„Wireless Safety“ for foot controls and command devices
For press brakes and other forming and bending machines, the foot control is the key human-machine interface. It is actuated very often (up to two million switching cycles per year are realistic for plants working in three shifts around the clock) and assumes an important safety function because operators not only use it to trigger a press stroke, but also to stop one.As part of its GF/GFS series, steute has developed a three-stage safety foot switch specifically for this task. Features of this switch include high stability and low pedal height, permitting ergonomically comfortable and non-fatiguing actuation. This is particularly desirable when operating an enabling switch because the pedal must be held in the middle position for longer periods of time.
At the SPS 2019, steute presented its latest generation of wireless safety foot controls, all of which eliminate the need for a cable connection to the press brake. They communicate instead via the intrinsically safe wireless protocol sWave 2.4 GHz-safe®, developed by steute for this purpose. Guaranteed stable response times of under 100 ms can be achieved independently of any other wireless devices active in the same frequency band. The steute wireless technology sWave.safe® provides a robust and safe wireless connection (availability) with fast and guaranteed response times. This protocol also features low power consumption, fast connection times and long battery lifetimes.
Cable-free signal transmission provides operators with greater freedom of movement and optimal ergonomic comfort at all times. There is also no wear and tear of the cables, making the availability of the foot switches higher.
The wireless safety foot switches with up to three pedals can be used in applications to Performance Level e (EN ISO 13849-1) and SIL 3 (IEC 61508). Leading manufacturers of forming machines are already offering their customers these controls – either as a serial component or as a frequently chosen option.
The technology underlying all steute wireless switching devices and sensors also permits use of the sWave 2.4 Ghz-safe® intrinsically safe wireless protocol as a platform for other switchgear and command device series.
