouse

Andreas Freise from Volkswagen Com-mercial Vehicles and Volker Neuenhaus from SICK in the high-bay warehouse

Automotive

1/200732

>> The new radar device was specially designed for bulk materials and works with extremely short microwave pulses with low transmitting power. The waves are beamed by an antenna system to-wards the bulk material surface and then reflected. The time between send-ing and receiving the radar signals pro-vides exact information as to the fill level in the container.

The MaihakPULS400 therefore not only provides exact measured values but is also not influenced by interfering factors typical for bulk materials such as dust creation or vibrations in the con-tainer. High pressures and temperatures also present no problems. A connected purge air unit can also serve to provide a “clear view when required” or even to cool the antenna. State-of-the-art micro-processor technology reliably filters out secondary reflections caused for exam-

New highlight for continuous measurement of bulk materials:

A radar for all casesBulk materials play an important role in all industrial sectors. In order to meet the demand to achieve a high level of automation in bulk material delivery, not only the limit levels but also the actual fill levels in silos or storage containers are now measured more often. SICK MAIHAK provides all the products required for both tasks from one source. The highlight is the new MaihakPULS400 radar for continu-ous and contact-free measurement.

ple by struts or container walls. Equipped with swiveling parabolic or horn anten-nas, the MaihakPULS400 can be used for different repose angles and in silos up to a height of 70 meters.

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MaihakPULS400 with parabolic and horn antenna

www.sick-maihak.de

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A large product portfolio covering measuring technique for bulk materials:MaihakLOT369, MaihakMBA200, BULKSCAN

>> SICK MAIHAK offers one-source solu-tions for all requirements and individual applications in bulk level measurement.

MaihakLOT369 also for sediments and levelsAs a semi-continuous alternative for the measurement of bulk materials with the MaihakPULS400, SICK MAIHAK also offers the MaihakLOT369. It can even measure sediments in liquids, for example for salt production. Using a float weight, the MaihakLOT369 can also per-manently register the level of a liquid. It is often useful for unfavorable container designs – for example, thick concrete walls in which only a small inlet for the cable needs to be drilled.

The classic perpendicular measur-ing principle is supplemented by mod-ern electronics: in adjustable intervals, a sensing weight is lowered on a steel cable to the surface of the bulk material and the fill level thus regularly meas-ured. The MaihakLOT369 reacts imme-diately to trapped sensing weights with an intelligent release routine. Various sensing weights allow use of the Maihak-LOT369 in all branches of the industry – from spider sensing weights for typical pyramid peaks in bulk materials to con-tinuously measuring floats swimming on the material.

MBA200: Limit reporting with the proven rotating paddleThe most important measuring task in bulk material processing remains the early full, empty or demand level detec-tion. Generally, robustness and reliabil-ity are more important than inch-perfect measurement. In this sector, the modern rotating paddle measuring equipment of the MBA200 series from SICK MAIHAK is becoming more and more widespread. It also operates according to a classical principle proven a million times, sup-plemented by electronic evaluation plus self-control or warning function. The ex-cellent materials used also make the MaihakMBA200 suitable for extreme applications such as in the cement in-dustry – shaft, paddle and bearing made of stainless steel and the plastic-coated bearings withstand the hardest condi-tions. Detachable equipment heads

Versatility of application:

Rugged level measuring technique

further simplify installation and drive re-placement; adjustment and calibration as in other measuring methods are not required.

Laser measuring systems: Acquisition of output quantities and stockpilesIf bulk materials are transported on con-veyor belts, the volume flow can be meas-ured with the rugged BULKSCAN laser measuring system from SICK MAIHAK – contact-free, exact and cost-effective. The system can be used as warning sys-tem to monitor belt utilization as well as early detection of the center of gravity position of the bulk material to prevent operational malfunctions. Advantage: existing conveyor belts can be equipped without problems and at low effort with the BULKSCAN.

Principle: a pulsed, fan-shaped laser beam as a “feeler” scans the bulk mate-rial surface and captures the object con-tours as an entity. First of all, the bulk material profile in the scan level is de-termined from the time between trans-mission and reflection of the laser beam. The relative cross-sectional area is then calculated from the comparison against

the profile of the unloaded conveyor belt. Using the belt speed and bulk material density, the actual bulk material volume throughput and/or mass throughput or overall volume/overall mass through-put can be calculated and output – just as required. Output variables and limit values can be specified in advance using a computer. For example, the user can log output quantities, settle daily totals as well as optimize conveyor belt load-ing, utilization and speed.

The BULKSCAN system is suitable for use in the building industry, mining industry and wherever bulk materials are transported in open systems and the bulk material quantity must be meas-ured. The laser measuring systems from LASE SICK can be also used when bulk material stockpiles are to be measured. They complement the product range and extend the application spectrum of the LMS laser scanners from SICK.

SICK MAIHAK thus provides compre-hensive solutions from a single source for all requirements and special features of bulk material measurement.

Hanover Trade Fair: Stand F17, Hall 16

34 1/2007

No other is as complete and competent

Optical distance sensors for optimum solutions

As the number one in distance meas-urement, SICK offers by far the broad-est portfolio of opto-electronic sensors. Whether short distances in the μ-range or distances of several hundred me-tres – the right solution is available for every task.

34

>> The choice is constantly growing: new sensor solutions are added to meet new distance measurement demands. The best examples are the DT20 Hi analogue distance sensor and the DS30 switch-ing distance sensor (see Page 41) which receive their debut at the Hanover Trade Fair 2007.

When precision is decisiveShort measurement ranges – between 2 mm and 300 mm depending on the device – and accuracy values in the μ-range characterise the area of use of displacement sensors, e.g. the OD, OD Hi or OD Max. Difference measurements, e.g. dynamic sheet thickness meas-urements, can be carried out with the OD Max system. Displacement sensors are classically used in the most varied of industries, e.g. the electronics or au-tomotive industries, in which maximum quality is great valued.

When the price-performance ratio is the main factor for short to medium distancesSICK also offers the “classic” triangula-tion sensors for smaller measurement ranges of up to 1,000 mm. Properties such as teach-in and high repeatability accuracies of a few mm open up typical areas of use for filling level detection in cassettes, or the regulation of slack in

tubes or webs, with sensors such as the DT2, DT10 or DT20 distance scanners.

Ideal for medium distances Scanning distance sensors with laser light and time-of-flight measurement are used over ranges of typically 0.5 m to about 160 m. The sensors measure directly on the object, e.g. a coil, a car body or in a storage bay. Unlike other processes used for time-of-flight, SICK’s opto-electronic sensors, such as the DS60, offer maximum possible immunity to ambient light and precise background suppression – even for dark or critical surfaces, or small objects. The distanc-ing of objects, vehicles or cranes for collision prevention; contour detection; the continuous detection of the winding diameter of, for example, paper or steel coils; the measurement of stack heights; and difference measurements are typi-cal tasks for scanning distance measure-ment sensors such as the DS30, DS60, DS500 or the DMT10.

Reflector systems for long rangesThe reflector distance measurement systems of the DME and DML series are best suited for long distances – in ex-treme cases up to 1,100 m. They do not detect objects directly, but – and hence the name – a reflector or a reflective foil. This ensures a stable and optimised re-flective behaviour which, in turn, allows the measurement of longer distances (against comparable sensors) than in

: Technology Distance measurement

Distance to object

Medium distance

Long distance

Short distance – high measurement accuracy

35

No other is as complete and competent

Optical distance sensors for optimum solutions

35

A further technological lead in distance measurement

“Shining” results: the new DT20 Hi distance sensorReliability regardless of materials, colours and reflectivity properties; hitherto un-paralleled immunity to ambient light; precise; user-friendly; versatile – the new analogue DT20 Hi distance sensor “shines” in all applications, and has what it takes to be the best in its class.

: Technology

Reliable solution for numerous distance applicationsSICK’s great experience in distance measurement – with the broadest prod-uct portfolio of its type, from the μ-range to km distances – is reflected in the DT20 Hi. In “classic” applications, such as the regulation of winding processes, the positioning of gantry units, the clas-sification of screws and other compo-nents, or surface quality inspections, the analogue distance sensor offers a variety of functional reserves. But in innovative applications, too, such as the automatic laying of flooring and tiles, SICK’s laser scanners represent a reliable solution. It is quite likely that the DT20 Hi, thanks to its precision and user-friendliness, will open up many more areas of use in future .

And a propos user-friendliness: you can find out for yourself just how quickly and easily the DT20 Hi can be prepared for use – just click on www.sick.com/dt20hi_setup and the animation starts automatically.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation with the attached card under:INFO 126or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/en

>> Further reading

Further information on a new distance sensor can be found on Page 41

>> The DT20 Hi has a leading position in the short- to medium-range distance measurement market segment. Its la-ser light transmitter and CMOS receiver element master almost all surfaces – from white to black, from matt to glossy – and ensure extremely high immunity to ambient light. The three versions, for the measurement ranges of 50 – 150 mm, 100 – 300 mm and 10 – 600 mm, offer top values regarding accuracy (up to +/–0.5 mm), reproducibility (up to +/–0.2 mm) and resolution (< 0.1 mm). A display shows the particularly user-friendly Setup menu. The new type of plug concept allows connection of the sensor at any angle through 90°. Dur-ing operation, the robust metal housing protects the sensor from mechanical stresses.

normal scanning operation. Handling and conveyor systems represent a major field of use for these devices, e.g. for the distancing of vehicles or for determin-ing the position of high-bay stackers in automatic warehouses. The DME5000, a distance measurement system for these applications, is available in differ-ent measurement range variants that are specifically optimised for use in au-tomatic small part stores or for high-bay pallet warehouses.

Distance sensors – best by far from a single sourceOnly those who offer a wide range of products can best master individual tasks. Which opto-electronic solution is optimum depends on the measure-ment task and the circumstances. The brochure “Distance measurements in all their varieties”, published by SICK,

provides initial selection assistance and, together with competent advice and the complete solution portfolio, leads to by far the best application results.

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Identification of the second dimension

Optimum solutions for direct-marked codes

The demand for reliable identification verification, for gap-free traceability of parts, or for dependable production control nowadays necessitates the use of 2D codes such as Data Matrix. The trend here is increasingly towards Direct Part Marking (DPM), the direct marking of objects by means of laser, dot peening, inkjet, or chemical etching.

: Technology

>> Whether for production control, the identification of circuit boards, the allocation and traceability of laboratory samples, document handling or protec-tion against fakes – the identification of two-dimensional DPM codes almost always makes special demands of the reading technology. Thus differing sur-faces, highly reflective or weakly con-trasting backgrounds, different marking techniques and small codes are typical conditions faced by reading devices. The right reading device is available for each task – with stationary and mobile 2D code readers from SICK.

Stationary reading with the ICR seriesSICK’s stationary 2D reading devices always have DPM codes reliably in sight. The ICR840 has been devel-oped for the reading of 2D codes on objects at a standstill or moving at a slow speed. The integrated megapixel

sensor allows the most varied of DPM codes to be read.

DPM code reading really gets moving with the ICR85x, which has been spe-cially designed for applications in which the objects, and therefore the codes, are in motion. Thus the ICR855, for example, can identify codes at object speeds of up to 10 m/s – regardless of their cell size. The ICR85x is used, in particular, for the identification of direct-marked circuit boards.

The ICR860 is far-sighted: it can achieve reading distances of about 2 m. The combination of differing lenses and illumination units gives the system maxi-mum flexibility and thus allows individual adaptation to the particular application and the DPM technique used.

Mobility is trumps……for the 2D hand-held code readers of the IT series. The IT4600g and IT4800i

device series are ideal for the detec-tion of 2D codes on standard labels. The hand-held scanners of the IT6300 DPM series are available for the identi-fication of directly attached codes. The devices ’ illumination can be individually adapted to the particular reading situa-tion. Thus, for example, individual illu-mination elements can be deactivated to create dark field illumination, which is often required for the identification of dot-preened codes.

Find out more and winWhether standard labels or DPM – SICK offers solutions for the most var-ied of sectors and the most varied of applications. Visit the Internet page at www.2D-code.com to find out more or to get in contact with experts at SICK. And use your chance to win an IT6300 DPM hand-held scanner – the mobile specialist for DPM codes.

A mobile hand-held 2D code scanner of the IT6300 DPM series

The stationary ICR850 2D code reading device

2D code reading devices

insightLINKFurther information on the Internet at:www.2d-code.com andwww.sick.com/insight/en

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Single-camera system for 2D and 3D image processing

Smoothing the path from inspection to analysisImage processing technology departs from classical thinking on 2D and 3D imaging with the Ranger C and Ranger E series. The cameras’ multiscan and scat-ter functions combine complex analytical potentials in a single vision system.

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>> Presence, alignment, contrast, bright-ness and other conventional features are predestined for 2D inspections. 3D systems are involved if position, volumes and shape require inspection, or spatial measurement tasks have to be solved. Users can often only combine the two of them in a single system at consider-able cost and using a lot of space. The high level of complexity of the complete solution thus created is frequently seen as a further obstacle. If it is necessary to inspect semi-transparent surfaces, the choice of industry-oriented solutions on the market is limited – or the camera solution must be supplemented by fur-ther inspection systems.

Multiscan and scatter – the “fourth” dimension in image processingThe Ranger C and Ranger E camera sys-tems from SICK IVP offer the necessary technologies – multiscan and scatter – for tasks in which the detection of both an object’s geometrical 3D data and its conventional 2D features are necessary in a single step.

The multiscan functionality permits the simultaneous application of the most varied of image capture processes. Objects are – simultaneously and with a single image-capture process – sub-jected to a 3D detection, a conventional 2D inspection and, for objects with semi-transparent surfaces, a scatter inspec-tion. In the case of technical or organic materials, this process obtains informa-tion on the direct object surface. The depth of penetration and light scattering provides, in the form of measurement values, information on the consistency of the surface or the underlying object or layers.

Latest image processing technology in a complete packageA single camera, Ranger C or Ranger E, is required for all these analysis tasks. It takes on simultaneous tasks for a variety of applications in differing areas of the camera chip, and carries out pre-processing. The resulting images are transferred to an evaluation PC line-by-line without any loss of time. Here they

: Technology

are available for the most varied of simultaneous analyses.

Just one camera, a compact inspec-tion structure, rapid image generation for a variety of tasks, and immediate availability of the measurement results – multiscan and scatter smooth the path from inspections to the analysis of ob-jects. Ranger C and Ranger E are thus the new dimension in industrial image processing.

Multiscan mode allows the capture of a single image with several differing illumination scenarios at the same time – and thus makes different in-spection tasks possible in a second. Advantage: One inspection position, one inspection cycle, one vision sys-tem for multiple criteria

white light

lasers

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scatter (surface)inspection

3D laser triangulation measurementcommon gray scale analysis

Image processing

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation with the attached card under:INFO 127or on the Internet at:www.sickivp.com and www.sick.com/insight/en

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New EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061 “controller standards”

Nothing to fear from the standards duo

The “tried-and-tested” EN 954 standard will only continue to apply for the evaluation of safety control systems for just under three years. Then it will finally be replaced by the edited version of the EN ISO 13849-1, which is already valid. EN 62061, how-ever, also applies now – when the safe design of electrical controllers is concerned. What does the standards duo mean in practice? And why are there two standards for the “same” subject? Which standard should machines constructors and plant users employ? Dr. Michael Schaefer and Michael Hauke from the Trade Association of Industrial Safety (BGIA) provide SICK insight with a full explanation.

SICK insight: What are the general tasks of the Trade Association of Industrial Safety, particularly with regard to stand-ards?

Dr. Schaefer: The BGIA, with about 250 employees, is a central research institute of the commercial trade asso-ciations. Our tasks include research into safety at work; advising trade associa-tions, member works and federations; and testing and certifying, in particular, new technologies for which no standards yet exist. We develop principles for the application of recognised scientific proc-esses and their transfer for practical use.

Closely connected with this is participa-tion in the creation of standards, which provides a concrete practical reference to regulations that are formulated in ab-stract terms. The new EN ISO 13849-1, as the successor standard to the familiar EN 954, is an example of this.

SICK insight: Why is or was the proven EN 954 no longer up to date and why is it being replaced by EN ISO 13849-1?

M. Hauke: Despite all the updating that has taken place over the years, EN 954 was increasingly coming up against its technological limits. Although appli-

cable for programmable systems and complex electronics, it contained no detailed demands. Reliability values for individual system components, and the quality of testing measures, could not be sufficiently taken into account during categorisation. Finally, the topic of com-plexity was not included – and the risk of system failures generally rises with the number of its components. All in all, the consideration of failure probability as re-quired, for example, by the fundamental IEC 61508 electrical safety standard, was not sufficiently brought to the fore. The new EN ISO 13849-1 complements the familiar assessment criteria with additional values, e.g. the reliability of components, the quality of testing, or susceptibility to multiple faults. Faults are now not merely counted – the proba-bility of their occurrence is calculated on the basis of device characteristics. Thus the categories of the EN 954 are now re-flected in the Performance Levels of the EN ISO 13849-1 with additional content.

SICK insight: The EN 62061 was created practically parallel to EN ISO 13849-1. Tautology? Or where do the differences lie?

Dr. Schaefer: That’s right, both stand-ards were largely driven forward simul-taneously. We are dealing with two dif-ferent standards worlds: that of machine construction and that of electrotechnics. While the EN ISO 13849-1 has principally

been designed as a comprehensive and practicable standard for safety-oriented parts of controllers for machine construc-tion, the EN 62061 (as a sector standard for IEC 61508) provides a framework for the functional safety of safety-oriented electrical control systems and their sub-systems in machines. It succeeds

»Whether EN ISO 13849-1 or EN 62061 – in the

matter of machine safety both paths ultimately

fulfil the aim«Dr. M. Schaefer

Dr. Michael Schaefer (left) and Michael Hauke – in a good mood during the interview

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in making the statistical processes, and the electronics themselves, acceptable in safety technology internationally. It is thus, among other things, of interest for the development departments of safety technology producers. Highly electronic systems, however, are also sometimes acquired because of the non-applicabil-ity of pneumatic, hydraulic or mechani-cal systems; the complex calculation process; or the wide-ranging obligation for documentation which can, in extreme cases, extend to several hundred pages, among other reasons.

SICK insight: What should machine producers and plant users orient them-selves upon?

M. Hauke: We recommend the EN ISO 13849-1 for machine constructors. It covers all the technologies, is logical and practical for smaller and medium-sized companies and, in many cases, con-tains a clear reference to an applicable C-standard. Categorisation into B, 1, 2, 3 and 4 is already understood in princi-ple and its improvement with regard to the reliability, structure, robustness and diagnosis of safety technology is more comprehensible. Whereby the column di-agrams developed by the BGIA also help. Large companies, and most producers of safety technology, use the EN 62061 in parallel – because the increased effort can, under certain conditions, result in a slightly better evaluation. This pays when high unit numbers are involved, or when the target application is not precisely known. Both roads, in effect, reliably lead to Rome.

Dr. Michael Schaefer from Department 5 of the BGIA – Accident Prevention/Product Safety

insightLINKYou can obtain further informationabout the BGIA at:www.hvbg.de/bgia

SICK insight: Where and how can pro-ducers, users, planners or inspection personnel find out more?

Dr. Schaefer: There are a range of pos-sibilities. Companies like SICK offer thor-ough specialist seminars on all aspects of the new standards situation. Groups like the VDMA, the ZVEI or the technical monitoring associations make similar offers. We in the BGIA are rather less directed towards the end users, and fol-low the “train the trainer” philosophy, i.e. we focus on multiplicators in organisa-tions. What we do offer any interested producer or user, however, is a variety of tools for these standards, e.g. at www.hvbg.de/bgia (WebCode 1674855). The spectrum ranges from a disk on calculating the Performance Level, up to our SiSteMa freeware (which will be available in the second quarter of 2007), with which users can determine the safe-ty of machine controllers on a PC using the EN ISO 13849-1. A new BGIA report is planned for autumn, dealing with the topic of standards for safe control sys-tems and containing about three dozen examples of circuits and calculations.

SICK insight: A final question: do the two standards have a “joint” future – will there sometime be THE standard for safe control systems?

Dr. Schaefer: Standard dualism means complexity – and users, in particular, un-derstandably do not like this. There are therefore efforts underway to combine the contents of the EN ISO 13849-1 and the EN 62061 in a single standard. But because this cannot be achieved over-night, users should decide on one of the two alternatives on the basis of their specific interests. What is certain is that both standards lead to a comparable safety level – though via differing routes and with differing levels of effort.

SICK insight: Dr. Schaefer, Mr Hauke, thank you very much for this conversation.

>> BGIA – facts and figures

The Berufsgenossenschaftliche Institut für Arbeitsschutz (Trade Association of Industrial Safety) is a research and testing institute of the commercial trade associations with 250 employees, based in Sankt Augustin near Bonn.

The BGIA supports the commercial trade associations and their institutions, particularly in scientific-technical questions regarding health and safety at work.

The BGIA maintains close contacts with foreign safety at work institutions. There are regular exchanges of experiences with a group of 23 research institutes involved in health and safety at work in 20 nations, regarding cur-rent developments and resulting in statements on concrete co-operations .

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SICK presents sensors for factory, logistics and process automation

>> As one of the world’s most innova-tive sensor suppliers, we show you tech-nological highlights and numerous new products.

Win with SICKWe show you how you can most quickly implement the solutions you need for your automation tasks. And incidentally, you can win a navigation system for all of Europe. So it pays to drop in at SICK.

Visit us in Hall 9 – a varied pro-gramme awaits you. And, as always, there is no lack of entertainment. Our trade fair party starts at 6.00 p.m. on Thursday 19 April. There will again be top-class music and your physical well-being will also be catered for.

More on the HMI 2007 atwww.sick.de/hmi

Visit us at Stand F54, Hall 9

We look forward to your visit.

Numerous technological highlights in almost 1,000 m2

WELCOME TO

HANOVER 2007

With a hitherto unparalleled variety of applications, SICK is this year showing the pos-sibilities offered by sensors, safety technology and identification solutions in industrial automation. Solutions for almost all industrial sectors can be seen – and we intend to present them to you live.

News & Highlights p News & Highlights p News & Highlights p News & Highlights p News & Highlights p News & Highlights

1/2007

Partner Portal

News Arena

Logistics automation

Info

Sensor Solutions for Factory Automation

safetyPLUS®

Overview

Motion & Drives

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>> This combination, currently unique on the market, marks the onset of a new age – that of the time-of-flight.

Precise, reliable switching, always availableIt would hardly be possible for the DS30 to cover a more diverse range of appli-cations. Even extremely dirty pallet feet are reliably detected when checking the occupancy of storage bays in handling and warehousing systems. In package distribution centres, packages of all siz-es and colours are reliably detected at distances of up to 2 m, e.g. to trigger bar code reading stations. This small sensor, with its large functional reserves, offers

More highly sophisticated distance sensor

Time-of-flight’s time has comeExtremely accurate distancing, the maintenance of distances, the checking of presence – these tasks are ideally solved with the new DS30 distance sensor. As compact as a photoelectric switch, the device offers a scanning distance of 2 m and highly precise background suppression – regardless of the object’s colour.

versatile use even in the harsh environ-ments of the rubber, paper and steel in-dustries.

New time-of-flight age – with perfect background suppressionThe DS30 is the first device to measure the time-of-flight using a completely new type of electronic evaluation process. The high resolution and reproducibility thus achieved gives the DS30 its high level of precision and reliability – even with low object reflectivity. The background sup-pression is absolutely perfect: nothing can interfere with the DS30’s distance measurement. This is particularly im-portant when the sensor is aligned in :

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insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/en

open spaces, e.g. on conveyor systems or high-bay stackers. Whether reflective metal beams in the shelf construction, vehicles with reflectors passing by, or personnel with reflective safety jackets – there is no spurious switching with the DS30.

Distance measurement with the DS30 – because its technological lead is nothing less than the distance to a sec-ond-best solution.

The very best – a new masterpiece amongst distance sensors: the DS30

>> Further reading

You can find further information on distance sensors in the Technology section on Pages 34 and 35

Distance sensors

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>> The challenge of a reliable glance in the box is not new – previous solutions, however, were often complicated and not always as reliable and maintenance-free as could be desired. Laser meas-urement technology, in the form of the LMS400, now allows the reliable detec-tion of even small objects with difficult detection properties in moving contain-ers – with an all-in-one sensor.

Column(s) of process reliabilityThe compact LMS400 is installed above a conveyor system and generates a meas-urement field that is divided up and evalu-ated in the internal processor as either equidistant or overlapping columns. As a result of almost parallel laser illumination there are no areas of shadow that could impair detection, e.g. at the edge of a box. With a resolution of 1 mm and a measure-ment accuracy of 4 – 5 mm, even objects of only 30 x 30 x 30 mm3 (roughly the size of a golf ball) are reliably detected. Thus the system functions like a scanning light curtain or a parallel arrangement of individ-ual photoelectric proximity switches – but

Scan, detect, switch

A quick look in the boxIs whatever should be in the box actually there? This tantalising question is often posed for a variety of containers during picking, packaging, despatch or return of goods. It is reliably answered by the LMS400 laser measurement system with Level Control.

is much more compact, and offers much simpler installation and maintenance. Furthermore, the application can be imple-mented with the help of user-friendly setup software in the scanner itself. The LMS400 can immediately provide information for a plant computer, or control a sorting gate, via its digital switching outputs.

High-level logistical processesWhether distribution centres; mail order

companies; courier, express and pack-age service providers; breweries; dairies; or food producers – the LMS400 raises logistical procedures to a new level of process and cost efficiency.

On Page 18 you can read about how the LMS400 helps a Swiss auto-motive service provider to prevent im-pairment of its quality and image, while also avoiding high costs due to over- or under-delivery. :P

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New series of photoelectric switches in miniature standard housing

Compatible mounting, rapid action, short-range suitability

>> The series includes the WL8 photo-electric reflex switch and the WTB8 photoelectric proximity switch (which is also available as the WTB8L with laser optics). The conventional hous-ing design with its mounting slots offers compatible mounting – ensuring easy upgrading to this powerful sensor technology.

Performance countsWhether in storage and conveyor sys-tems, in packaging or vending machines, or in print and paper – it is the perform-

ance that matters in the various tasks. The photoelectric switch has a range of 4 m. The scanner, with background suppression, operates reliably at up to 300 mm. The switching frequency of up to 2 KHz allows the solution of rapid applications. The photoelectric switch’s autocollimation principle eliminates dead zones at close range to the sensor, even when reflective foil is used. It also permits the use of small shutters.

The new W8: install, connect, automate.

SICK’s new photoelectric switch series is called the W8. Autocollimation, back-ground suppression and high switching frequencies open up a wide range of applications for these compact sensors.

Further information for downloading

can be found in the Literature Finder

at www.sick.com

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Motorised roller sensors with expanded logic functions

Always alert when it mattersRest when the conveyor section is empty, and wake up when the goods come: the WTR photoelectric proximity switch and the WLR photoelectric reflex switch can control motorised rollers autonomously. This increases the rollers’ service life and reduces operating costs.

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vate the subsequent conveyor segments in the direction of transport. Sleep mode resumes when a particular accumula-tion area is empty again, restoring the energy-saving and cost-cutting quiescent phase.

Vis-à-vis costs: the sensor and logic functions of the WTR and WLR are ac-commodated within a single housing – both devices are thus “well aware” when it comes to reduced installation and mounting effort.

>> All Gateways use SICK’s Enhanced Function Interface (EFI) for integration. A variety of versions of the S300 and S3000 safety laser scanners, the C4000 safety light curtain, the M4000 multiple light beam safety device, the UE403, and the UE440/UE470 safety controllers can be connected.

Integration increases plant availabilityThis integration solution allows the use of the expanded sensor functions of SICK’s ESPEs, e.g. the monitoring field switching function of the safety laser

Safety technology and standard automation technology come together

New network gateways for electro-sensitive protective equipment

scanners. The Gateways are suitable for both standard and safe PLCs. Integra-tion of SICK devices with the help of the new Gateways allows the bidirectional transfer of status information, as well as configuration and diagnostic functions, within the particular fieldbus environ-ment via the Gateways. This permits complete system diagnosis and simple reconfiguration at any time. Integration in a human-machine interface (HMI), and the possibility of the remote main-tenance of safety systems, lead to a sub-stantial increase in plant availability. INFO 128

SICK presents a new product family, called UE-EFI Gateways, for the integration of electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) and safety controllers in PROFIsafe, PROFIBUS-DP, Ethernet TCP/IP and CANopen bus systems.

The WTR with logic functions (single feed, single discharge, sleep mode, awake mode) for controlling motor rollers

>> In addition to the familiar functions of single feed and single discharge, the new WTR and WLR (for extremely reflective surfaces) now offer a sleep/awake operating mode. This permits need-oriented control of motorised rollers with a 24 V DC operating volt-age, such as the RollerDrive EC300 from Interroll®. There is no need for any complicated external programming

of the logic for the accumulating roller function.

Sensor controls motorised rollersThe motorised rollers are in sleep mode when the conveyor section is empty. A transported object approaching the sen-sor is detected and the awake mode brings the motorised rollers to life. Accu-mulating roller sensors successively acti-

The Interroll® RollerDrive EC300 for controlled acceleration, braking, and constant speeds

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>> The UE410 Flexi considerably sim-plifies complex control configurations. Based on a Main Unit, almost any fur-ther input and output modules can be added – the control solution grows with the particular safety task. A communi-cation module for all common fieldbus environments allows integration of the UE410 Flexi in the customer’s existing IT network. All modules communicate with one another via a data bus. The function of each module can be selected using a rotary switch on the front panel – the screwdriver has replaced software as a system prerequisite.

Users are full of praiseThe success of the UE410 Flexi is no accident. Users praise the low number of components needed, the substan-tially reduced space required and,

Flexibility and function configurator make safety controller popular

When safety logic manages without software…Only on the market for a few months and already several thousand are in operation – the UE410 Flexi modular safety controller has rapidly become a real sales hit. Its success is the result of both its flexible, multifunctional modular principle and its function configurator being available on the Internet.

frequently , the lack of logic and diagnos-tic wiring. The function configurator at www.ue410flexi.com, which minimises the advance engineering effort, is par-ticularly helpful during the construction of control solutions.

Unique: agile Flexi function configuration via drag & dropThe Flexi configurator is a graphic tool, supported by application animations, for displaying and selecting sensors and control functions. It helps in the selec-tion of the required components or mod-ules – at the click of a mouse. The com-plete range of safety sensors from SICK is shown in a pull down list, and they can be transferred by drag & drop to the con-figuration being created. The configura-tor shows which UE410 Flexi control modules and which switch position can

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation with the attached card under:INFO 117or on the Internet at:www.ue410flexi.com

be used to implement which functions. AND/OR, muting or bypass provide con-trol flexibility, as do emergency stop with and without cross-circuit detection, two-hand applications, protective door moni-toring or adjustable response time. The user can change the module’s internal logical functions on the screen by click-ing on the rotary switch. The configura-tor shows brief product- and function-related descriptions, and displays the overall control configuration previously created. When the Flexi control solution is finished it can be stored for subse-quent processing, or saved as a graphic in .PDF format.

It really has never been as easy for users to construct their own individual safety solution. The Flexi configurator shows how – straightforwardly – and also provides the necessary order infor-mation!

The Flexi configurator graphically permits the construction of individual safety solutions

Modular safety controller

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The new IT4820i radio hand-held scanner opens up a wide range of mobile indus-trial applications. This has been enabled by the latest generations of Bluetooth data radio and imaging technology. They give the device mobility and excellent reading performance.

>> Thanks to the fifth generation of the powerful AdaptusTM imaging technology, the IT4820i reads both 1D and 2D codes as well as symbols, signatures and im-ages. Thus almost all labels common in transport, logistics and other industrial processes can be reliably detected.

Reliable data handlingA Bluetooth V1.2 radio module ensures transmission of the reading information in a cable-free network. Users can work online within a radius of 10 m from the basis station. Outside this range, any codes scanned are stored temporarily in the device itself and automatically trans-mitted to the basis station on re-enter-ing radio range. The adaptive frequency hopping process protects data transfer from interference from the surround-ings, while also ensuring that channels already occupied (e.g. by W-LAN) are not interfered with.

Practical: battery changes without toolsThe modern lithium ion battery allows up to 50,000 scans per charge. Replace-ment batteries can be charged separate-ly. It is particularly easy to replace a bat-tery in the IT4820i. The battery compart-ment in the handle has a small wheel for opening it – no tool is now necessary for changing the battery.

Robust housing technology, allow-ing reliable function even after being dropped 50 times from a height of 2 m, and powerful scanning performance make the IT4820i a dependable device with long availability even under harsh operating conditions.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enor as a .PDF in the Literature Finder at www.sick.com

Radio hand-held scanner

Bluetooth hand-held scanner for industrial use

Mobility and reading performance guaranteed

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SICK has expanded the IVC-3D smart camera with functionalities for the three-dimensional visual guidance of gripping systems and robots. Large and small objects, objects at rest or in motion, parts with and without positioning and align-ment tolerances – the camera’s visual power ensures targeted gripping under all conditions.

>> Three-dimensional vision for guid-ing grippers and robots is required when there are no grip-relevant object features and position information is lacking – or their presence is not re-producible. Contrast problems can also lead to users deciding to exploit a 3D camera system if damage to products, or spurious gripping during automated handling, must be reliably ruled out. The IVC-3D offers new possibilities, both during picking from conveyors or gripping from pallets, thanks to the in-tegration of highly precise functions for the evaluation and synchronisation of measurement co-ordinates. Calibration between the smart camera and the ro-bot or handling system has been made considerably easier. A simply construct-ed calibration tool allows the camera and robot to obtain the same spatial co-ordinates and generate from them a shared co-ordinate system for their working space.

Picking from conveyors: often with small parts in motionPrimary packaging (e.g. of biscuits) in-creasingly involves the use of automated gripping systems. The parts are small, in

motion, unaligned, and their geometri-cal and colour properties often differ. In extreme cases they offer almost no contrast to the conveyor belt. The IVC-3D reliably solves the task of object detec-tion under these, for 2D cameras, very problematic conditions. It supplies all the object information that is necessary for reliable gripping – even its position and alignment on the conveyor belt. Tak-ing the conveyor belt speed into account, the picking system can exploit this infor-mation for rapid and millimetre-accurate gripping.

Gripping from the pallet: large parts at restWithout optical guidance robots can only grip objects if their dimensions are known and their position and orientation defined, e.g. by means of a retaining or centring system. The IVC-3D removes these restrictions. As a moving unit, the smart camera can detect the posi-tion, height, orientation, alignment, and height level on the pallet – even with complex objects. It is also possible to detect surface properties, as well as identify and sort objects on the basis of geometrical features, e.g. “in order” and “not in order”. Thus the IVC-3D can pro-vide the robot with two types of informa-tion: for the actual gripping process, and for process-oriented handling.

A robot needs excellent vision for accu-rate gripping – hence the IVC-3D.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation with the attached card under:INFO 129or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/en andwww.sickivp.com

3D smart camera for picking systems and robots

Spatial visual power for targeted gripping

3D camera system

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Safety light curtain in specific variants

Product relaunch C2000: there’s always a suitable solution for Category 2

The new Category 2 C2000 RES/EDM light curtain in the C2000 product family is now even easier to integrate in the machine or plant. Its range of functions is tailor-made for special customer requirements.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation with the attached card under:INFO 130or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/en

Integrated functions and status information permit rapid commissioning and prevent unnecessary machine downtimes – the new C2000 RES/EDM safety light curtain

>> With their high signal reserve, the C2000 family of safety light curtains also operate reliably under harsh indus-trial conditions. Functions and status in-formation integrated in the device per-mit rapid commissioning and prevent unnecessary machine downtimes.

C2000 RES/EDM – exploiting savings potentialsThe C2000 RES/EDM is an interesting variant regarding cost savings for the system solution. Two auxiliary contac-tors are considerably cheaper than one safety relay. This is where the C2000 RES/EDM offers users savings poten-tials. Why: the switching behaviour of the auxiliary contactors is monitored by the light curtain’s External Device Moni-toring function. Thus the use of a safety relay for this function is unnecessary. Integration of the machine’s Reset re-lease takes place at a reasonable price via a standard cable – further reducing the cost of the safety system. This vari-ant’s proven 7-segment display, with its information on status and errors, pro-vides important information preventing unnecessary machine downtimes.

C2000 RES/EDM – one example from the large C2000 family of products that shows the range of individual solutions available.

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Efficient, despite difficult contrasts

Laser contrast scanner for fine and distant contrastsIts small light spot and long scanning distance make the new KT8L a versatile solution for detecting fine and distant contrast marks. Teach-in is particularly com-fortable thanks to its simplicity and a bar display showing detection quality.

>> A laser LED and autocollimation give the KT8L a scanning range of from 30 to 800 mm with full depth of focus. The au-tocollimation principle provides another advantage: the small light spot on the object or contrast mark, even at long distances. Depending on the device ver-sion, spot diameter is either 3 mm or 0.3 mm – the latter permits detection of even the smallest print marks and labels. The small light spot allows bar codes, for example, to be read even at long distances.

User-friendliness guarantees reliabilityContrast scanners detect grey value dif-ferences on objects, e.g. print marks on newspapers, magazines or packag-ing. The reliable detection of grey value contrasts, e.g. the brightness difference between a mark and its background,

is of decisive importance for detection quality. With its simple adjustment via teach-in, the KT8L is fit for any “contrast program”. Users can check the device directly: they can determine signal qual-ity during commissioning and operation by means of the integrated bar display and, if necessary, make readjustments. The analogue output provides a signal of 0.15 – 10 mA. The switching signals are available as a NPN- or PNP-switch-ing output, depending on the device ver-sion selected.

Easy installation, industry-oriented designThe KT8L is easy to install because the device has a pivoting M12 device plug. In use, its industry-oriented design in a robust metal housing with an enclosure rating of IP 67 ensures availability of

the scanner. Immunity to impacts and vibrations is guaranteed, according to IEC 68.

Wide variety of usesIts suitability for distant and fine objects opens up numerous opportunities for using the KT8L. The smallest of compo-nents on electronic cards are just as re-liably detected as transparent objects, or the sell-by date on packaging.

Contrast detection with the KT8L – when fine details, long-sightedness and func-tional reliability matter.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/en andwww.laserlichtschranke.com

Small light spot and long scanning distance – the new KT8L laser contrast scanner

Contrast detection

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Scanning is quicker and more ergonomic

First class: the new-generation hand-held bar code reader

The new IT3800g hand-held scanner is characterised by ergonomic design and many improvements in handling and reading performance. Ideal prerequisites for continuing the success story of the IT3800 family of linear imagers.

>> The IT3800g exploits the latest gen-eration of linear imager technology. It features considerably longer reading distances, greater depth of focus and a more intensive scanning line with better

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enor as a .PDF in the Literature Finder at www.sick.com

Very user-friendly handlingAll features profit from handling that is as easy and user-friendly as possible. Reliable aiming on the object, a high tolerance of movement, and immediate information on positive reading results permit particularly simple work with the device. The housing is more ergonomically shaped and lighter. A variety of interfaces, including for common electronic till systems, permits smooth connection of the hand-held scanner.

Robust design for rough useThe new IT3800g also sets the standard regarding robustness: capable of func-tioning even after 50 falls from a height of 1.5 m in tests, and equipped with a 5-year guarantee.

All in all, the IT3800g hand-held scan-ner is the ideal partner for mobile bar code detection in trade; in production, transport and logistics; or for processing documents.

A world first

Now also for C-slotsThe MZ2Q C-slot is the world’s first teachable cylinder sensor for the C-slot. Compact housing, two inde-pendent switching points and sophisti-cated electronics make the sensor the optimum solution for applications with very short pistons.

>> Two freely adjustable switching points in a single sensor – for the C-slot, too, this now means lower installation effort and less cabling on the pneumatic cylinder. The compact and short sensor housing is another plus: it allows completely sunken, and thus protected, installation in the slot.

Easy teachingThe space-saving size of the MZ2Q C-slot has been made possible because the electronics are now no longer within the housing but are integrated in the connection cable. The easy teach-in process for the two switching points, for which no special teaching tool is required, remains unchanged. Thus the sensor is ready for operation in the shortest of times.

Teach me twice: the sensor concept of the MZ2Q is now also good for the C-slot INFO 131

visibility on the bar code. Resolution has been improved to 0.075 mm; evaluation of the reading information now takes place four times quicker than in the predecessor model.

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Detection and measurement in the “Age of Communication”

First automation light grid with IO-LinkThe MLG automation light grid from SICK is now available with an IO-Link inter-face. This allows integration of the sensor system in the fieldbus environment of a machine or plant.

>> The MLG light curtain is an auto-mation solution for measuring or pure switching tasks. Among other things, it offers a variety of beam separations (10, 20, 30 or 50 mm), monitoring heights between 100 mm and 3,140 mm, and two ranges of 0 – 5 m or 0 – 8.5 m. Among the most interesting application opportunities are the detection of object heights (e.g. on a conveyor system or in a storage bay), the regulation of web slack, zone division and monitoring (e.g. to monitor pick-to-light picking processes), the classification of objects on the basis of their size, and the checking of edges and profiles.

IO-Link ensures comprehensive exchange of informationAll applications can profit from IO-Link, i.e. integration of the MLG in the fieldbus environment of a machine or plant. The fieldbus coupling allows the automation light grid to be detected and contacted

both at the operating panel of a machine and in a distant control room. Digital switching distances and digitalised ana-logue values can also be transmitted, as can a wide variety of supplementary infor-mation such as contamination warnings, the presence of sources of interference in the MLG’s vicinity, the quality of the switching signal, the current scanning distance or the sensor’s serial number.

Parameterisation, process and diag-nostic advantagesThe IO-Link option offers users of the MLG a range of important advantages. Parameterisation of the MLG can take place directly from the automation sys-tem of the machine or plant. Basic func-tions such as height measurement, divi-sion into zones, or the checking of pres-ence can also be activated via IO-Link, as can teach-in or the process-oriented blanking of beams. The combination of sensor and IO-Link provides important

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation with the attached card under:INFO 132or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/io-link andwww.sick.com/insight/en

Possible with the MLG IO-Link: integration of the sensor system in the fieldbus environment of a machine or plant

data during operation, contributing to op-timised processes. Testing of the trans-mission module is also possible, as is the monitoring of sensor contamination, synchronisation of the transmitter and receiver, or ensuring optimum receiver signals during the teach-in process. Conversely , IO-Link offers the opportuni-ty to contact the MLG from the controller at regular intervals to check sensor func-tion. This cyclical remote maintenance allows targeted preventive servicing and thus minimises machine downtimes.

The concept of MLG with IO-Link offers a secure technological future and thus long-term investment protection.

IO-Link

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>> The MZ2Q is used for, among other things, object detection on grippers, clamps or presses, in which a pneumatic cylinder with a piston length of up to 50 mm acts as an actuator. The two freely adjust-able switching points in the sensor allow the reliable detection of defined end-posi-tions, or the generation of an advance sig-nal for targeted reduction of piston speed. Thanks to the IO-Link, the definition and monitoring of the switching points can be carried out automatically and remotely via fieldbus, e.g. by the machine control-ler. The MZ2Q IO-Link has an individual ID number for this purpose, making it ad-dressable during communication .

The familiar advantages of the standard MZ2Q remain unchanged: short housing, space-saving and reliable mounting in the slot, lower installation and cabling effort, and high switching accuracy.

The first magnetic cylinder sensor with IO-Link

Remote teach-in and diagnosisThe MZ2Q IO-Link is the first magnetic cylinder sensor that can be integrated into a machine’s fieldbus environment. The two switching points can now be taught-in and monitored remotely.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation with the attached card under:INFO 131or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/io-link andwww.sick.com/insight/en

IO-Link

>> IO-Link on the march: users increasingly appreciate the benefits

SICK insight: Two years ago, SICK first presented standard photoelectric proximity switches that could be inte-grated in fieldbus environments, and the underlying IO-Link technology has been a major talking point for about a year now. How is IO-Link presented and positioned on the market now?

Klaus Halder: SICK believes that IO-Link technology, i.e. the reason-ably priced expansion of a sensor’s switching output function to create a communication interface, now has a

Klaus Halder Manager of the Standard Sensors Business Unit

greater potential than ever. The advan-tages, including parameter download from a machine controller, compre-hensive remote diagnostic capability, increased plant availability , automatic plant documentation, and – important for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries – validation of the entire ma-chine, right down to the sensors, show how varied the operational advantages of sensors with IO-Link can be. Interest within many sectors is correspondingly large, so that we expect a rapid spread of the technology and its use in projects soon to be implemented.

SICK insight: What strategy is SICK follow-ing by expanding the IO-Link portfolio?

Klaus Halder: As a sensor supplier with broad market access to the most varied of customer segments, SICK is actively

reacting to current interests and trends. We therefore already offer a compara-tively wide range of IO-Link devices. So we are presenting more new IO-Link sensors again at the Hanover Trade Fair 2007. While optical binary devices, in particular (e.g. photoelectric proximity switches such as the third generation of sensors from SICK), have dominated up to now, we are also presenting for the first time multi-bit sensors (e.g. the MLG auto mation light grid), and non-optical sensors (such as the MZ2Q cylinder sensor) with IO-Link. The presentation of IO-Link devices that are actually avail-able will make it clear that SICK sees IO-Link as one of the most important future technologies for automation.

SICK Insight: Thank you very much for this brief statement.

IO-Link sensor series available from SICK and presented at the HMI:WTB4-3 IO-Link photoelectric proximity switch • WTB18-3 IO-Link photoelectric proximity switch • WTB27-3 IO Link photoelectric proximity switch • WL12G IO-Link through-beam photoelectric switch for transparent objects • IOLSH con-nection module • MLG IO-Link automation light grid • MZ2Q IO-Link magnetic cylinder sensor

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Best bus connections

New HIPERFACE® adapter modules for CANopen and DeviceNet

Space-saving scanner for bar codes and 2D codes

Small + omnidirectional = ideal>> Whether bar codes, 2D codes, or pure image capture – the ICR803 reads omni-directionally, i.e. in any orientation. LED illumination, the latest imaging technol-ogy and the choice between USB or RS-232 interface versions – everything that a device needs for reading is already in-tegrated in the small 49 x 40 x 25 mm3

housing. No external decoder, illumina-tion or interface adapter is required. This makes the ICR803 – the latest product in the ICR series based on camera tech-nology – the ideal identification solution for automated analysis machines and other small systems, handling equip-ment and robots.

Objects must be identifiable in any alignment but mounting space for the reading device is limited – given these conditions, the small ICR803 code read-er is enormous.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/enor as a .PDF in the Literature Finder at www.sick.com

SICK’s rotative, linear and optical position detection systems with a HIPERFACE® interface offer the best bus connections. In addition to adapter modules for SSI and PROFIBUS, versions for CANopen and DeviceNet are now available.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation on the Internet at:www.sick-stegmann.com and www.sick.com/insight/en

>> They offer simple conversion of HIPERFACE® data output from inte-grated systems for path measurement and position detection in every existing fieldbus environment commonly found in industry. One advantage of this is that motor feedback encoders with a HIPERFACE® interface – unlike stand-ard encoders – offer very high resolu-tions during the evaluation of digital and analogue signals. A further benefit is that the encoder itself remains com-pact. It can be installed in tight spaces. The bus adapter is then located wher-ever more mounting space is available.

Integration takes place using M12 con-nection technology.

Whether SSI, PROFIBUS, CANopen or DeviceNe t – all interface adapter modules are available immediately and worldwide.

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Safety switches: product portfolio grows further

New housings and bus connectionsSICK is presenting a total of four new safety switches and locking devices at the HMI 2007 in Hanover. Smaller housings, AS-i device versions and more integrated functions are the features required during practical operation.

>> Electro-mechanical and non-contact safety switches are important elements of SICK’S overall safety portfolio. Togeth-er with opto-electronic protective equip-ment, safe control solutions and wide-ranging safety-oriented services they offer – in line with SICK’s safetyPLUS® philosophy – complete safety solutions over the entire life cycle of machines and plant, involving constant innovation and practical improvements to sensors, switches and controllers.

i15 Lock: great safety in small housingsThe new i15 Lock safety locking device is particularly compact. The housing length has been reduced by up to 50% com-pared to other locking devices (depend-ing on the version of the mechanical or electrical safety locking device). This is advantageous wherever machines with light doors or Plexiglas hoods require monitoring. Depending on the robust-ness of the door, SICK offers the i15

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/en

Lock with plastic or metal heads. The safety switch is really big in functional terms: it detects the opening and lock-ing state of movable barriers and has a retention power of up to 1,500 N.

i18-AS-i and i10 Lock-AS-i: safety switches with direct AS-i Safety at Work bus connectionThe safety switches i18-AS-i (with a sep-arate actuator) and i10 Lock-AS-i (safety locking device) have been supplemented with an AS-i Safety at Work interface. As a result, their safety tasks can now be directly integrated in a machine’s AS-i network.

Safety switches with expanded connection technologyIn addition to connection via a cable gland, the safety switches are now also available with M12 plug-in connector technology. Selected types even have sockets for two plug-in connectors. In this case it is now possible to connect the contacts in series, considerably re-ducing the installation effort.

i150RP wire-draw switch: greater length, greater functionThe new i150RP wire-draw switch offers a wire length of up to 75 m. Longer dis-tances can now be equipped with these safety switches for protecting extended areas such as conveyor belts or feed systems. An emergency stop switch is integrated in the device – thus the emer-gency stop function is also available at the end of the wire, doing away with the need to install a separate emergency stop switch. The position display and un-locking lever simplify adjustment of wire tension. As an option, status can also be displayed – by means of an indicator light mounted directly on the wire-draw switch.

Safety switches from SICK – an innova-tive portfolio that is practically oriented and proven in practice.

The new safety switches and safety locking devices

Safety switches

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Series expanded

3D smart camera now focused on small parts and palletsSICK-IVP has expanded its IVC-3D series, still the world’s only 3D smart camera, with two new variants. The IVC-3D 30 is designed for small and miniature parts, while the IVC-3D 300 focuses on large objects such as loaded pallets.

>> The IVC-3D 50 and IVC-3D 200 from SICK-IVP have become quasi-standards in 3D image processing. The newly pre-sented IVC-3D 30 variant optimises the family for small and miniature parts be-low 65 mm in width. On the other hand, large objects – with widths of up to 1,480 mm (e.g. Europallets) – are ide-ally detected by the new IVC-3D 300.

3D inspection of objects and checking of featuresBoth the IVC-3D 30 and the IVD-3D 300 are capable of detecting geometrical features regardless of their brightness. Both systems operate with a line of la-ser light whose reflection is evaluated in a triangulation process. The laser optics are integrated within the hous-

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation with the attached card under:INFO 129or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/en

ing. This eliminates the need for adjust-ment and provides a stable, uniform geometry between the illumination and camera throughout the entire inspec-tion process. Both 3D smart cameras are quickly ready for use thanks to cali-bration before delivery and data output in mm.

Precise results at any transport speedWhether plastic parts or pallets, both new versions of the IVC-3D combine up to 5,000 profile sections per second to form a real 3D image. Height informa-tion is converted to grey values during evaluation of the image. The genera-tion of natural likenesses of the target objects is also possible, even if they pass the measurement window at dif-fering speeds. This poses no problem for the 3D smart cameras because an incremental encoder can be connected for speed or position measurement via an RS-422 input. Thus objects can be detected with high precision, even at fluctuating speeds.

Ideal solutions and ideal alternativesThe IVC-3D 30 and the IVC-3D 300 of-fer versatile programming and versatile use. In their particular fields of applica-tion they represent the ideal solution for numerous inspection tasks in, among other areas, the food and packaging industries, in production processes, or in robot and handling systems. For users with expertise in image process-ing, both 3D smart cameras are flexible and – thanks to the wide-ranging library with image processing functions – indi-vidually programmable, and represent extremely cost-effective alternatives to conventional 3D image processing sys-tems.Whether for miniature parts or large pallets – the IVC-3D series of smart cameras

offers the right models for the most varied of requirements

Image processing

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>> The prize-winning safety controllers of the UE44x7 series, e.g. the UE4427 and the UE4457 with additional Safety Data Link (SDL) functionality (for the in-tegration of intelligent SICK safety sen-sors), allow decentralised IP 67 safety automation. Their biggest advantage: direct connection leads to minimum switching times and thus to a consid-erable reduction in safety distances on the machine. The almost explosive rise in demand for safe IP 67 automation solutions shows that these arguments are highly persuasive, and that SICK is meeting these customer requirements.

With the UE44x7, up to 32 func-tional modules can be linked to the

IP 67 safety controller from SICK takes first place

A safe winnerThe safety controllers of the UE44x7 series from SICK have taken first place in the well-known GIT Safety Award 2006. They were the clear winners in Category A: “Safe automation in production”.

connected safety sensors and actua-tors to create a decentralised safety solution. The controller can be used as a stand-alone device, but network-ing via the integrated fieldbus interface allows both safety-oriented signals and standard signals to be exchanged with a higher-ranking controller. Using the enabling principle, standard signals (e.g. machine start) can influence the remote IP 67 safety controller via the central standard controller.

The economical UE44x7 allows im-plementation of the entire safety func-tionality in the field – without a control cabinet, directly on the machine or plant. INFO 128

>> The DFS60 series, which replaces the successful DGS66, is a new type of in-cremental hollow-shaft encoder. Any line number from 1 to 65,536 per rotation is possible. The encoders’ electrical insula-tion between the motor shaft and the en-coder itself is a feature that significantly

New incremental hollow-shaft encoders for machine and plant construction

All-round innovation and individualityFlexibility regarding line numbers, improved running properties with vibrations mi-nimised, electrically insulated hollow-shaft terminals, and a maximum operating temperature of +100°C make the new incremental hollow-shaft encoders of the DFS60 series trendsetters on the encoder market.

increases availability and immunity to interference.

High temperature resistance, excellent runningWith its operating temperature range of between –20°C and +100°C, the DFS60

series is particularly suitable for applica-tions involving extreme conditions. A further improvement involves the quiet running of the encoder. The separation of the shaft ball bearings has been in-creased to 30 mm to achieve excellent running behaviour, even at operating rates of 6,000 r.p.m. This also results in substantially reduced encoder vibration.

The “basics” are not neglected either, despite all the DFS60’s special features: hollow shaft diameters of up to 15 mm with an external housing size of 60 mm, simple and flexible mounting of custom-er-specific torque multipliers, universal cable outlet for radial or axial extension, and a variety of electrical interfaces (TTL and HTL) meet the basic prerequisites of most applications – particularly during use in machine and plant construction.

The new DFS60 series is thus a “round-ed out” solution in many ways.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation on the Internet at:www.sick-stegmann.com and www.sick.com/insight/en

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Free-moving small transport systems for maximum mobility

Safety guaranteed, navigational support integratedSafe mobility is the most important aim of the compact S300 Professional CMS safety laser scanner. It has been made possible by exploiting the contour data of the surroundings, detected by the scanner, for navigational support.

>> With a shaft encoder input, and path- and speed-dependent switchable protective and warning fields, the S300 Professional safety laser scanner al-ready offered the important prerequisites for mobile use. Now the CMS has been added – the integrated Contour Measure-ment and Safety function. It is based on the scanner’s expanded data output and uses the information to support naviga-tion. Measurement data for the vehicle are generated parallel to the safety in-formation – thus, for example, free-mov-ing transport systems, mobile assembly plants or autonomous service robots for industrial use, are not only kept safe but are also kept on the correct path.

Reflectors as guidesThe S300 Professional CMS is capable of detecting the reflectors as reference marks within the area of operation. The area contour is continuously scanned in real time through a 270° scanning angle. For each distance value, the navigation computer also receives information on the detected reflector marks via the rapid RS-422 connection (at up to 500 kBaud) – thus achieving precise position determi-nation. If necessary, the freely selectable measurement or evaluation area, and the range of filter options available, permit optimisation of the data quantity trans-ferred.

Advantages in a variety of operating scenariosThe S300 Professional CMS is the ideal solution for smaller free-moving transport vehicles. Personal protection and meas-urement data output integrated in a single device – this cuts sensor and installation costs. Moreover, producers are not tied to an expensive complete solution pack-age, i.e. they can make an independent selection of the individual components. In addition to stand-alone use on vehicles, the S300 Professional CMS is also partic-ularly suitable in combination with other path guidance or navigation systems in order to permit, for example, partially au-tonomous drive operation. Joint use with

the device’s “big brother”, the S3000 Pro-fessional CMS, is also possible – thanks to the two scanners’ compatible telegram protocols.

SICK’s new compact safety laser scanner, enabled to provide measure-ment data, meets the requirements of many vehicle producers who want to optimise their systems’ value creation chain.

insightLINKYou can obtain further productinformation with the attached card under:INFO 133or on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight/en

Personal protection and measurement data output in a single device – the compact S300 Professional CMS safety laser scanner, the optimum solution for smaller transport vehicles

Safety laser scanner

Personnel protection and acquisition of the surrounding contour withintegrated reflector mark detection

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On a journey of discovery in the heart of Ireland

The Museum of Birr Castle is located two hours from Dublin, in the middle of Ireland. It is an attraction for anyone interested in landscapes and plants, technology and photography, or the early research into the moon and di-stant star clouds.

>> Birr Castle was originally a 12th centu-ry Norman fortification. The current mu-seum is based on the one set up by the third Earl of Rosse in the 1740s. He built what was then the world’s only giant tel-escope, with which he studied the moon

and was the first to see distant clouds of stars such as M27 or Andromeda. The museum’s largest feature is still in use – for the daily visitors’ tour.

Basic research as industrialisation was startingIn those days Birr Castle also developed into a type of technological research institute. Thus a suspension bridge (which can still be admired today) was designed and constructed. In the Tech-nical College, a converted stable, experi-ments were carried out with steam tur-bines, electricity and steam-driven flying machines. Many exhibits illustrate the wealth of inventions and improvisations achieved by this researcher. Shortly af-ter the Frenchman Daguerre developed the first process for taking photographs, or Daguerreotypes, the new technology also moved into Birr Castle. It is thanks to this that we can now profit from nu-merous images of the castle, persons and the landscape.

Botany wherever one looksParallel to the technical feats, the coun-tryside around Birr Castle became one of

…combines botany, technology and early space research

the most important botanical gardens. Up to 30,000 visitors a year admire the variety of plant life on 40 hectares of land, e.g. more than 1,000 different types of trees from all over the world, or a large number of different species of roses and other flowers. Another attrac-tion: the waterfall that gives the park its special flair.

Birr Castle is open daily from 9.00 a m. to 6.00 p.m. All areas can be visited – the Technical College, the giant telescope, the botanical garden, the Tea Room, the gift shop and the castle itself – though the latter only from outside, because the successors to the muse-um’s original founder live within: Lord and Lady Rosse and their family.www.birrcastle.com

The impressive giant telescope after restoration

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SICK Robot Day 2007: slalom race for autonomous vehicles

Works grounds be-come pit stop alley

>> SICK AG in Waldkirch takes on the logistical responsibility for delivery and stock quality. The goods must be availa-ble in sufficient numbers and arrive at the customer’s facilities in accordance with the details in the order confirmation. If one wants to measure reliability and cus-tomer satisfaction the simple statement “too late” is insufficient as a starting point for making process improvements. Was the desired delivery unrealistic? Did the customer change the order’s dead-line? Were there delays in procurement, production, order picking or preparation for despatch? All these and more could lie behind the statement “too late”.

Approaches for process optimisation become recognisableThe computer-supported analysis of de-livery reliability can consider a variety of causes – and thus provide starting points for process optimisations. The “delivery reliability” measurement value provides information on the order items delivered at the correct point in time as a per-centage of the total number of delivery order items. The reasons for deviations can be shown both as internal factors and for individual customers. Changing of deadlines, insufficient material avail-ability, exhausted credit limits, or miss-ing export documentation – everything

SICK measures and optimises delivery reliability

Logistical diligence It’s great when one receives ones goods at the agreed time. In order to ensure that this happens as often as possible, SICK uses specially developed software to assess its internal process chain, from incoming orders to the despatch of goods. Delivery reliability is the measure of all things – and can be analysed individually for each customer. Automotive customers will be pleased about its similarity to ISO/TS 16949.

is visualised and becomes a component in improvements for, and often with, the customer.

SICK delivery reliability leans on ISO TS/16949ISO/TS 16949 is a specification rec-ognised worldwide. It is based on ISO 9001:2000, summarises the re-quirements of international automobile producers (many of which were previ-ously not uniformly worded in North American and European standards), and describes what automobile produc-ers demand of their suppliers’ corporate processes. The aim of ISO/TS 16949 is to effectively improve system and proc-ess quality in order to increase customer satisfaction, recognise errors and risks in the delivery chain, overcome their causes, and check the effectiveness of the corrective and preventive measures introduced. The measurement of SICK’s delivery reliability takes into account the aims of the standard and implements its requirements.

The benefits of the measurement of delivery reliability at SICK are, however, not restricted to the automotive sector – they are also of advantage to the Eu-rologistics system, the supply of other SICK locations and, therefore, to all cus-tomers in Europe and worldwide.

>> Universities, technical colleges, re-search institutes and schools – they are all invited to participate in the compa-ny’s first slalom race for autonomous vehicles. SICK’s works grounds in Wald-kirch will become a pit stop alley on 27.10.2007 – with vehicles, mechanics, racing managers and almost everything that is involved in motor-racing. Only the drivers’ camp is missing – because there aren’t any drivers!

Cash and gift prizes worth over EUR 4,000 are beckoningThe races in the indoor and outdoor vehi-cle classes will be carried out in two runs to determine the fastest. SICK is providing cash and gift prizes worth over EUR 4,000 for the best teams, those whose vehicles drive the course (not known until the test drives) in the shortest time.

A propos provide: SICK is lending S300 Professional laser scanners to the participating teams for control and navi-gation. They will become the property of the teams – if their car is entered.

Don’t miss the registration deadline!So early registration pays. The deadline for registration is 31 July 2007. Interest-ed teams can call up the conditions for participation at www.sick.com and also register there.

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>> The Darpa Rally shows SICK’s tech-nological lead in object and vehicle area detection in two ways: firstly, almost eve-ry team is relying on current laser scan-

SICK as equipper and participating team

Through wild country – unmannedThe Darpa Rally will take place again in the USA in 2007, during which more-or-less serial unmanned vehicles will find their way through villages and overland. The winner is already known: laser technology from the SICK Group.

ner technology, e.g. the LMS; secondly, SICK AG and its Ibeo Automobile Sensor subsidiary from Hamburg are participat-ing with their own team of eleven and a

high-tech VW Passat. Three prototypes of the latest series of laser scanner will be thoroughly tested in this vehicle – called LUX, and with an appropriate airbrush design – before going into low-volume production in early 2008.

The Darpa Rally is the perfect opportu-nity for SICK to measure itself up against international competitors and the latest technologies in this, the most extreme test of autonomous driving. As was the case last year, the LMS is again the cen-tral component of most of the area de-tection systems. The LUX team from Ibeo Automobile Sensor is using this platform to prove its serial readiness and the eve-ryday applicability of its LUX scanner sys-tems before a wider public.

The winners are those who arrive – and those who have laser safety technology from SICK on board. www.team-lux.com www.ibeo-as.com

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>> Simply register and log in under your individual user name – it has never been as easy to find out where the goods are, when they will arrive, or who has just received them. Online delivery tracking offers all this information – and thus a high level of transparency and planning security for customers.

And while one is already in the online portal, why not also look for the solution for a task that one has long wanted to clear off one’s desk? This is quick and easy with the Application Finder. Select the task and/or sector – and a list ap-pears with interesting solution sugges-tions. Now just one more click – and the

Online tracking of deliveries, application searches, documentation

Supplementary online information at SICK Partner PortalIt’s clicking for increasing numbers of SICK customers – they are now also obtain-ing up-to-date delivery information on their orders, finding interesting application solutions, or selecting documentation on products and solutions from SICK via mouse-clicks at SICK Partner Portal.

sought-after solution is presented with all the SICK products involved.

Online in SICK Partner Portal is also the quickest way to obtain interesting or important documentation. If a set of operating instructions has been lost, or technical information is required, or if one simply wants to browse through the last issue of the SICK insight customer maga-zine – the Literature Finder shows all the available publications and offers them as .PDF files for downloading.

Has it also “clicked” for you? Then regis-ter now at www.mysick.com/register INFO 134

LUX – the high-tech VW Passat with confident colleagues from Hamburg

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>> In terms of content, the seminars are designed to meet the interests and needs of differing participator groups, e.g. constructors, maintenance staff, planners, developers or managers. SICK’s team of trainers is supplemented by external specialists, particularly in the case of safety-related events. Some SICK trainers in the areas of standards and applications are also active in asso-ciations and on international standardi-sation committees.

User training – now also sector-specificIn addition to the familiar and proven courses offered by the Safety Sys-tems and Auto Ident Divisions, sector-specific maintenance training for sen-sors involved in the Industrial Sensors Division has been included in the pro-gramme for 2007. There are also new user training courses on safe control-lers from SICK.

You want the details?Then request our training programme or visit us at www.sick.com/training

By the way: SICK also organises on-site training, i.e. at your company! Please contact us. We will then prepare an indi-vidual offer. INFO 135

>> New on SICK’s training team

Rainer Wagner has many years’ experience as a

constructor and project manager in heavy machine and plant construc-tion, and as a construction manager in special machine construction at a well-known automotive sub-contrac-tor. Since 2003 he has been active as a freelance expert on machine and plant safety, and thus offers the com-bination of practical experience and specialist knowledge that is typical of seminars at SICK. Rainer Wagner’s seminars deal with “The construction of safe machines and plant” and “Car-rying out redesigns and significant changes to machines and plant”.

Thomas Kraus from the Ger-man Engineering

Federation (VDMA) is a member of the committee responsible for the EU Machine Directive, the Technical Equipment and Consumer Products Committee and the Safety at Work Committee. He is currently employed at the Federal Ministry for Trade and Technology. Together with lawyer Susanne Jänsch from SICK, he com-prehensively illuminates the topic of “The Machine Directive and producer liability for managers”.

SICK is again presenting a wide-ranging training programme in 2007 for the Industrial Sensors, Industrial Safety Systems, and Auto Ident Division. The specialised seminar that covers the new EN ISO 13849-1 and EN 62061 standards for safe machines is already being greeted with particular interest – early registration is recommended.

Training 2007 Training is preferable to paying for one’s mistakes

the programme that’s catching on

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>> This is demonstrated by the events that have taken place in recent weeks at, among others, Airbus in Hamburg, Volkswagen’s ‘Glazed Manufacturing Hall’ in Dresden, at the premises of RWTH in Aachen and at SICK in Waldkirch. Each practical afternoon has its own emphasis – in concrete terms, they cover safety and responsibility, safety and construction, safety and planning, as well as safety and maintenance. About 100 people have participated in the events.

Competent guest speakers get safety acrossOne aspect of the talks is to show the current standards situation in the ar-ea of safety technology. The fact that the topic of safety must be considered comprehensively if one wants to apply responsible solutions is another impor-tant aspect. This approach for integrated safety thinking and action follows SICK’s safetyPLUS® philosophy – from the initial planning stage through the risk analysis, the application of standards, engineer-ing, project planning, commissioning and repair, right up to the modernisation of a machine. The talks show how inte-gration, in the form of consistent sen-sor, control and service solutions from a single source, lead to economical and future-oriented results with a high level

After-work talks attract participants

Successful practical safetyPLUS® afternoonsWork in the morning, have lunch, and then attend the company‘s after-work talks in the afternoon – the idea of SICK’s practical safetyPLUS® afternoons is meeting with lively approval in many companies.

of long-term investment protection. In a practice-oriented atmosphere, safety experts from SICK – as well as external guest speakers – impart information and knowledge. These include, among oth-ers, Gert Eberle, head of the Trade Asso-ciation’s R&D (BGFE) training facilities in Braunschweig, and Dr. Matthias Umbreit from the Trade Association Metall Süd in Mainz.

More to comeIn the coming weeks and months, SICK will invite personnel to further after-work talks involving safetyPLUS®. Those who want to know where and when can find out at www.sick.com

www.sick-safetyplus.com INFO 136

>> A small gift here, a nice chat there, a bit of information over there – one doesn’t always have to present comparatively dry technology in a dry manner. Some succumbed to the charms of the ladies in overalls at the

In overalls, all over

Ladies present technologies (not only) to menEverybody’s talking about IO-Link and safetyPLUS® – two campaigns initiated by SICK that no longer really need any promotion. Though attractively packed informa-tion cannot do any harm – even at the Hanover Trade Fair 2007.

SPS/IPC/DRIVES trade fair. Those who enjoyed the overall(ed) atmosphere there, or would like to try out new developments in attractive packag-ing, can look forward to the Hanover Trade Fair 2007…

6262

: Book Corner

How to get your point across…

…in 30 seconds or less

>> How do I convince my boss to give me a pay rise, how do I advocate my ideas for the project, how do I get a bet-ter job, how do I best get my message across to my listeners at meetings or in speeches, how do I get my point-of-view across quickly and convincingly? Not at all straightforward.

Some may have drunk it in with their mother’s milk or learnt it quickly (or have had to learn it) – it is important to keep what one wants to say short, convincing and to the point, particularly in one’s business life.

Of course, it is simpler just to get on with one’s work and wait for the great miracle: that someone recognises one’s brilliant capabilities and then fulfils all one’s wishes. But is one’s business life really like this? Rather seldom. Nowa-days one must more often fight for what one wants. Merely doing a good job is not enough for one’s career.

The message that one wants to get across must be formulated briefly and meaningfully, and delivered at the right time – that is the skill.

This little book by Milo Frank, an expert in communication techniques who trav-elled the world as a trainer for many years, provides good tips on these mat-

ters. It was specially written for business training and is intended for anyone who wants to achieve something in their ca-reer.

Frank explains why and how one can use the rules, in almost any situation, to present your position in 30 seconds or less. This sounds a bit unbelievable, but when one reads the book it soon becomes clear what Frank is aiming at: formulate the main message clearly and precisely in advance of a conversa-tion, presentation or other type of com-munication – so that one’s counterpart listens and can let themselves be con-vinced.

Frank explains how one achieves this, e.g. that one must be clear about one’s own aims, know one’s listeners and be aware of what they expect. The core thoughts must be precisely defined. There are three basic principles: what does one want – who can provide it – how can one achieve it. Anecdotes, the right amount of humour, metaphors and rich imagery help to captivate the listener.

Clarity of one’s statement is very impor-tant, while maintaining expression and a personal approach.

What must also not be underestimated is: the non-verbal impression. How do I get the message across? Do I read a speech, for example, (which, by the way, Frank says should be divided into several 30-second parts) with my head lowered or do I look the audience squarely in the eye and smile at them; do I act like I feel, do I act in such a way that I come over best: be myself? Credible?

How can I prepare myself for perfect an-swers to questions that follow a speech or presentation? How do I behave on the phone, or what do I record on the answering machine so that whoever I have rung will really ring back, how do I shape a message so that it is actually read? This and much more is explained in this book.

At the end of each chapter there is a box in which everything is summarised

“How to get your point across in 30 seconds or less“Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 120 pages ISBN: 0671524925

briefly, and which one really can read in 30 seconds.

And right at the end you find out why Eva and Charles are still happily married as a result of a 30-second message.

Summary: the book will probably not be very informative for those who com-municate a lot and are well up on their rhetoric, but it is to be thoroughly recom-mended for beginners who would like to perfect their approach. It also offers a lot of practical examples, though they may not be the most modern (e-mail is not mentioned, though it is, in effect, cov-ered by the tips), and they can be typi-cally American.

One more comment on this point: as SICK insight is an international magazine with a print run of over 60,000 it is, of course, translated into English – so that we always have to select books that are available in both German and English and these are almost all books by Ameri-can authors. We would be delighted to hear from you if you have any alternative tips for us!

1/2007

This Book Corner is written by Online Editor Ingrid Rathfelder

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insightLINK

Weitere Infos erhalten Sie mit der Karte am Ende des Magazins unter:INFO 121

insightSERVICE

ImprintPublisher: SICK AG · Postfach 310 · 79177 Waldkirch · Germany · www.sick.com

Phone +49 7681 202-0 · Fax +49 7681 202-38 63 · info@sick.deCo-ordination: Anette Gasche · Customer Magazine Project Manager · Anette.Gasche@sick.deSpecialist editor: TOP MEDIA · Dirk S. Heyden · 69469 Weinheim · info@topmedia-weinheim.deLayout: johnson][braun Direktwerbung · 76133 Karlsruhe · jb@johnsonbraun.deTranslator: Richard Dennis · 79194 Gundelfingen · richarddennis@t-online.dePrinting: Druckerei Furtwängler · 79211 Denzlingen · info@druckerei-furtwaengler.dePictures: SICK AG, Auslöser Fotodesign, Krieg Fotodesign, Birr Castle, Biba, CesagIndividual contributions may be reproduced after prior consent. Please contact us at: Phone +49 7681 202-3878 · Errors excepted · Subject to technical change

SICK Vertriebs-GmbH Schiessstr. 56 40549 Düsseldorf Germany Phone +49 211 53 01-0 Fax +49 211 53 01-100 e-mail info@sick.de

SICK AG Erwin-Sick-Str. 1 79183 Waldkirch Germany Phone +49 7681 202-0 Fax +49 7681 202-38 63 e-mail info@sick.de

Trade fair dates GermanyTrade Fair Location Dates 2007Hanover Trade Fair Hanover 16.04. – 20.04.2007Control Sinsheim 08.05. – 11.05.2007A + A Düsseldorf 18.09. – 21.09.2007Motek Stuttgart 24.09. – 27.09.2007Semicon Stuttgart 09.10. – 11.10.2007VISION Stuttgart 06.11. – 08.11.2007PRODUCTRONICA Munich 13.11. – 16.11.2007SPS/IPC/DRIVES Nuremberg 27.11. – 29.11.2007

Trade fair dates EuropeTrade Fair Location Dates 2007EmCERTS Bretby, UK 25.04. – 26.04.2007Gas Expo Kielce, PL 25.04. – 26.04.2007Intec Dornbirn, A 03.05. – 05.05.2007World Tunnel Congress Prague, CZ 07.05. – 09.05.2007Safety&Security Amsterdam, NL 08.05. – 10.05.2007Tehnika Belgrade, SRB 08.05. – 12.05.2007MEC Venice, I 09.05. – 11.05.2007ANIPLA Milan, I 10.05. – 11.05.2007Total Processing&Pack Birmingham, UK 15.05. – 18.05.2009Vision Robotics Ede, NL 12.06. – 13.06.2007Pharmintech Bologna, I 12.06. – 14.06.2007go.automation technology Basel, CH 04.09. – 07.09.2007Eltech Plovdiv, BG 24.09. – 29.09.2007Post Expo Barcelona, E 02.10. – 04.10.2007M&R Brussels, B 14.10.2007Groothandel & Logistiek Utrecht, NL 30.10. – 01.11.2007Community & Security Utrecht, NL 30.10. – 01.11.2007

Trade fair dates worldwideTrade Fair Location Dates 2007Oil & Gas Teheran, Iran 18.04. – 22.04.2007Asian Oil&Gas Kuala Lumpur, MAL 13.05. – 15.05.2007KOFAS Changwon, KOR 16.05. – 19.05.2007Environmental Techn. Seoul, KOR 11.06. – 14.06.2007Robots & Vision Show Rosemont, USA 12.06. – 14.06.2007TOC Istanbul, TR 19.06. – 21.06.2007FABTECH Chicago, USA 11.11. – 14.11.2007

Trade fairs · Imprint · Contacts

Subsidiaries

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