Lenze Americas debuted the c250-S, a safety controller that enables engineers to program all of the machine’s safety needs using just one engineering tool based on the PLCopen standard, during PACK EXPO in booth S-6033. Integrating the c250-S into an automation system will make engineering easier, improve diagnostics, and reduce the number of interfaces and components, according to the company.
“This expansion of the Lenze portfolio creates many advantages for the builders of machines and systems. Everything from the drive-based safety technology to the focus on the entire automation system is about making things easy for the OEM,” says Daniel Repp, Automation Industry Manager, Lenze Americas. “This emphasis on easiness is also reflected in a significantly reduced need for wiring, thanks to the direct networking of the Lenze controllers with ready-made software solutions from the Lenze FAST Application Toolbox.”
To date, Lenze has concentrated on drive-related safety functions. Now though, safety has been completely integrated into the system enabling projects to be implemented faster because there are no longer differences in the software tools for drive technology and safety. This is particularly beneficial in the implementation of projects where machine operators need to take action within a machine’s danger zone. Interface problems and the time-consuming need to become familiar with tools from different manufacturers have become a thing of the past. This uniformity also makes it possible, via EtherCAT, to display diagnostic messages in more detail, such as “supply voltage too low” instead of simply “error.”
