Authenticating user groups for mobile workstation
When HT Robotics was looking for a solution to regulate user access to a new mobile workstation for the efficient loading and unloading of CNC machines, it turned to Pilz, and the PITreader S modular access permission system.
The mobile workstation is moved within the plant for use on various machine tools, depending on the production requirement. The island consists of a station with a removable carriage for loading and unloading blanks, a collaborative robot and control console. In addition to safeguarding the mobile workstation, HT Robotics were also looking for an option to regulate access for three different operators – a maintenance engineer, supervisor and operator.
Regulating access to the mobile workstation from HT Robotics guarantees that only authorised operators can control the mobile workstation. As a result, with the access permission system PITreader S, critical situations due to misuse are avoided. For example, the maintenance engineer can make manual interventions, the supervisor can create codes and production sequences and the operator can start or stop the production cycle.
What’s more, flexible area monitoring was implemented around the mobile workstation with the PSENscan safety laser scanner: should an operator approach, PSENscan identifies this and forwards the information, so that the speed of the cobot is adjusted. Once the workspace is free again, the cobot returns to full speed.
These functions are controlled using the myPNOZ modular safety relay, as this evaluation unit is quick and simple to use. In this way, HT Robotics offers its customers a flexible workstation that includes a holistic safety concept – and thus guarantees productivity when loading CNC machines.
Benefits at a glance
- All components in the safety solution support the workstation’s flexible concept.
- Fewer downtimes, as only trained personnel have access to the system.
The PITreader S communicates with various systems via OPC UA
“This application enables the machine to be operated via a central interface,” said Paolo Bertello, project manager at HT Robotics. “In doing so the system is completely flexible: with PITreader, the machine can change operation from the manipulator to final processing, through to quality control. That’s three tasks in one solution.”
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