02 2007 www.sick.com

Detecting Barrels ReliablyIdentification of bungholes at A.T.U per IVC-2D smart camera Page 21

Novel TechnologyLevel switch and continuous level measurement system in one Page 38

New Series of ArticlesChanges to EU directives and international standards Page 53

New series of W12-3 photoelectric switches Page 39

Perfect PrecisionPerfect Precision

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

: Editorial

03

insighttelegram

Dear Readers,

In many ways, the business segment of logistics automation, for which I have been responsible since July as a new member of SICK’s Executive Board, is facing a future of innovations. Technologies such as RFID or image processing open up new opportunities for optimizing intralogistical and distributive processes. Almost on a daily basis, our continental teams in SICK’s affiliated companies and the employees at the solution center logistics automation in Reute are confronted with interesting applications and projects that see clients develop their visions and that they believe us capable of solving jointly. We have a chance to put many of these innovative ideas to the acid test before integrating the systems into our customers’ processes in co­operation with various partners. By pursuing the solution­oriented project and systems business, we are living up to the expectations of a great number of clients. At the same time, cooperation as partners enables us to let their needs, wishes, and objectives become part of our development and sales activities, ultimately in order to solve new types of problems and to expand further the success of logistics automation at SICK.

Barcode reading, laser measurement, and RFID – the current issue includes several examples of fascinating solutions in logistics automation. However, the applications in automation and safety technology also show you the kinds of innovation and ideas you may expect from SICK. I wish you an enjoyable read.

Reinhard BöslMember of the Executive BoardSICK AG

++ SICK has founded its own subsidiary in Timisoara; reasons are heavy domestic demand there and the growth expected in many sectors, particularly in machine and plant construction; previously, the Romanian market was supplied by SICK’s Austrian subsidiary ++ Whether on the topic of consultations concerning appli-cations, start-up, safety inspections for plants, or modernization – SICK offers support for all phases of the machine life cycle; find out more at www.sick.com/seminare; the site also informs about the

extensive seminar program ++ More effi-ciency in machines and plants as well as continuous communications with IO Link; the website at www.sick.com/io-link pro-vides information, an instructive applica-tion animation, and a flyer for download-ing as an additional service ++

Unfortunately, in the last issue, 1.2007, an error crept into one of the captions on page 06: the person on the photograph is not Samuel Gerber, managing director of espriTex, but Josef Bieri, sales representa­tive of SICK Switzerland.

02/2007

14„Safety solution“ for production of precast concrete elements at Mischek Systembau

36Interview at Püttmann KG: customer service with SICK‘s Partner Portal Program

39Robust, precise, intelligent: the W12-3 sets the new standard

43The success story of barcode laser scanners continues -- with Ehternet on board!

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: TIT

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IC: Contents

: InterviewCustomer service at Püttmann KG on the highest level ............................. 36

: HighlightLevel switch and continuous level measurement system in one package 38

: Products TITLE TOPIC: The new W12­3 series of photoelectric switches ......... 39Product News ...................................... �0The new V300WS safety system ........ �2Laser scanner with Ethernet on board .......................................... �3Automatic format adjustment ............ ��Ultrasound in “sugar cube” format .... �5New fiber­optic photoelectric switch for high­end applications ........... �6New photoelectric safety switches for safe control systems ..................... �7The new UF fork sensor ...................... �8A giant in performance, a midget in design ............................... �8Laser scanner with 270° “panorama” ......................................... �9SICK’s portfolio of contrast scanners ... 50The new DFSS60 incremental hollow­shaft encoder ........................... 50UHF­RFID system................................. 51Safety on Ice ........................................ 52

: StandardsChanges to EU directives and international standards ...................... 53

: SICK TourDARPA Urban Challenge 2007 ........... 5�Great response to workshop at EHP .... 55Twenty years of SICK Japan ............... 55Knowledge live .................................... 55Logistics Technology Center ............... 56

: Museum Elmuseet electricity museum ............. 57

: Book Corner The 10­Minute Life Coach: Fast Working Strategies for a New You ....... 58

: Info Imprint/Service ................................... 59Trade fair dates ................................... 59

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

: SICK Solutions Plastics packaging machines ............. 06Individual outdoor protection of an automobile elevator .................... 07The driverless and riskless INHILIFTER pedestrian pallet stacker ... 08For LTW availability is top priority ...... 09

: Applications i10 Lock for door monitoring ............... 10Laser measurement technology in open­pit soft­coal mining ................ 11Rely on inductive proximity sensors ... 12“Light­controlled” order picking of parts with Pick2Light ........................ 13Personal protection and process optimization ........................... 1�Position determination based on height images ..................... 15Safety for press brakes ........................ 16SICK at Landliebe, Campina & Co ..... 17Pattern recognition instead of muting ... 18Barcode scanners control meat supply 19Laser scanners secure drive path...... 20Bunghole detection per camera ........ 21RFID controls flowerage ...................... 22Automatic treatment of wooden floors 23Short­stroke cylinder with a “mag(net)ic sweet tooth” ..................... 2�Florist develops conveyor system with laser scanner .................. 25Testing programs for light systems .... 26Safety for structures ........................... 27Ultrasound cuts rose grower’s cutting costs ......................... 28New scanner platform with improved decoding ..................... 29Gripper control at the brick kiln ......... 303D weld seam inspection ..................... 31First laser scanner in firedamp­proof design .................. 32

: Internet Application­related and functional animations on SICK’s homepage ....... 33OpinioScope ........................................ 33

: Technology Chronos Vision: from space to daily use 3�Distinguishing products and pirate copies with luminophores ........ 35Luminescence scale from SICK ......... 35

05

: News

For detection of small objects

Automation with laser photoelectric switches

>> The smallest of objects or features, an easily visible light spot, long ranges on reflectors, as well as narrow optical openings in the machine – whenever these conditions and requirements ex­ist, the laser photoelectric switches or laser scanners in the eight different production series from SICK provide key advantages.

Visit us at the fair: SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2007 in Nuremberg from 27 to 29 November 2007 Hall 7A – Stand 7A­310 www.mesago.de/sps

This year’s main topics at the international fair are: p Ethernet in automation p Safety and security in automation p Motion control

>> Which sensor solves my type of task in the best possible way? You will get an answer to this question from the Product Finder at www.mysick.com or at www.sick.com

This tool allows you to select the suit­able device for your application in fac­tory automation from a large number of products made by SICK. Simply select the desired parameters, e.g. range, connection mode, voltage supply, or light source. The output table then dis­plays the products that correspond to your data and meet your requirements in the optimum way.

Product Finder – the quick way to the suitable sensor

The reason for this is the laser’s special beam geometry, whose benefits SICK is able to offer in a variety of different equip­ment designs for a wide range of applica­tion purposes and installation settings.

Has reading this article raised your curiosity about lasers? In that case, the link at www.laserlichtschranke.com will provide you with further information.

>> Have you already discovered our questionnaire? After three years, we would like once again to elicit an honest opinion from you. Winners can look for­ward to an attractive main prize:

A mobile TomTom navigation system

As consolation prizes we are giving away 10 books reviewed in the “Book Corner” on the right/below.

TomTom ONE XL Europe

insightBOOK COrNer

Sometimes a book helps us realize to what extent our life is filled with unnecessary ballast – and how to get rid of it. Learn about the book that can help us gain insight about this on page 58.

Fiona Harrold

The 10­Minute Life CoachFast-working Strategies for a Brand New You

Illustration similar to prize

Reader survey in this issue

The Literature Finder offers you online access to most of our publications. Whether the thing you are looking for is operating instructions, technical informa­tion, product overviews, and additional interesting literature – here you will find a large number of information materials as PDF files for download.

Literature Finder – a few clicks to the information materials

: SICK Solutions Packaging industry

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.alpla.com

>> Preforms are small plastic tubes that re­semble test tubes at first glance. The alpla machines use them to produce, by various means, non­returnable PET bottles, large­volume containers, and the matching caps that are ubiquitous in everyday life, e.g. as one­way bottles for fruit juice, as cream jars, or as fabric softener bottles.

From a single source

Automating plastics packaging machines competentlyObject detection, counting, detecting orientation, machine protection, identifica-tion of bottles, containers, and pallets – modern plastics packaging machines and processes have reached a high level of automation. The people at the alpla Group are relying throughout on sensor solutions provided by SICK.

“Crystal-clear” advantagesSome detection tasks deal with trans­parent materials. In the exit area of a stretch blow­molding machine, one­way PET bottles have to be detected before being palletized in multiple layers. Alpla successfully solves the difficult detec­tion of the frequently “crystal­clear,” i.e. entirely transparent, PET bottles in the outlet flow by using W12­2 photoelec­tric reflex switches from SICK. “The sen­sor is very well suited for detecting the transparent PET material because of its adjustable, high response sensitivity,” says Erich Fuchs, head of infrastructure at alpla’s principal plant in the Austrian town of Hard.

A few meters further on, a machine is just undergoing adjustment for a new production batch. The bottles to be pro­duced now will be smaller than the ones before. This necessitates adjusting the sensor technology for controlling the bot­tle flow at the exit area of the conveying system in such a way that it detects the transparent bottles with utmost reliabil­ity. “Here we are utilizing very success­fully the WTB4­3 photoelectric proximity sensor,” says Erich Fuchs. The sensor,

featuring a large, homogenous light spot on the goods to be scanned, is designed specifically for reliable detection of high­ly transparent objects at a distance of 20 to 25 mm.

Always interested in innovationThe people at alpla – a leading innovator in the packaging market itself – are always interested in innovations, e.g. in the new WT12­3 photoelectric sensor. “Electronic adjustment of the detection range and ac­curate background suppression are some of the device’s strengths that we put to the acid test on the cap machine right away,” says Erich Fuchs. On the machine, which laminates the inner side of the cap with aluminum foil, the only caps allowed to enter are those whose openings point up­wards. The sensor is set in such a way that it not only distinguishes reliably between openings up (correct) and openings down­ward (incorrect) but in case of “opening up senses” accurately whether it is looking at the inside of a cap or through a gap in the production flow onto the conveyor belt lo­cated only a few millimeters below. Apart from the speed of 1.5 kHz, Erich Fuchs praises the availability of the WT12­3: “Es­pecially in this application, in which the sensor is exposed to shocks and vibrations due to ejection of incorrectly turned caps, any drifting of the switching threshold such as conventional photoelectric sensors dis­play is prevented reliably.”

In addition to tasks in automation en­gineering related to plastics packaging technology, another goal is to make the machines safe and to control processes efficiently as well. In this respect, alpla can rely on SICK as a system partner for safety and identification technology that provides innovations and solutions from a single source.

Alpla relies on sensors from SICK – as seen here on a stretch-blow molding machine and on the cap machine

06 02/2007

: SICK SolutionsUnderground parking lot

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

The way a private citizen in Hamburg parks his vehicles is not exactly run-of-the-mill: they are transported from his property‘s yard to the underground parking lot by freight elevator. The operation of the elevator is secured by outdoor LMS laser measurement systems, controlled and monitored by a UE��70 flexible safety controller.

>> This combination conforms to Cat­egory 2 safety requirements as resulting from the risk analysis for the automated elevator operation. Due to the outdoor application, the use of type­certified devices, e.g. of an S3000 safety laser scanner, was feasible neither in terms of operability nor certification. The prepara­tion of the overall solution, its implemen­tation, as well as the consulting accom­panying the inspection by the technical standards authority (TÜV), was carried out jointly by an elevator manufacturer and SICK.

The task: parking safelyA Hamburg­based manufacturer of el­evators has built, for a private individual, a car elevator allowing the vehicles to be moved to and from the courtyard at ground level and the underground park­ing lot. The roof of the elevator – in a re­tracted position forming part of the yard – has a projecting length on all four sides due to constructional reasons. During retraction, this generates a continuous crush and shear point measuring approx.

300 mm in depth. Whereas in the past, the elevator was retracted manually, inched by sight, the car lover now wished to carry out this function by means of an automatic stopping command. This in­volved arranging for a suitable protective device against crushing hazards.

Outdoor LMS offer maximum operating reliability Because of the task setting and the structural features, three LMS laser mea­surement systems, in outdoor design and scanning two­dimensionally, turned out to be the best solution to monitor all four sides of the elevator. Although the dependable devices, tried and tested in practical application, are not safety com­ponents as defined by the EC Directive on machinery, they distinguish them­selves by a maximum degree of opera­tional reliability. This is achieved, among other things, by a heated weatherproof housing, increased resistance to dust by means of pixel­oriented resolution, as well as a minimization of influences because of rain, fog, or snow, which is

accomplished by raising the measuring cycles. Thus, they combine in an opti­mum way robustness with reliable detec­tion and switching behavior. In conjunc­tion with the 180­degree scanning angle, a range of up to 8 m, and three possible measuring fields and switching outputs, their outdoor features make these laser measurement systems the best techni­cal solution at present for these types of tasks in outdoor areas.

System safety conforming to certification, due to UE��70 The element added to the reliability of the LMS in terms of sensor technology is the handling of functions relevant to monitoring by the UE4470 stored­pro­gram safety controller. It controls the function of the three connected LMS by means of periodical test signals, per­manent interrogation of preset ambient contours, and special test field param­eterization. Parallel to this, the UE4470 automatically switches over the defined protective fields depending on the posi­tion of the elevator, shutting it off in case of an object or person being hit or a mal­function occurring.

Both elements in combination – the system reliability in terms of sensor and control technology – permitted a suc­cessful individual approval of the overall solution by the TÜV. “Optional extra” for the car lover: Thanks to the software log­ic of the UE4470, subsequent additions can be carried out and approved by the TÜV without much effort.

Individual outdoor protection of an automobile elevator

Parking sports cars and stretch limos safely

The vehicle is transported to the under-ground parking lot via freight elevator

07

02/2007

: SICK Solutions

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.indumont.ch

>> The strength of INHILIFTER, which was designed by the Swiss transport sys­tem producer Indumont, lies in the high degree of autonomy – when it comes to picking up and setting down loads, in­house transport, as well as order picking of goods onto pallets or wire mesh cars.

Independent detection and adjustment of positionsThe laser­based NAV200 positioning sys­tem takes care of INHILIFTER’s position determination and navigation support. Mounted to the vehicle’s roof, the device detects and measures in a 360­degree angle all reflective marks within the given operating environment at a range of up to 28.5 meters. Thus, the onboard computer of the INHILIFTER receives from the NAV200 the data on its abso­lute vehicle position and orientation at millisecond­intervals. In this way, the IN­HILIFTER is able to carry out autonomous transport orders, e.g. from the storage shelf to the truck loading bay. There the truck driver takes control of the stacker truck, transports the pallet manually on the load platform of the truck, returning the INHILIFTER to the truck loading bay. After activating the automatic button on the stacker truck, INHILIFTER indepen­dently processes the next order.

If INHILIFTER leaves its drive path for a short time, the NAV200 reliably finds its way back to the intended route by means of combining the distance value and the detection angle of the respec­tive reflector. Two DRS60 incremental encoders mounted to the vehicle axle are used to carry out accurate position and distance measurements of INHILIFT­ER during turns, cornering and straight driving. Their values serve, among other things, the adjustment with the routes saved in the vehicle’s CAD card.

Automation and safety entirely from a single source

For the driverless and riskless INHILIFTER pedestrian pallet stacker

Independent position and distance measurementDuring manual online order picking of goods, the storage address is also trans­mitted to INHILIFTER via WLAN. The de­vice will then position itself autonomously in front of the storage address and allow the order picker to load the goods di­rectly onto the load carrier brought along by the stacker truck. The height of the fork during manual loading or unloading of INHILIFTER is determined by the BKS absolute wire­draw encoder. Thanks to its small but robust aluminum housing featuring an edge length of 90 mm each, the distance measuring system is spe­cifically suited for the confined mounting space available in the INHILIFTER.

Velocity-dependent drive path monitoring The S300 Professional safety laser scan­ner detects persons and objects on the drive path of the stacker truck. When the INHILIFTER drives to the truck load­ing bay, the 8­meter radius of the warn­ing field and the 2­meter radius of the protective field allow local obstacles to be bypassed safely. In this process, the S300 Professional scans the surround­ings of the stacker in an area covering 270 degrees. If there is no way to pass through, it is possible to select an alter­native route from the map via WLAN. The four switchable protective/warning fields of the S300 Professional can be adapted easily to different speeds. Light sensors mounted below the fork tips of INHILIFTER provide additional safety in the front area.

INHILIFTER from Indumont – the complete mobile reference for automa­tion and safety solutions furnished by SICK.

Transport

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Because of its flexibility, INHILIFTER – the clever combination of a pedestrian pallet stacker and an automated guided vehicle

(AGV) – points the way to the intralogistical future. The elements on board on this journey are photoelec-

tric switches, positioning systems, safety laser scanners, distance measuring devices, and en-coders made by SICK.

08

: SICK SolutionsHigh­bay warehouse

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.ltw.at and www.fater.it

>> The best example: the high­bay ware­house Fater in the Italian town of Pes­cara. It was extended by one aisle dur­ing regular operations and modernized simultaneously. “The facility received five new stacker cranes, almost fully equipped with opto­electronic sensor technology from SICK for object detection and measurement of travel distance,” says Johannes Schwartze, graduate en­gineer and head of electrical engineering at LTW. Since 1981, LTW Lagertechnik GmbH – a company within the Doppel­mayr Holding Group originating in ski lift construction – has been a byword for the development, manufacturing, and construction of innovative facilities in warehouse engineering and in­house lo­gistics. The spectrum ranges from com­ponents for high­bay warehouses, e.g. stacker cranes, conveying technology, warehouse control and administration all the way to complete turnkey systems in logistics and complete, fully automatic

Optimal opto-electronic sensor technology for warehouse and materials handling engineering

For LTW availability is top priorityAnyone operating production warehouses, order-picking facilities, or distribution centers looks for one thing above all: availability. This requires efficient sensor technology able to detect objects reliably and measure distances accurately even in ambient light, on foil surfaces, and under other basic conditions. For this pur-pose, the Austrian Lagertechnik Wolfurt (LTW) Company uses SICK’s product port-folio – for new facilities and retrofitting alike.

parking systems. “Worldwide we have realized over 500 warehouse engineer­ing facilities already – for major corpora­tions and small and medium­sized com­panies alike,” says Albert Moosbrugger, engineer and project manager at LTW.

Only appropriate sensor technology guarantees availabilityWhether new facility or retrofitting – the people at LTW know that control systems require reliable data from the facility, e.g., from opto­electronic sensors for object detection and measurement of travel dis­tances. “However, shiny or deep black ob­jects, foils and active and passive sources of interference in the operating environ­ment certainly do not make it easy for opto­electronic,” says Johannes Schwartze. “In many places in materials handling facili­ties, we are using the WT18­3, a photoelec­tric proximity switch that offers improved object detection in conjunction with highly efficient background suppression.” In the

Object detection and measurement of travel distance on five stacker cranes from LTW

09

Fater project, LTW found in SICK’s portfo­lio the suitable sensor solutions for diverse jobs. The travel of the stacker cranes is controlled by DME5000 laser distance measuring systems that communicate with the vehicle control via PROFIBUS. For fine positioning, each lift carriage is equipped on the left and on the right with a DMP2 position finder featuring an analog out­put. It repositions the lift carriage until the optimum desired fine positioning on the stack is achieved. DS60 distance sensors serve to check the occupancy of the rack compartments. Finally, reflex photoelectric switches from the WL27­2 series are also important to the smooth operation of the stacker cranes. They monitor the separate occupancy of the four stores per lifting fork and check, to the right and left of the ve­hicle, the gap to the rack construction. The data from all photoelectric switches as a well as the positioning and travel measur­ing systems – both on the stacker cranes and in the aisle – are transmitted to facility control by means of ISD300 data trans­mission sensors.

Innovation means investment reliabilityAs in the case of Fater, in other proj­ects LTW also benefits from being able to choose the most suitable respective sensor solution from a wide­ranging port­folio. “Added to this is the fact that es­tablished, internationally operating sup­pliers such as SICK can also quickly offer support on site if worst comes to worst,” says Johannes Schwartze. Ultimately, in­novative sensor technology guarantees that the facilities are efficient and retain investment security in the long term.

: Applications

10 02/2007

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.netstal.com

>> The Swiss enterprise Netstal­Ma­schinen AG ranks among the world’s leading suppliers of high­precision and high­speed plastic injection molding ma­chines. The product range covers stan­dard machines, PET preform systems, and machines for optical storage media such as CDs or DVDs. Within each in­stallation family, the machines differ in terms of size, life cycle, and other techni­cal features. This also includes the size of doors securing access to the machines on the front and back sides that have to be monitored during production.

i10 Lock: two switching contacts for dual door monitoringWhereas until now the position of the doors was monitored by different po­sitioning switches that required elabo­rate adjustment, now for the most part

Safety locking device for various injection molding machines

Universal talent for door monitoring

Netstal, a Swiss manufacturer of injection molding machines, has reduced the type variety of its safety components. The result: the company now uses the i10 Lock safety locking device universally for all types of machines and door sizes.

i10 Lock locking devices from SICK are taking on this task. Their major benefit for Netstal lies in the fact that they fea­ture two different switching contacts monitoring both positions of the door – closed and open as well as locked or unlocked. Both the sensor design and the safety control comply with Category 4 according to EN 954­1.

In this application, i10 Lock guaran­tees both features: personal and pro­cess protection.

i10 Lock: reduction of types for better economy Whether the object is a small door or a large, heavy specimen with long follow­up movement – Netstal can deploy the i10 Lock universally in all machines. As a result, it was possible to reduce the

type variety of safety switches consid­erably – yielding all the benefits in pur­chasing, warehousing, and availability of spare parts.

International sales is profiting as well: Due to the licensing of the BG (Ger­man Trade Association) and UL (Under­writers Laboratories), the i10 Lock safety locking device is “exportable” with the actual machine and available at short notice everywhere via SICK’s worldwide sales network.

The safety locking device i10 Lock is a comprehensive solution for all types of machines and door sizes – here on a plastic injection molding machine from Netstal

Monitoring machine access

: Applications

11

>> RWE Power AG is the power generator within the RWE Group and one of Europe’s largest producers of electricity. In produc­ing power, the enterprise relies on a broad spectrum of energy sources: nuclear energy, hard coal, gas, and renewable forms of energy such as water, wind, and biomass, as well as soft coal mined from company­owned open­pit mines in the Rhineland. This area presents a series of tasks in which the LMS211 laser measure­ment systems from SICK can prove their measuring accuracy and robustness, thus making automation solutions possible.

Automation of tripper cars on crawler tracksTripper cars are mobile transfer devices used in open­pit mining. They allow a con­veyor belt to be lifted from a belt conveyor for transferring the bulk cargo to a differ­ent receiving belt. The tripper cars from RWE Power, e.g. in the Garzweiler open­pit mine, are equipped with crawler tracks traveling on the subframe of the movable belt conveyor. The laser measurement sys­tem serves to monitor the straight motion of the belt and steer of the tripper car along the conveying system.

3D volume determination for stockpiles and bunkers Another application field of laser measure­ment technology is the determination of bulk material profiles of coal bunkers or stockpiles. The systems scan the mate­rial surface and – allowing for their rela­

Extremely reliable in extreme conditions

Laser measurement technology in open­pit soft­coal mining Laser measurement technology has become established as an automation solu-tion in open-pit soft-coal mining. RWE Power AG alone is using about 100 systems – in the most diverse applications.

tive movement – generate a 3D model of the bunker filling or, respectively, of the stockpile. This information enables the discharge systems to scoop bulk cargo exactly from places containing sufficient material. Though generally the dark bulk cones only have reflectance values of about 10 % – typical for soft coal – the la­ser measurement systems from SICK pro­vide for accurate measuring results even at long distances of up to 30 m.

Measurement of bulk materials for volume flow reportingIn the context of bulk material transport in open­pit mining, volumetric flow rates of up to 240,000 m³ per day are not unusual. Often the important thing here is continu­ous filling of the conveyor belt or, respec­tively, blending of the volume flow. There­fore, in this application laser scanners are used either behind an excavator or in front of the automatic feed into a bunker as actual­value transmitters to measure the

current filling level of the belt. Moreover, the exact measurement of volume flows allows them to be integrated into the bal­ancing of the bunker.

Another typical example of using the LMS211 is controlling the slewing gear of rotary excavators. All of these applications have only become possible because of the high degree of robustness and outdoor suitability of the laser measurement sys­tems and their measuring principle that is independent of ambient conditions.

The application field of the LMS211 at RWE Power AG: measurement of bulk materials

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.dsk.de and www.rwepower.com

Automation solution

: Applications

12 02/2007

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

>> In view of a handling volume of approx. 2,000 sales orders with several items each and, respectively, an order­picking performance of 5,300 picks a day, it be­comes clear how important availability of the different intralogistical subsystems in the distribution center is at all times. The large number of initiators (proximity sen­sors) are contributing substantially to this.

Position detection in logistics systems

Rely on inductive proximity sensorsPallet dispensers, aisle stackers, transverse shuttle cars, or storage towers – at the Logistics Center of SICK AG in Waldkirch, inductive proximity sensors prove in various assignments that one can rely on them anytime.

Lift monitoring, position and end position detection, and reference adjustmentInductive proximity sensors in the IM12 series are used, among other things, in the aisle stackers of the automated small parts storage. “They monitor the lifting and lowering of container centering on the load lifting device during the transfer

>> Inductive solutions for all requirements

In recent years, SICK has built a broad portfolio of inductive proximity sensors. Three production series are available, all of which are modeled on the housing designs of inductive sensors: the inductive IQ cuboid design, the inductive IH barrel design, and the inductive IM metric cylinder design. These groups include numerous sensor versions with optional cable or in some cases turnable plug connectors that are suitable for all of the major automation requirements: stan­dard series, partly differentiated according to flush or non­flush mounting, short design versions, advanced series with increased switching distance and triplex series with triple switching distance, inox versions in IP69K for the food and beverage industries, devices with configurable output functions, AC/DC sensors, robust versions, or NAMUR devices in accordance with EN 50227 and EC design approval for ATEX areas.

Thus the portfolio offers suitable solutions from a single source for a great variety of tasks in factory automation.

of containers and during pick­up and de­livery of containers at the conveying sys­tem’s transfer points,” explains Dietmar Friese, maintenance technician of the Logistics Center. The IM12 series was se­lected because of its switching accuracy and the space­saving design in a metric cylinder housing, which allowed optimum installation in the narrow mounting space of the lifting device. Space is not quite as scarce in the storage towers between the small parts storage and the order­pick­ing points as well as on the transverse shuttle car of the pallet warehouse. In the storage towers, where containers are buffered with items, IM18 inductive proximity sensors are used for detecting end positions on the lifting system. Their robustness benefits them just as much in this context as it does for use on the transverse shuttle car where they are de­ployed for positioning the shuttle table. In­ductive proximity switches also do a good job in controlling the car along the drive path. The devices operating here are two IM30s with extended switching distance – on the one hand for detecting end po­sitions at both ends of the aisle and on the other hand for position adjustment of the car at different reference points. Finally, in the pallet dispenser, another IM30 controls the gripping device for the pallets, thus ensuring a smooth supply of the loading aids.

Never at a loss for a solutionIn many cases, automating inductively equals automating intelligently. SICK’s portfolio provides the means to achieve this. The wide variety of devices in the area of inductive proximity sensors makes it possible to realize nearly any individual detection task. And in those instances where a different physical principle – opto­electronics, capacity, or ultrasound – may be more suitable, ap­propriate alternatives are available that feature electrical and mechanical com­patibility.

Significant for the most diverse tasks in the distribution center: inductive proximity sensors

Logistics

: Applications

13

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.faurecia.com and www.audi.com

>> The Pick2Light light grid from SICK – the first one in an easy­to­use and easy­to­assemble reflex design equipped with an integrated “job” LED – is the er­gonomic and economical solution for access and removal control from small­parts crates and mesh boxes. For exam­ple, at Faurecia in Ingolstadt, it provides for correct order picking – without any exceptions.

Faurecia – a worldwide leader in vehicle modules Faurecia is one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers for five important vehicle modules: seat, cockpit, acoustic package, front end, and exhaust system. Among other things, the plant at Ingol­stadt manufactures the front ends for the current platform B8 – the new model production series Audi A4 and A5. Fix­ing clamps, oil lines, air ducting compo­nents, trumpet horns, intercooler, alumi­num cross members, or crash boxes – on average, 20 different parts are mounted on each of the front­end dashboard sup­

No mixed-up components, no missing parts, instead process reliability and quality – in the assembly of front-end modules for Audi, the automotive supplier Faurecia relies on the use of light grids from the Pick2Light series.

ports, i.e. this requires ensuring approxi­mately 26,000 correct picks from the small­parts crates and the mesh boxes every day. In order to avoid reliably any faulty assembly, i.e. the mixing up of a component in terms of variants during order picking, Faurecia was looking for an automation­based solution designed to prevent dependably any errors during manual parts removal. The task at hand was put into practice by the systems integrator Vogl Automatisierungstech­nik in Neuburg on the Danube, using a Pick2Light light grid made by SICK.

Pick2Light: correct extraction – without exceptionIn the “supermarket process B8” – thus the in­house designation for front­end or­der picking – the front­end modules are assembled for just­in­sequence provision on the production line at the nearby Audi plant. Order picking takes place from a small parts shelf as well as mesh boxes lo­cated on ground storage sites. At the begin­ning of the order picking process, the job

Among other things, Faurecia produces front-end modules for Audi

“Light-controlled” order picking of parts with Pick2Light for automotive front-end modules at Faurecia

Simple (and) error­free

With the help of the Pick2Light light grids, errors are ruled out during manual parts removal

Order picking of parts

Pict

ure:

Aud

i AG

LEDs are activated on the corresponding Pick2Lights via the shelf control. By means of a mobile order­picking frame, the em­ployee removes the parts to be installed from the compartments in sequence. The Pick2Light detects the intervention in the compartment; via the interruption of rays, the removal is acknowledged and the job LED goes out. If the machine operator reaches into a wrong compartment, the light grid positioned there generates an error message; if the machine operator overlooks a compartment, he or she can­not call up the next order position. After the parts for the dashboard support have been picked, the order­picking frame is removed from the carriage and transported first to the assembly stations and from there to final testing.

Removal monitoring and replenishment control by means of confirmed picksConfirmation of the individual picks by Pick2Light not only achieves error­free order picking but also the monitoring of the quantitative removal per compart­ment and the generation of information for automatic replenishment control. The Pick2Light light grids mounted to the rear of the shelf indicate to the forklift driver where to hand over the requested items.

Errors? Negative!The “supermarket process B8” has been in operation since November 2006. Since then the rule has been: Errors in order picking? Negative!

: Applications

02/2007

By using the central UE��70 safety controller, the decentralized UE��21 I/O extensions as well as tactile and electro-sensitive protective equipment, the Austrian Mischek Systembau GmbH, a manufacturer of precast concrete elements, saw the realization of a complete solution that has improved not only safety but also the processes of the plant.

>> The entire project of modernizing the concrete component production in terms of safety technology was carried out by Unitechnik Cieplik & Poppek AG. For over 15 years, the company, specializing in automated logistics systems, has been cooperating with partners in mechanical engineering to automate the production of precast concrete parts.

The production of a precast concrete component requires about a dozen pro­

that are as high as a room and are used primarily in Viennese housing construc­tion (large panel construction). Clean­ing/oiling, automatic shuttering, shut­tering supplementation, reinforcement/built­in components, packing, hardening, lifting – the transport between the differ­ent work stations occurs automatically, while many process steps are carried out by employees. In the course of a conver­sion of the facility to current automation systems, the safety technology at the ten circulation points and at additional pro­cessing or handling stations is scheduled to undergo modernization and restruc­turing in such a way that it contributes to an improvement of processes related to production logistics.

Suitable safety portfolioAt Mischek, ten dual­beam M4000 multi­ple light beam safety devices are used to guard the circulation stations as well as the vibrating station from entry. Another M4000 – in conjunction with a deflecting mirror column – provides double­sided monitoring of the tilting table for pallets. Well over a dozen i110 safety position switches with roller levers are deployed for checking the lattice gates between the transfer table and the different cir­culation stations. Safety switches of the i17 series with a separate actuator take care of monitoring the access doors.

Central: the UE��70 safety controller offers monitoring logic adapted to processes The core of the system solution is the UE4470 safety controller, by way of which the main stopping circuits are op­erating. Via certified functional blocks, it allows interlinking multiple light beam safety devices, emergency stop switches and enable switches as well as door­ and gate­related safety requests in a logical way. During ongoing operations, the sta­tus, diagnostic, and error reports can be recorded and processed on site or via a network. For this purpose, the UE4470 is integrated into the communications structures of the entire facility by means of a PROFIBUS gateway. This means uni­

Production of precast concrete elements

Personal protection and process optimization at Mischek Systembau

Comprehensive safety technology from SICK in the production of precast concrete elements at Mischek

cess steps. Considering that a shuttering pallet measuring 3.5 x 13.5 m² and filled with concrete can weigh up to 22 tons, one realizes the importance of making the individual work place safe.

Safety and improvement of processes: the dual objective at MischekEvery year, Mischek’s prefabricated parts plant in Gerasdorf near Vienna produces about 75,000 tons of concrete elements

1�

“Safety solution”

: Applications

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.mischek.at and www.unitechnik.com

>> Ingots are aluminum or magnesium bars that need to be fed continuously to a smelting furnace if one wishes to ensure the correct temperature that is decisive for the quality of the molten metal. In or­der to guarantee this, a producer of metal goods installed a new feeding system on its smelting furnace, conveying the ingots directly from the pallet to the furnace.

LMS�00 controls three-axis handling systemFor feeding the ingots, weighing from 5 to 25 kg, at 25­second to 4­minute intervals, a three­axis handling system was installed that uses a vacuum gripper to convey the ingots to the crucible furnace. The control commands for positioning the suction grip­per in the x, y, and z direction as well as for rotary motion are based on the results of a solution developed by the system integrator VisionTools. With the LMS400 used here, a 3D profile of the ingot pallet is generated and by means of evaluating the height and gray­scale images, it is pos­sible to determine the position of the top layer of ingots to be removed.

Simple calibration, precise measure-ment, and reliable handling of ingotsFive to ten ingots are stored at each level of the pallet. These are lying alternately on the top or bottom side. During depalletiz­ing, the ingots lying bottom side up must be taken from the stack first. The shape of the aluminum ingot, alternatively, its length and width, serve as identification mark. The LMS400 is taught­in these values during the start­up/calibration run of the depalletizing facility. In relation to these reference values, it detects the po­sition of the ingots during the measuring operation and calculates the transfer pa­rameters for the handling system as well as the relative orientation. The measuring results have a resolution of 1 mm and 0.1°. Afterwards, the evaluation system transmits these values to the control unit. It guides the vacuum gripper to the correct

Position determination based on height images

Laser measurement controls depalletizing of ingots

position, issues commands for picking up the ingots and transporting them to the transfer station. Subsequently, the feed­ing system returns to the initial state and awaits the next demand for ingots.

Reliable in harsh environmentThe LMS400 operates to the end custom­er’s full satisfaction in the difficult condi­tions of a light metal foundry. Building on the successful automation of the crucible furnace with the controller via the LMS400 and in conjunction with the standard V60 image analysis software from VisionTools, the user is currently planning additional similar applications. www.vision-tools.com

Evaluation of a 3D height image generated by an LMS�00 forms the basis of a workpiece detection system for trouble-free depalletizing of ingots. The solution developed by VisionTools works very accurately and does an excellent job in the harsh environment of a foundry.

versal schemes toward machine safety can be implemented that also have a positive influence on the processes re­lated to automation technology, e.g. on the performance and availability of the transfer tables. With a view to the complex tasks at Mischek, the UE4470 safety system was extended with the aid of decentralized UE4421 I/O units. With these IP 20 fieldbus nodes and their safe inputs/outputs, on­site integration of the safety devices was possible without any problems. One UE4421 each takes on the monitoring of signals from two adja­cent processing stations; at the vibrating point and the tilting table, one UE4421 each is used. This approach meant sav­ing substantial costs for cabling and in­stallation.

Positive: the experiences with start-upThe people at Unitechnik arrive at a posi­tive assessment regarding the use of the safety package that was co­projected and delivered by SICK and has been in operation at Mischek since January 2007. Programming proved to be very user­friendly. The possibility of testing the safety logic at the company location without hardware prevents unnecessary stress and loss of time on the construc­tion site. At the same time, the solution with the UE4470 is so flexible that any additional monitoring functions possibly recognized on site can be supplemented logically and by sensors.

For Unitechnik’s client Mischek, the comprehensive cooperation in terms of safety technology with SICK as a system supplier for sensor and control engineer­ing has resulted in a customized and design­to­cost “safety solution” that now bears the CE label.

15

The LMS400 laser measurement sys-tem generates a 3D profile of the pallet

Metal industry

Pict

ure:

Vis

ionT

ools

: Applications

16 02/2007

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight andwww.sick-safetyplus.comMore about the customer:www.schweizer-metallbau.ch

>> Ernst Schweizer AG is an independent, family­owned business with headquar­ters in the Swiss town of Hedingen. The metal construction program includes a variety of metal workpieces for the most diverse application fields and uses in the construction industry: civil defense doors in basements, solar panels on roofs, fold­ing glass and façade walls, wooden and metal windows, design­oriented mailbox­es as calling cards for front entrances.

The reliable V�000PB camera system based on image processing permits the highest level of industrial safety and improved transformation processes on press brakes of the Swiss metal construction company Ernst Schweizer AG. The camera system generates a protective volume within which it detects even a user’s small finger reliably, bringing press motion to a full stop.

The builders’ hardware required in each respective case receives its final shape by means of complex folding processes. De­pending on the bending method as well as the thickness and tensile strength of the material, the presses are operating with forces of up to 320 tons – at a speed of about 0.7 m/s per stroke.

High-volume finger protection extending over the entire width of the female dieAt Category 4 according to EN 954­1 and SIL3 according to EN 62061, the V4000PB achieves the highest possible protection levels. The system consists of a transmitter and receiver that are mounted to the clamping bar flush with the bend­ing punch by means of the appropriate fixtures. The camera sensor travels along with the motion of the clamping bar and looks – uninfluenced by the environment and the respective tool geometry – across the entire width of the female die directly into the hazardous zone of the press brake. As soon as the workpiece was in­serted manually into the intended posi­tion, the machine operator initiates the

High-volume finger protection by means of safety camera system

Quite “hands­on”: safety for press brakes

transformation process per foot pedal. During the fast closing motion of the tool, a preset protective volume is activated; it amounts to 26 mm in height, 40 mm in width, and a depth corresponding to the machine dimensions. If the machine operator is careless and reaches with a hand or finger into the hazardous zone at any given point, the V4000PB camera system that is traveling along detects this, immediately activating the emergency stop function of the press brake.

Simple integration and cost aspects constitute convincing argumentsThe V4000PB receives a positive assess­ment by Schweizer in terms of installation effort and sensor costs. “A remarkable facet was the simple integration of the camera sensor into the existing equip­ment control of the 15­ to 20­year old press brakes,” explains Othmar Wick, production manager at Schweizer. “The integration turned out to be very simple, since the V4000PB uses the signals of the already existing position measuring system within the press for detecting po­sition, speed, direction of movement, and stop time. In addition, the excellent price­performance ratio of the safety camera system was also convincing,” adds Oth­mar Wick.

Safe operation, minimum service investmentSince the camera­monitored press brakes were put into operation, all of the systems have been working flawlessly. If the safe­ty technology happens to issue an error message, the machine operator or, re­spectively, service technician can quickly form an impression of the reason for the malfunction, as the cause is not only vi­sualized in plain text, but the system al­so offers advice on how to fix it. “These functions benefit the maintenance crews. They are thus able to reduce service times drastically in favor of equipment availabil­ity – which in turn increases productivity and economy,” says Othmar Wick.

Even the smallest finger stops any movement of the press

Press safety

: Applications

17

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.campina.de and www.landliebe.de or www.oystar.afautomation.de

>> Yoghurt, whey drinks, and other milk products are goods whose quality de­pends crucially on a smooth production process. For instance, if a bottleneck oc­curs during packaging, filling has to be reduced or even stopped. However, you cannot keep pudding warmed up forever, and the bacterial cultures in yoghurt re­act very sensitively to any disruptions in the process. Both instances may result in material rejects if the packaging process stalls. Of course, the people at Campina in Heilbronn know this as well. Among other things, the company is well known for its premium brand “Landliebe” (Ger­man for “countryside love”) and is one of the large German dairies, processing approx. one billion kilograms of milk an­nually. About a year ago, when the so­called “carton platform” was equipped with four carton erectors manufactured by A+F Automation and Fördertechnik in Kirchlengern, automated format adjust­ment with HIPERDRIVE® was an essential demand placed on the high­performance machines: the setting accuracy and posi­tion repeatability of the drives ensure a maximum degree of availability for the carton erectors.

High-tech unfolding of cardboard crates for Landliebe, Campina & CoThe machine performance of the four car­ton erectors from A+F is designed in such a way that per hour and machine, 2,400 cardboard crates can be unfolded. Each of the machines is capable of supply­ing several filling machines at the same time. Operating personnel feed the erec­tors with the stacked carton formats for 12­piece or 8­/16­piece crates. The first of three HIPERDRIVE® positioning drives makes sure that the position of the later­al guidance in the carton loader matches the format to be processed. The machine picks up the top carton, placing it in the lifter of the first folding station where the side walls are erected. The side guides in the lifter were set with high precision by

For the love of Landliebe, Campina & Co.

“Being upright” not a question of carton format In order to achieve the highest possible dependability of supplies of secondary packaging for milk products, the Campina dairy company relies on servo controlled carton erectors with integrated HIPERDRIVE® positioning drives.

the second format adjustment drive so that both correct folding and the position of the crate are guaranteed and there will not be any interruptions during the onward transport through the machine. The third HIPERDRIVE® is only activated if one of the 16­piece crates needs to be separated in two 8­piece trays. This takes place by means of the so­called crate saw whose travel positions are predeter­mined via the third adjustment drive.

Utmost availability in continuous operation The carton erectors are operating six days a week in three shifts. This illus­trates how high the production volume of yoghurt and desserts is and thus the de­mands to ensure permanent availability of the cardboard trays. Campina’s carton erectors from A+F can no longer suffer from inaccurate settings, forgotten pro­

Servo-controlled carton erectors at Campina – one machine is capable of unfolding 2,400 crates per hour

cess steps, and other operation­related sources of error – not least of all due to automatic format adjustment.

Packaging industry

: Applications

18 02/2007

Pattern recognition instead of muting

Safety light curtain automates material feeding of press brakes

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.at.trumpf.com

>> Annually, TRUMPF Maschinen Aus­tria manufactures more than 800 press brakes of the TruBend 5000 series for the main markets in Europe, the USA, Asia, and South America. Approx. 50 of these units are delivered as bending cells with an integrated handling robot. With increasing frequency, the scope of supply also encompasses an automated feeding system instead of a depositing and pick­up station for the material to be processed. Cooperating with technicians from TRUMPF at the Pasching location and the project manager, Dipl.­Ing. (FH) Rudolf Huber, Jörg Fröschl from SICK Austria played a crucial role in the devel­opment of the conveying system. There­fore, he knew exactly what constituted the best ESPE in this individual case.

Active safety in any operating stateThe actual bending cell is secured by a protective grid; however, with respect to the pallet conveyor, used to transport the palletized material to the cell during ongoing operations, the planners opted for protection by means of the C4000 Palletizer safety light curtain. Always active in contrast to a muting solution, this safety system evaluates the width of and space between pallet feet, thus dif­

The client: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria. The task: securing the automated mate-rial feeding into the area of a press brake. The solution: the innovative muting alternative, C�000 Palletizer. The producer: SICK.

ferentiating human and material, person and pallet. In this way, the access area continues to be protected even if the line stops. Another asset is immunity against interference. As compared to the elabo­rate muting solution, the C4000 Pallet­izer proves particularly immune to influ­ences such as light and pollution as well as misalignment. Finally, by using this solution, TRUMPF Maschinen Austria re­duces costs for planning, construction, installation, start­up, and servicing of the facility.

Everything’s OK – no matter what shape of pallet“We certainly suggest that our custom­ers employ standardized ‘Euro pallets’, but practical operations often involve the use of other, non­standardized pallets,” says Rudolf Huber. In this connection, the flexibility of the C4000 Palletizer safety light curtain proves particularly advantageous. “While the units pass through, the pattern is continuously saved again – absolutely independently. Thus, even operations with a variety of pallets do not pose a problem.”

C�000 Palletizer as a selling pointThe safety concept presented here for automated material feeding is available for all TruBend­5000 bending cells. Us­

ing the C4000 Palletizer as a “selling point,” TRUMPF can further consolidate its international market position in ma­chine construction.

Project manager Rudolf Huber from TRuMPF (left) and Jörg Fröschl from SICK discussing the advantages of C4000 Palletizer

Press protection

: Applications

19

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.ica.se and www.swisslog.com

>> ICA receives the meat it ships via its distribution center in Västeras from the nearby meat processing plant of the Hilton Food Group. Virtually through a hole in the shared building wall, the so­called SRS containers filled with different kinds of meats arrive at ICA – 120,000 units per week. The boxes – each marked with a barcode – are stacked according to the orders from the individual businesses and forward­ed in ICA’s automatic transport system to the robots that put together the or­ders from the businesses, making them available for loading the refrigerated trucks.

High throughput, high degree of service, and high detection requirements“The distribution center must be ca­pable of processing very high through­

From Hilton via ICA to the client

Barcode scanners control meat supply Ordered yesterday, delivered today, prepared and consumed tomorrow – custom-ers ordering meat from ICA in Sweden are sure to receive first-class products and top service. CLV barcode scanners are an ingredient of the recipe in automation technology required for such service.

puts, up to 50,000 meat containers within 24 hours,” Roger Carlsson from Swisslog, which delivered the whole plant and was responsible for the de­sign, describes the intralogistical di­mension. Therefore, it was necessary to guide the boxes as quickly as possible through the in­house logistics to the ap­propriate robots in order to ensure the required due date reliability and quality of the shipped goods. “Therefore, in this project the identification of the boxes is incredibly important. It ensures that the control is accurate and flows are kept on a high performance level,” Roger Carlsson hints at the importance of the highest possible detection reliability. What’s more, the general conditions at ICA are not ideal. “Scanning occurs at an oblique angle from the side. The la­bel is not always positioned accurately; the speed is high; and a large number

of boxes and codes have to be identi­fied within a short time,” says Roger Carlsson.

CLV barcode scanners deliver maximum performanceThe high detection requirements at ICA are solved by using barcode scanners from the CLV430 and CLV450 produc­tion series. These devices feature dy­namic focus adjustment, fast scanning frequencies, and powerful decoding al­gorithms, guaranteeing a maximum de­gree of detection reliability. The avail­ability of the entire intralogistical sys­tem from receipt of goods from Hilton to shipment is accordingly high. How­ever, the data from the barcode scan­ners, provided to the Swisslog control system, not only benefit order picking and controlling of destinations, but also the uninterrupted tracing of individual batches and delivered boxes. “On two occasions, we had to recall goods from stores,” relates Lisa Manske, company manager at ICA. “In both instances, it was possible to track down all of the boxes very quickly since every box is scanned and the data stored in the con­trol system, all thanks to the labeling of the boxes and the careful identifica­tion and handling in the control system throughout the whole supply chain.”

Each robot processes 60 positions on two levels where it places the boxes

The scanning angle is oblique from the side – no problem for the barcode scanner

Food­processing industry

20

>> MINDA Industrieanlagen GmbH spe­cializes in in­house conveying and pro­duction installations that are designed for linking complex production processes and for coping with logistical tasks. All over the world, the enterprise equips plants that produce packaging made of corrugated board and solid board with fully automatic conveyor systems; in addition, it manufac­tures machines and installations for the solid wood industry. Transfer cars consti­tute an important component of such fa­cilities, as they are able to transport large amounts of stacked goods for long dis­tances and can be used to transfer blocks within the production lines. The perfor­mance data is not exactly lightweight: The five­ton vehicles are capable of accommo­dating loads of up to 3.5 tons and trans­porting them at speeds of up to 9 km/h – in which case, however, their stopping distance can reach up to 2.5 m. For this reason, the safety requirements placed on

Utmost operating safety convinces MINDA

Laser scanners secure drive path of transfer cars in corrugated board industry

At MINDA Industrieanlagen GmbH, parameterization suitable for individual instal-lations and processes have proven the decisive factor in favor of the S3000 safety laser scanner for protecting transfer cars weighing up to 8.5 tons.

the transfer cars operating in automatic mode are high.

Personal protection along the drive path By using S3000 safety laser scanners, MINDA achieves a maximum amount of personal protection. During travel, the monitoring fields of the S3000 with a range of up to 4.5 m switch over depend­ing on the situation – contingent upon the current route sector, the travel speed, and payload. If a person is detected in the trav­el path, the transfer car reduces its speed steplessly – until coming to a halt in front of the obstacle. Once the obstacle is re­moved, the transfer car can continue its journey following a manual confirmation.

No hazards during material transferThe S3000 on the transfer cars also se­cure the material transfer points. During the approach, the scanners detect wheth­er the transfer car is traveling toward an

obstacle or a person at the transfer point. In this process, the S3000 scans down 100 mm below the outside edge of the conveying system. This ensures on the one hand reliable monitoring of the gap between the transfer car and the chain conveyor, and on the other hand, detec­tion of a person in case he or she is locat­ed directly next to the conveying system when the car arrives.

By means of the S3000, the trans­fer cars from MINDA achieve the highest availability figures possible. That’s be­cause the laser scanner cannot be ham­pered either by the fine paper, cardboard, and pulp dust in the work environment or by ambient light.

SafetyPLUS® at MINDAIn terms of its conveyor and production in­stallations, MINDA benefits not only from innovative safety sensor technology such as the S3000 but also from SICK’s com­prehensive SafetyPLUS® approach, i.e. the integration of universal sensor, con­trol, and service solutions from a single source. As a result, for the secure automa­tion of conveyors, palletizers, or transfer units, the company relies, among other things, on the software­free safety control­ler UE410 Flexi, whose modular design allows customized control solutions that can be migrated.

When it comes to transfer cars weighing up to 8.4 tons, a maximum degree of personal protection along the drive path is particularly important

: Applications Safe transfer cars

02/2007

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight undwww.ue�10flexi.com More about the customer:www.minda.de

: Applications

21

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.atu.de

>> A long­standing systems partner of A.T.U, isa Industrieelektronik GmbH was entrusted with the task of implement­ing an image­processing solution that allows for fully automatic and trouble­free operation of an existing barrel fill­ing installation for different engine oils. Subsequently, the engine oil is used at branches of A.T.U – a combination of master car repair shop and integrated auto parts store – at the so­called oil counter in the workshop according to the required amounts, e.g. for an oil change associated with vehicle maintenance.

No automatic filling without reliable bunghole detection Within the internal A.T.U circulation sys­tem, individual branches are supplied with oil in 180­liter barrels – to a lesser extent in smaller 60­liter containers. The automatic engine oil filling station fea­tures a portal­guided filling lance that lowers automatically into the bunghole

At Auto Teile Unger (A.T.U) in Weiden, the automatic filling of low-viscosity engine oils unfolds “like greased lightning.” This is made possible by the IVC-2D smart camera that detects the bungholes of various barrel types reliably, thus allowing ultra-precise control of a portal-guided filling lance.

of a barrel. However, this process works only if the sensor technology of the facil­ity detects the position of the bunghole unambiguously. The detection solution installed originally, based on a line scan camera, proved to be less than reliable in operation, among other things due to reflections from the barrel surface and difficult contrast conditions: bungholes were not detected and incorrect filling holes indicated – both on the barrel and next to it. In practical use, therefore, the filling station’s degree of automation was quite limited; the installation required monitoring by the machine operator.

First-rate reliability in bunghole detectionSearching for a suitable solution, isa Industrieelektronik GmbH found what it was looking for in SICK’s extensive image­processing portfolio. The IVC­2D smart camera is mounted to a portal lo­cated at the station inlet and scans the

barrels at a distance of about 2 m from above. The entry of the pallet, the trigger­ing of the lighting and the camera, image recording, evaluation, and approaching the lance portal – i.e. the entire process of bunghole detection and lance control – only take about five seconds. Based on the positioning data of the detected bunghole, the IVC­2D calculates, accu­rately to the millimeter, the x­ and y­coor­dinates by which the PLC of the filling sta­tion must move the filling lance so that it homes in on the bunghole dead center.

The solution with the IVC­2D has proven its great reliability in practical use. Collisions between the filling lance and the barrel are just as much a thing of the past as missing the barrel and spill­ing the oil in the catch basin beside the barrels. Thanks to the IVC­2D, the instal­lation at A.T.U features the same superb “smooth running attributes” as the en­gine oils being filled in.Bunghole detection per camera

Detecting barrels reliably

The IVC-2D smart camera dependably detects the bungholes of different types of barrels

Barrel filling facility

>> The love of flowers and plants has been the great motivating factor of the “flower family” Rutishauser for nearly 100 years. Already in the fourth generation now, the family corp. in the Swiss town of Züber­wangen is selling high­quality flowers ei­ther from its own production – grown on 75,000 sq. m. of greenhouse space with computer­controlled air conditioning in Fällanden, Tenero, and Züberwangen – or as merchandise from business partners across the globe. Every day, a range of products consisting of up to 200 different arrangements is delivered to all corners of Switzerland. In order to cope with the logistical requirements, the production fa­cility in Züberwangen saw the realization of a project for fully automatic flower tray control with RFID.

Validation of technology by technical college recommends RFID system based on 13.56 MHz In the order­picking process, the employ­ees comprising the so­called set­up teams are placing potted plants and flower in trays, partially preparing them with plas­

Using the 13.56 MHz RFID system from SICK has now enabled the production facility of the Swiss florist’s enterprise Rutishauser AG in Züberwangen to use conveying technology for directing each individual flower tray to different order-picking and shipping points in accordance with the matching order.

tic foil, colored pots, and accessories, as well as carrying out the price labeling. Afterwards, the order­picked goods, pro­vided with a special clip­on RFID tag, are conveyed fully automatically to the differ­ent packing points. In this context, the differentiation is largely between pack­aging with cartons and roller containers. For identifying the goods on the in­house conveyor systems, the goal was to find a labeling solution that takes into account the special demands such as humidity, soiling, as well as obstruction by leaves. A technological validation initiated by the lo­

gistics planner RALOG AG and carried out by the Fachhochschule Nordostschweiz (Technical College of Northeastern Swit­zerland) resulted in a recommendation to use a 13.56 MHz system. During the project phase, the 13.56 MHz system from SICK was tested under realistic con­ditions with humidity, changing distances, and transponders aligned in different directions. Project manager Balz Leu­thard, who works for the system integra­tor Bürge­Fischer AG, explained that the reading performance of SICK’s system ex­ceeded the high demands, thus also vali­dating the documented laboratory tests done by SICK.

RFID: Tray detection, the “flowery way”After a mobile barcode reader has read the imprinted barcode, assigning an RFID transponder to a product, it is inserted to one of the outer pots, which is then placed on the conveyor system. At the first deci­sion point within the material flow, the unique number in the transponder (unique ID) is read out by the interrogator, which assigns the product to an order. Depend­ing on the size of the order or the client’s stipulations, the trays are packaged either in cartons or roller containers. In the sub­sequent material flow, the transponder is read out again several times at various decision points and conveyed to the cor­rect packaging station automatically by means of the material flow processor.

Having reached the cartonizing sta­tion, the tray transponder is read out again and the goods checked. An em­ployee places the tray into the carton manually and removes the transponder. The carton is then transported onward to the labeling machine, which prints a label according to the ingoing RFID data

>> In detail

The central component of the 13.56 MHz system from SICK is the RFI341 interrogator (Radio Frequency Interrogator). This is a recording/reading de­vice for electronic data carriers – also called a transponder. The integrated splitter allows simultaneous connection of two antennas, e.g. of the RFA331 used at Rutishauser, which achieves a range of up to 550 mm per antenna. With the larger RFA341 antenna, a range of up to 1.2 m may be realized in individual applications – an exceptionally high value for a 13.56 MHz system. It is possible to read all transponders compatible with ISO 15693, regardless of manufacturer, design, and packaging.

RFID controls flowerage at Rutishauser

Florist’s operations requires logistics, too

: Applications Conveying system

02/200722

: Applications

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.rutishauserag.ch

and attaches it diagonally. After that, the carton is automatically taped and con­veyed to palletizing. Container packaging also involves reading out transponder IDs before removing the data medium in the same way and loading the tray on the proper container.

Convenient MFP (material flow proces-sor) connection via EthernetAll of the intralogistical processes are con­trolled by a central material flow proces­sor. Both the implementation of the RFID system and the connection via Ethernet TCP/IP was carried out by the system integrator Bürge Fischer AG. “Since in this facility Rutishauser employs RFID as well as barcode scanners of the CLV420 series from SICK, it was highly advan­tageous that by using the components CDM420 and the plug­in CMF400 Ether­net gateway, both identification systems from SICK feature the same fieldbus con­nection technology,” says Balz Leuthard. “This means that subsequent switching from barcode to RFID is possible without any problems.”

Pre-testing on site builds confidenceBy introducing RFID, the Rutishauser Com­pany has broken new ground. Accordingly, during the project phase it was very impor­tant for the persons in charge to learn the “honest truth” about the possibilities and limitations. “We were very impressed by the professionalism of the test assem­bly built on top of the existing conveying systems,” commented Urs Rutishauser, responsible for sales and logistics, as well as the head of logistics, Marcel Thomann. “In the test run, hanging plants covering the transponder were additionally sprayed with water. It was possible to detect them with SICK’s RFID system regardless of the orientation of the objects,” Balz Leuthard reports about the course of the feasibility study on location.

The bottom line is that by using the ap­propriate RFID system, logistics works for floristic applications as well.

RFID controls flowerage at Rutishauser

Florist’s operations requires logistics, too

23

Automatic treatment of wooden floors

Fast as a “weasel” toward the perfect parquet floor Weasel is the name of the first fully automatic robot for automated treatment of wooden floors. For the machine to be able to carry out the scheduled loops while sanding, the LMS200 supplies the vehicle control with some final polish.

>> The Weasel combines high tech and practical expertise in a mobile system – no surprise, since the development saw specialists from the robotics department at the Technical University of Vienna and an experienced parquet layer join forces. Modern cylinder wheel technology, a “Zyklon” vacuum with nearly 100­percent collection efficiency, a handheld PDA for coded data transmission and for remote control, a USB interface and, respectively, a USB stick that serves for saving the func­tions, downloading of updates, and as an ignition key, as well as laser measurement for drive path control – any features imag­inable went into Weasel.

Fine sanding without scratches on walls or built-in furnitureAccording to statement by its manufac­turer, INNOVATION­TEC, Weasel pro­vides for a radical change of the working process and a new form of productivity. With a propulsion rate of 5½ m/min, the device grinds the parquet floor, produc­ing an even, clean surface structure. The LMS200 makes sure that this happens in the entire room. It detects the contours of the room, compares them with the saved schedule, issues data for controlling travel speed and steering motions, thus helping

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.innovation-tec.at

Weasel to stay on course. This means any collision­related damage to walls and built­in furniture is prevented reliably. Moreover, the permanent laser scanning also detects obstacles and persons, sending Weasel in a holding pattern for the time being.

Incidentally, Weasel delivers convinc­ing performance not only in terms of func­tionality and productivity but also concern­ing mobility and handling: Dismantled into its five separate components – also fast as a weasel –, it can be transported in a car without any problems and reassembled at the next place of application. And there the LMS200 once again ensures the Weasel is sanding on the “right track” …

Parquet robot

: Applications

2� 02/2007

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.w-u-d.com

>> Winkler and Dünnebier Süßwaren­maschinen GmbH (WDS) in Rengsdorf specializes in forming machines for sol­id and filled chocolate products, pour­ing facilities for sweets as well as spe­cial plant process technology related to Mogul installations for products based on gelatine, starch, pectin, agar­agar, or other raw materials. The forming ma­chines process up to 10 t of chocolate or other confectionery raw materials per hour. They may be over 80 m long because they complete a large number of process steps, including the preheat­ing of pans, successive proportioning of various product mixtures, forming, and multiple cooling stages, as well as, depending on the product, the addition of diverse ingredients such as cherries,

One sensor, two switching points

Short­stroke cylinder with a “mag(net)ic sweet tooth”Two separately adjustable switching points in a sin-gle device – for the plant manufacturer Winkler and Dünnebier Süßwarenmaschinen, the MZ2Q per-mits simple, flexible, and cost-effective installa-tion of the sensor on short-stroke cylinders.

rice crisp, raisins, or nuts. All of the processing steps are highly automated – accordingly, short­stroke cylinders are integrated in many areas of the in­stallations. Achieving a high degree of process reliability and availability ne­cessitates detecting the start and end of the lifting motions of the pneumatic cylinders used.

MZ2Q – the application solver This innovation of forming installations from WDS became feasible due to the use of the MZ2Q magnetic cylinder sen­sor. The device offers two freely adjust­able switching points; at the same time, it is so compact that it can be inserted into and attached to all standard T­slots by drop­in installation. It is possible

to adjust and fine­tune the switching points in a user­friendly way even when the cylinder sensor is already installed.

Cost of piston detection reducible by up to 30 percentNot only in terms of design and ap­plication technology but also from an economic point of view, the MZ2Q is the optimum solution for detecting two switching points in short­stroke cyl­inders. Current calculations, directly comparing the MZ2Q as an alternative to two separate magnetic proximity sen­sors featuring only one switching point each, indicate cost savings of up to 30 percent. The crucial element for this is the elimination of installation compo­nents as well as the time involved for installation, setting, and cabling of the MZ2Q. On top of that, there are qualita­tive aspects, e.g. the occupancy of only one slot, less cabling on the cylinder or, respectively, in the machine, better access to the sensor once the cylinder is already installed, and minimized risk of a component failure that results sta­tistically from reducing the number of sensors.

Links: High degree of process reliability with the MZ2Q magnetic cylinder sensor on the forming machine for chocolate productsRight: Bernd Plies from Winkler and Dünnebier and Myrjam Heinrich from SICK are pleased about the great cooperation

Forming facility

: Applications

25

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.gorarpsblomster.se

>> Applying a “luxuriant imagination,” the general manager of KE Pettersson tackled the task at hand. The company is Sweden’s largest greenhouse and hor­ticultural enterprise for potted plants, growing approx. 3.5 million plants a year on an area measuring 31,000 square meters. When the company began in­dustrializing its flower production three years ago, the project would certainly not have been complete without an auto­matic transportation system. “However, the overhead conveyor caused plenty of trouble,” says Fredrik Hemberg in retro­spect. “Collisions of trolleys with each other, with people and with the planting tables were not unusual at all.” Resolute as he is, after three weeks Hemberg dis­mantled the system again and began planning his own solution.

SICK’s web page as a source of ideasOne of the essential tasks that needed to be solved was the prevention of col­lisions, i.e. guaranteeing operations compatible with persons and processes. During the search for a suitable sensor, he discovered what he was looking for on SICK’s web page: an animation of the S200 caused his “flowery dreams”

Florist develops conveyor system with laser scanner

Far more than just “winning a flowerpot”The man’s name is Fredrik Hemberg: he developed a special overhead conveyor system for his greenhouse. A safety laser scanner in miniature format – the S200 from SICK – played a crucial role in making this possible.

to take concrete shape. “Subsequently, I discussed the entire matter with Joakim Olofsson from SICK Sweden, and the result was our own development in con­veying technology, which has now raised interest from greenhouse operators in Sweden and abroad. We developed the entire system in three months, putting it into operation in December 2006.”

Moving through the greenhouse colli-sion-free, thanks to the S200Today, because of the S200 safety laser scanner, the containers are traveling be­low the ceiling of the greenhouse without any collisions. The programmed protec­tion and warning fields are switched via identification by 16 different barcodes along the track sections. Speed control takes place in the same way. “A special refinement is the fact that the scanner is not mounted fast to the trolley but in­stead swings in front of it, thus covering an area greater than the curves. This means that the fields can be utilized to the greatest extent,” Fredrik Hemberg delights in his idea.

And what is the benefit? “Every­thing runs so quietly, there is no noise any more like before, when employees

pulled the handcarts across the ground or behind the moped,” says Fredrik Hem­berg’s wife, Annika. For him, other ad­vantages count: “Not least thanks to the S200s, we achieved a consistent flow in the facility, which has made us very reli­able at meeting deadlines. By using the new conveying system, two persons can complete the same work that five ac­complished before. Moreover, the work has become more ergonomic: employ­ees save a lot of energy that previously they had to invest in lifting and pulling the carts.”

Small-batch production started Fredrik Hemberg is prepared to share his innovation with others. Currently, he has sufficient capacities to manufacture four to five facilities a year. In terms of development technology, he has already moved one step further – he his thinking about introducing a remote control for each individual trolley’s control unit as well as GPS in order to locate them from the office. Whatever the future will bring, he is certain about one thing: “S200s will be on board.”

The S200 laser scanner prevents possible collisions

Fredrik Hemberg developed his own automated conveying system

Conveying technology with overhead monorail

: Applications

26 02/2007

>> At its plant in the Austrian town of Wieselburg, Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH runs state­of­the­art facilities to pro­duce headlights, turn signals, and in­terior lights for cars and trucks. The innovations for the automotive indus­try include, among other things, projec­tion systems with xenon gas­discharge lamps for dimmed headlights and high beams, both with and without adaptive front lighting system. In terms of tech­nology and practical use alike, each of the light systems incorporates specific features, e.g. a special light distribu­tion, which must be met upon delivery.

For 100-percent process reliability and retraceability

2D code reader activates testing programs for light systems At Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH, compact ICR803 2D code readers always help activate the testing processes that match the product. Apart from that, the auto-matic detection guarantees complete retracing – just in case.

Testing systematicallyFor testing, the respective light system is positioned in a test rig. The ICR803 reads the code generated by a thermal transfer process and transmits it to the PLC. Based on the data, the system first checks whether the right compo­nents are present in the test station. Subsequently, the appropriate testing program is loaded and used to check parameters such as light function or light distribution. In case of a “correct” signal, the test values are added to the data of the light system already saved, from where they can be retrieved and retraced at any time.

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.zkw.at

The omnidirectional ICR803 code reader as an identification solution in the testing systems

To make sure that the correct testing program is activated for each headlight or lamp, Zizala identifies the light sys­tems according to their 2D code, which contains, among other things, the se­rial number and product data in coded format.

ICR803 – when mounting space for a code reader is in short supply The ICR803 is an omnidirectional code reader in particularly compact design. Whether barcode, 2D code, plain OCR characters, or pure image capture – the most diverse markings can be detected and evaluated in any

orientation. LED illumination, the lat­est imaging technology, and the choice between USB or RS­232 interface ver­sions – everything the device needs for reading is already integrated in the housing that measures only 49 x 40 x 25 mm. The system does not require any external decoders, illumination, or interface adapters. In operation, the ICR803 is extremely reliable, since the code reader designed for station­ary use contains no moving parts that might break down, misalign, or age. These attributes made the ICR803 the ideal identification solution in the test­ing systems at Zizala.

Automotive supply industry

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.itb-wetzlar.de

>> The advance warning system was developed by the Ingenieurbüro für Bau­wesen GbR (Engineering Office for the Construction Sector) in Wetzlar. The data detected includes horizontal and vertical movements of structural elements rel­evant to static equilibrium. The objective is to recognize in advance any potential material failure, thus preventing serious accidents such as the collapse of the ice rink in Bad Reichenhall or the highway bridge in Minneapolis.

Safety sensor detects changesIn order to detect any deformations, the advance warning device utilizes the sen­sor signal from the L4000 photoelectric safety switch. It sends, at a predeter­mined distance, a narrowly focused ref­erence beam to the supporting structure of a roof construction or bridge. Prior to this and based on the existing structural statics, the maximum permissible defor­mation was calculated; as well, cross­sec­tions of the supporting structure relevant

Safety for roofs, bridges, and other types of structures

Advance warning system with safety sensor detects deformations Assisted by the L�000 photoelectric safety switch, the BDLV 2006 detects any distortion or bending of rafters, bridge construction elements, and other load-bear-ing components of structures.

to monitoring were defined. The support­ing structure is fitted with masks through which the focused light beam is directed from the transmitter to the receiver. If the structural component deforms beyond the defined limiting value, the masks mounted to it “wander” from their posi­tion, which causes an interruption of the light beam. The shut­off signal of the UE401 then activates a signal and warn­ing device, which allows the immediate launch of evacuation and, respectively, emergency measures.

For safe building and civil engineering constructions as well as bridge structuresThe BDLV 2006 advance warning device is suitable, among other things, for use in hall constructions, bridge structures, retaining walls, dams, embankments, or noise barriers. The high safety level of the L4000 ensures availability of the advance warning system for continuous monitor­ing of structures at any time.

: ApplicationsAdvance warning system

27

The four inventors of the BDLV 2006 advance warning system: Matthias Braun, Eckhard Voltmann, uwe Dietz, and Detlef Lumma (from left to right)

On 2 October 2007, the BDLV 2006 advance warning device was presented on MDR in the television show called “Einfach genial – das Erfindermagazin” (“Simply in­genious – the inventors’ magazine”).

: Applications

28 02/2007

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.bergproduct.nl

Activates driving control for automated harvesting trolley

Ultrasound cuts rose grower’s cutting costsBy using autonomously moving trolleys, rose grower Frank van Wijk in the Dutch city of de Lier has optimized the process of cutting roses. Compact ultrasonic sen-sors from SICK’s UC12 series initiate travel from one flowerbed to the next.

>> The B­Trolley Rozen was realized by Berg Product B.V. located in the same town. The company specializes in the development and production of high­quality advanced systems for harvesting, supplying, transporting, and processing products in the modern greenhouse in­dustry. The freely moving trolleys are equipped with an electric motor, a re­chargeable battery, and a container ac­commodating the freshly cut roses from the flowerbed. “Since the vehicles are traveling automatically and no longer need to be pushed along, now the em­ployee can often cut five or six rose in

sizes. “The sensor is mounted above the container in which the roses are placed. Whenever a rose or a bundle of roses is put into the container, the sound wave is interrupted briefly. The UC12 detects this immediately,” explicates Silvester Weterings from Berg Product B.V. The B­Trolley Rozen features a timer that allows setting the number of travel seconds per impulse. “For small growing beds, fewer roses have to be picked per consecutive meter so that the trolley can move ahead faster. For wider flower beds, the picker requires more time,” Silvester Weterings describes the vehicle’s flexibility.

“Rosy” calculation In his company, Frank van Wijk relies on six B­Trolleys Rozen overall. He did the math and has made cuts, calculating that by using the automated rose trolley, he was able to reduce cutting costs by about 20 percent. The UC12 sensors, showing a very high availability in this tough environment, are contributing their share to making this possible.

The uC12 ultrasonic sensor detects when the harvesting trolley needs to move forward

a single movement instead of only one before,” explains Frank van Wijk. “This means the harvesting work has become more ergonomic and more efficient at the same time.”

UC12 gives the signal to move aheadA UC12 ultrasonic sensor detects the time when the B­Trolley Rozen is supposed to carry on its journey. Measuring 15 x 50.5 x 43.5 mm, the device is one of the smallest of its kind, thus ideally suited for the application. Additionally, the sensor has a detection range of about 35 cm, sufficient for containers in the standard

Industrial trucks

: Applications

29

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.formit.ch

>> The Universal Form Feeder, made by the Swiss producer Formit Technolo­gies AG, is used both in banks and in­surance companies and as a backup inserting system in large mail service outlets. Operating at a speed of 3 m/s, the system processes different formats, ranging from single­sheet documents to print media such as brochures and magazines. The crucial element in this context is that the right documents are processed completely and in the proper order. They are marked with a barcode that is identified during processing by means of a CLV620 barcode scanner in­tegrated into the feeder.

“Formit”-able solutionWith regard to Formit and the Universal Form Feeder, respectively, the CLV620 constitutes a formidable solution. De­pending on the format, guide rails within

New scanner platform with improved decoding

Optimum process reliability for document managementThe Universal Form Feeder, a feeding station for tabletop inserting systems, is ca-pable of handling up to 18,000 documents in A� Format per hour. The integrity of the documents and the flawless completion of the inserting process are based on the reliability of CLV620 barcode readers from SICK and the Formit verification solution.

the feeder make it possible to align the scanner in any location and position. Immediately following the separation of the documents, they are identified with utmost reliability, with the scanned in­formation transmitted to the “prove­it” software within the inserting process verification system. Using this program

Formit has opted at the same time for the suitable re­detection solution: the IT3800 hand­held scanner made by SICK. The selection of scanners from SICK and their extensive service network secures very well the successful market­ing of the feeders from Formit.

Depending on the format, the barcode scanner can be aligned in any location and position via guide rails in the feeder

Andres Rüdisühli, general manager at Formit Technologies AG, in front of the universal Form Feeder

permits in the next step detecting reli­ably any missing parts or irregularities within the process. Subsequent to docu­ment processing, an additional verifica­tion takes place in order to ensure the highest possible reliability of the auto­mated processes and to reproduce any missing documents directly.

The Universal Form Feeder has made its mark due to high flexibility, per­formance, and availability. If neverthe­less an instance of a “no read” occurs or manual intervention may be required,

Learn more about the CLV620 on page 43

Inserting system

: Applications

30 02/2007

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.crhclayproducts.com

>> Four tunnel kilns overall are in op­eration at CRH Kleiwaren De Bylandt in Rijnwaarden, producing about 90 million bricks annually. “This means that each week roughly two million bricks leave the company site on 125 fully loaded trucks,” plant manager Ton Bouma illustrates the production volume. “The enormous quan­tity entails that the bricks are transported away from the kiln quickly, a task complet­ed by the unloading device. It grabs the stacked and baked bricks very carefully and sets them down.” This sounds easier than it is, since at the time the pressed bricks reach the kilns, the position of each stack is firmly defined, but this is not the case when they leave the kilns. The rea­son for the change: Because of material shrinkage and due to the transport move­ment, the bricks have shifted a bit in rela­tion to each other. It is imperative that the grippers of the unloading device, weighing

Laser measurement – no need for sweeping up shards

Gripper control at the brick kilnThe clay product plant CRH Kleiwaren De Bylandt processes about 120,000 m³ of clay a year into paving bricks. In order to prevent these bricks from turning into shards at the four brick kilns, four LMS Laser Measurement Systems control the automatic brick gripper.

about two tons each and moving above the tunnel kiln car, do not hit any protrud­ing bricks. This could result in serious damage, as part of the tunnel kiln car con­sists of a very delicate fireproof material.

Reliable grasp even of shifted stacks In order to pick up the stacks, the gripper first pivots above the tunnel kiln car load­ed with bricks. The LMS Laser Measure­ment System helps search for positions in which the gripper can be lowered without collisions so that no damages occur, no bricks fall down, and none of the stacks tips over. As soon as the LMS has helped detect a sufficiently large free space for the gripper arm, it is positioned accord­ingly to pick up the stack of bricks.

In good company The LMS are not the only components from SICK that CRH Kleiwaren De By­

Each week, 125 fully loaded trucks with 2 million paving bricks leave the company site

landt has used to automate the produc­tion process. “We are utilizing numerous photoelectric switches for presence and absence control and as feed safety sys­tems,” says Ton Bouma. “Even though we cannot determine that decision, most of our machine suppliers equip their in­stallation with sensor technology from SICK as standard feature to begin with, enabling us to keep our stock of spare parts as low as possible.” This is also due to another reason: A number of sen­sors from SICK have already been in op­eration since 1978, proving their robust­ness and availability.

Four LMS Laser Measurement Systems control the automatic 2-ton gripper

Construction, pit and quarry industries

: Applications

31

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.atmvision.com and www.kawasakirobotics.com

>> An automotive manufacturer had been searching for a means to guarantee and document the one­hundred­per­cent flawless quality of laser­welded seams at minimized inspection cost. The firm found what it was looking for at ATMvision AG located in Salem/Beuren, which was able to realize such a 3D in­spection solution together with the Ka­wasaki Robotics Company.

Weld seam as an indicator of product and process quality In the course of laser welding, a con­centrated coupling of energy into the

3D weld seam inspection in automotive body assembly

No chance for pores, nicks, and cracks Compact in design, accurate in measurement technology, and fast in image evalu-ation and data transmission – these features make the Ranger E 3D camera the ideal solution for the integrator ATMvision and Kawasaki Robotics with respect to laser-welded seams in automotive body assembly.

abutting edges of the metal sheets takes place. This causes the material to melt within a very short time. In this technique, a steam capillary develops in the direction of the beam, connect­ing the metal sheets during cooling. The workmanship of the weld seam is an indicator of quality in two ways – on the one hand, regarding the welded component part and on the other hand, regarding process stability. Therefore, the requirement involved a test system that allowed examining the weld seam for holes, marginal nicks, surface pores, gaping cracks, or other indica­

tions of surface flaws immediately af­ter being created.

Ranger E: Camera inspection system integrated directly into a six-axis robotFor solving this task, the people at ATM­vision decided in favor of using Ranger E – the world’s fastest camera for 3D con­tour measurement. With up to 35,000 contour profiles per second and over 1,500 measuring points per profile, this camera system from SICK sets the standard of 3D contour measurement in an industrial environment. Apart from the highest possible measuring speed, Ranger E offers the kind of extremely high accuracy required for detecting min­ute detail of laser weld seams. Using the triangulation method, the profile of the laser line produced by the weld seam is evaluated directly in the integrated im­age­processing chip. Since the Ranger E is equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet in­terface for fast data transmission, the measured results can be transmitted and evaluated in real time. ATMvision in­stalled the Ranger E 3D camera system directly on Kawasaki Robotics’ six­axis industrial robot. At a defined distance, the robot guides the camera system at 800 mm/s across the weld seam, which is scanned line­by­line at the same time. The surface of the laser weld seam is recorded one hundred per cent in the in­line process. Due to the high resolution of < 100 µm, even the smallest irregu­larities are detected reliably. If any nicks, cracks, pores, or holes occur, the inspec­tion system reports them to the higher control level of the overall installation.

Using the Ranger E guarantees and documents the product quality of the welded component parts. At the same time, the welding process is monitored permanently and instantly. The evalu­ation of the weld seam based on high­precision measurement values makes it possible to detect fluctuations in the process early on and to take corrective action.

Successful weld seam inspection with the Ranger E 3D camera that is integrated directly into the six-axis robot

Automotive

: Applications

32 02/2007

insightlINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insightMore about the customer:www.dsk.de

>> The objective of DSK was to cooper­ate with specialized partners to develop a solution toward advance drive path monitoring for an OMR. Commissioned by DSK, the Fraunhofer Institute for Auto­mation took on the project management. SICK supplied the laser scanner as well as extensive application expertise. The Embigence Company programmed what eventually amounted to the LD­OEM’s 16 monitoring fields, and DBT Scharf, the manufacturer of the OMR, was re­

Protects miners underground by advance drive path monitoring

First laser scanner in firedamp­proof design

In 2005, the prototype of a fully automated diesel trolley was introduced in the context of DSK’s project called “Novel transport infrastructure”; apart from docu-menting economy and feasibility, the project served to demonstrate that such a machine could obtain technical approval. For this purpose, the hard coal mining company Deutsche Steinkohle (DSK) launched the development of the first laser scanner in firedamp-proof design. The LD-OEM from SICK is used at a depth of 1,200 m for protecting an unmanned overhead monorail (OMR). Accordingly, this system opens the potential for a large number of possible applications, not only in mining but also in explosion-prone areas above ground.

sponsible for the ATEX housing, system integration, and approval of the overall system by the mining authority.

Safety on underground routes The automated OMR, suspended from a steel rail, is intended for unmanned transport of materials and tools along suitable routes. The device scans the area in the direction of travel in front of the trolley by electronic means. Utilizing two radar sensors and one laser scan­

ner, the machine “sees” electronically and stops automatically when detecting obstacles.

This is the function taken on by the firedamp­proof LD­OEM1000. The de­vice scans its surroundings with laser impulses, which are used by a first DSP (digital signal processor) to generate dis­tance and angle data.

Ambient detection from the protective housing The LD­OEM1000 is accommodated en­tirely in a pressure­proof enclosed hous­ing. The laser scanner’s short­range sup­pression makes sure that the device can measure through the view window of the housing without any problems and that reflections from the particularly thick window do not result in any malfunc­tions.

Tested successfully, unique worldwideBefore deployment underground, the entire solution was tested thoroughly by the project partners at the Training Center for Mining in Recklinghausen. Following successful completion, there was nothing standing in the way of the underground trial. The prototype of the automated diesel trolley has shown that all of the necessary components, in par­ticular the sensor technology, such as laser and radar scanners as well as the WLAN technology, are suited for under­ground operations in hard coal mining at reasonable cost.

Just for the record, one may note that today the LD­OEM laser scanner, as used in the DSK facility, is the world’s only firedamp­proof and ATEX­approved installation for advance path protection.

use of the LD-OEM laser scanner 1,200 m below ground to secure an unmanned overhead monorail – the fully automated diesel trolley of the DSK

Overhead monorail

: Internet

>> Application­related animations illus­trate the use of sensors from SICK in the everyday industrial settings and answer fascinating questions:

p How does a safety laser scanner pro­tect people from accidents or injuries and an automated guided vehicle from collisions?

p In what way does a safety light curtain manage to differentiate between human and material on a conveyor system?

Application-related and functional animations on SICK’s homepage

Complex processes explained easilySometimes a picture – or in this case, a short film – tells more than a 1000 words. Our application-related and functional animations on SICK’s homepage depict even complex processes in a way that is graphic and easy to understand.

p How does a contrast scanner detect print marks?

p What is the underlying principle when a camera system detects contours or determines 3D positions in a given space?

p What are the requirements that a code reader needs to fulfil in order to identify 1D or 2D codes reliably?

More complex products, such as safety controls or safety network solutions

and the associated sensor technology are explained by means of functional animations; using graphic visualiza­tions, they depict and elucidate vari­ous application scenarios or safety functions such as blanking or muting.

Have we aroused your curiosity?You can check out the animations dur­ing SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2007 at SICK’s exhibition stand or on your own com­puter in the Application Finder of SICK’s Partner Portal:http://mysick.com/applikationen

>> As a client, how satisfied are you with SICK? Would you recommend us to oth­ers? Please let us now – in OpinioScope at www.sick.de!

OpinioScope is an Internet­based feedback tool developed specifically for users from the automation industry. It records customer satisfaction with respect to manufacturers and suppli­ers. Since OpinioScope allows evalu­ation of more than 90 German enter­prises, it also serves as a company­specific benchmark tool and at the same time as barometer to gauge the mood in the major areas of automation technology.

Are you satisfied with products, logistics, and service?

Your opinion counts! ?? ??

????? ?You will find OpinioScope on our homep­age at www.sick.de. Numerous custom­ers have already submitted their evalu­ations. Now it’s your turn – because we are particularly keen to find out about your opinion …

34 02/2007

: Technology

High-end image processing with Ranger cameras from SICK IVP

Chronos Vision: from space to daily useFor more than 12 years, the high-tech and high-speed image processors from Chronos Vision in Berlin have been working together with the 3D camera pioneers from SICK IVP. Ranger cameras from SICK IVP now help to get technologies from space travel into shape for commercial use.

>> Eye tracking is one of the magic words for Dr. Friedrich-J. Baartz, general man-ager of Chronos Vision. “This involves the rapid measurement of eye move-ments at currently more than 1,200 images per second,” he explains. What does eye tracking have to do with space travel? “On the one hand, it is a monitor-ing system that enabled ground control to track the action of cosmonauts on the MIR,” elucidates Dr Baartz; “on the other hand, the object here is a medical-scien-tific study on the effects of the human optic system on our balance, as the lat-ter is decoupled from the balancing influ-ence of the ears only in a state of zero gravity.” The transfer of these insights from the universe to universal everyday use, as it were, is important for various fields. “Using rapid eye tracking allows quick diagnosis of illnesses; eye track-ing is important in the context of laser eye surgery; in neurophysiology it helps measure the brain’s adaptability; and in psychology, too, eye movement provides important clues.” Yet again, how do all of these applications relate to the Ranger camera system from SICK IVP?

1,200 images per second – an unequaled valueEye tracking in space occurred via head-set systems similar to eyeglasses with an integrated mini camera and deflect-ing mirrors on the ear pieces. On earth, eye tracking can now be integrated with Ranger E cameras in devices related to medical technology, e.g. in an MRI scan-ner or a Lasik for refractive eye surgery. “With the Rangers from SICK IVP, there are cameras available for this purpose that can now evaluate more than 1,200

SICK insight: Chronos is part of the company name because …Dr. Baartz: … we are the specialists for fast image processing and place a premium on the shortest possible time to market solutions.SICK insight: The special achievement of IVP was …Dr. Baartz: … the brilliant idea of pre-processing 3D image data directly online on the camera chip – without additional hardware.SICK insight: SICK’s investment at IVP has ...Dr. Baartz: … opened the door to large clients for the top technology of Ranger. SICK insight: The great advantage of the Ranger cameras is …Dr. Baartz: … not only the rapid image sequence but also the 3D triangulation be-tween laser, object, and camera that is flexibly adjustable and immune to ambient light. SICK insight: The people coming to Chronos Vision …Dr. Baartz: … require rapid and, respectively, high-resolution image processing and are looking for a partner accompanying them with other partners from the first feasibility study all the way to successful system integration.SICK insight: Thank you for coffee and the interesting conversation!

>> Five questions for Dr. Baartz:

On earth, eye tracking with Ranger E cameras can be integrated in devices related to medical technology

In space, eye tracking took place via headset systems similar to eyeglasses with miniature cameras

“Eye tracking”

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>> With respect to pharmaceutical pack-ages, for example, invisible labeling with luminophores and sensors that can detect them are promising measures toward product protection with a high degree of counterfeit safety. SICK’s LUT series of stationary and mobile lumines-cence scanners allow quick differentia-tion between original and pirate copy in manufacturing, packaging, distribution, customs inspection, or automated re-turn systems.

The luminescence scale from SICK al-lows testing and determining the sig-nal quality of luminescent markings.

>> In order to achieve a dependable use of luminescence scanners in various ap-

For many products, authentication label-ing with luminophores represents techni-cally and economically suitable protection against pirate copies. Read more about the way luminescence scanners can be used to tackle illegal brand name and product piracy in the PDF available for download-ing at www.sick.com/insight

plication fields, the luminescence scale can be used to test the detection reli-ability at different signal intensities. The testing according to gradations of 10, 30, 50, 75, 100 and 200 % constitutes a relative measurement between scale and test specimen, e.g. with respect to labels, package inserts, banderols, or an application of glue. The stability of the luminophorous pigments printed in safety color permits the use of the scale as a long-term standard measure and as reference material for the signal strength of a luminescence marking.

In serving this function, the lumines-cence scale, which replaces Ciba’s white scale that is out of stock, constitutes an important accessory for the marking of luminophores and their detection by means of luminescence scanners.

www.sick.com/lumineszenztaster

High-end image processing with Ranger cameras from SICK IVP

Chronos Vision: from space to daily useimages per second instead of 500 so far,” Dr. Baartz points to the crucial ad-vantage. This high-speed eye tracking opens up entirely new possibilities for medical technology because it allows observing eye movements nearly without delay and evaluating them with extreme temporal resolution. “What is depicted as linear eye travel when using slower image sequences now turns out to be a complex, multidirectional sequence of movements,” explains Dr. Baartz. How-ever, is medical technology the only field requiring such fast image sequences?

High-end automation and testing technologyDr. Baartz has been in the business for long enough to set his focus or that of the Rangers, respectively, on other ap-plications apart from medical technol-ogy as well. Currently, a project involving the separation and portioning of meat in fast-moving cutting processes will draw to a close shortly. “In Russia,” he relates, “the Rangers are used to check the pla-narity of forged railroad wheels and their embossing.” Eye tracking – similar maxi-mum speed is called for with respect to another project patented by partners and him: the measurement of tread depth in moving traffic. “Here we could certainly

go as high as 200 km/h [125 mph],” comments Dr. Baartz, “but we are limit-ing ourselves to 120 km/h [75 mph] in the first step. We have already tested the system at TÜV [German safety inspection authority], and with the Ranger cameras we are able to reach resolutions of 8 µm – a traffic policeman will achieve an ac-curacy of merely 2/10 mm for a vehicle at rest.”

Therefore, in the future one may con-tinue to expect the cooperation between Chronos Vision and SICK IVP to yield quite a few innovations that today exist as “visions” as best. www.chronos-vision.de

With the Ranger E, it is possible to evaluate 1,200 images per second instead of only 500

Invisible and safe

Distinguishing products and pirate copies with luminophores Pirate copies are a nuisance even oc-cupying the G8 summit recently. The worldwide brand industry suffers no less than 120 billion euros a year in damages because of product piracy – German companies alone are losing 25 billion euros. Due to the health risks, things become really dangerous when the counterfeit products are medicines or their packaging.

Original or pirated copy? LUTs provide the solution!

Use as standard measure and reference material

Luminescence scale defines signal intensity

36 02/2007

: Interview

SICK insight: What are the core compe-tencies of Püttmann KG?

Bernhard Püttmann: Founded in 1930, today our company has a staff of 14 em-ployees and serves as an agency and distributor for well-known suppliers. Our special competence is concentrated in the areas of sensor technology, factory automation, identification systems, and safety technology. By offering this portfo-lio, our company aims at being a compe-tent partner with comprehensive know-ledge of products for industries active in mechanical engineering, production, and equipment cabinet construction. In this context, for numerous clients we act as a single-source supplier of the prod-uct spectrum in question.

SICK insight: Why are you participating as a distributor in SICK’s Portal Partner Program?

Bernhard Püttmann: We wish to serve our customers in the best possible way, not only with goods but also with infor-

Customer service at Püttmann KG on the highest level

SICK’s Portal Partner Program: online services also for distributor clients

For six months, SICK’s Partner Portal has been accessible for clients of the dis-tribution partner Püttmann KG as well. SICK insight interviewed general manager Dipl.-Ing. Bernhard Püttmann and Dr. Peter Müller-Haude, who is in charge of IT at the distributor, about their experiences and the benefits to customers.

mation. By participating in SICK’s Portal Partner Program our clients can take advantage of the same opportunities that SICK offers to its direct customers: product search, application support, in-ventory check, inquiry on product data, download functions, and much more. By using these possibilities, our clients sim-plify their operating processes, e.g. the compilation of internal demand require-ments as a basis for inquiries.

SICK insight: And what are the resulting advantages for the Püttmann Company?

Dr. Müller-Haude: To begin with, they are associated with the area of IT. Püttmann does not need its own shop solution be-cause via SICK’s Partner Portal, we are connected directly to SICK’s product da-tabase. Its maintenance is carried out at SICK – not creating any work for us but always providing our clients and us with access to up-to-date information. Anoth-er advantage is the fact that the Partner Portal is open and we had a chance to extend it by adding our database, i.e. the

Püttmann client finds our entire product range in the shop at puettmann.com. This makes the solution an efficient in-strument for fostering client loyalty.

SICK insight: : How extensive does a distributor’s IT department have to be in order to participate in SICK’s Portal Part-ner Program?

Dr. Müller-Haude: The IT department you are asking about is standing in front of you: I am it. Of course, a series of com-mercial, technology- and Internet-related details had to be cleared up within the Püttmann team and with SICK; however, the next distributor will likely be spared many aspects emerging from the for-ward project planning that lasted nearly one year, because as the first partner we definitely did a lot of pioneering work, e.g. regarding the consideration of pric-ing rules. The software runs completely on the Internet, which makes the load-ing of data or the completion of test runs very easy. Thomas Burger from SICK’s Vertriebs-GmbH in Düsseldorf and his competent IT colleagues from Waldkirch were always available very promptly throughout the entire development and implementation stage. As a result, the project required my full attention only

In conversation: Thomas Burger from SICK with Dr. Peter Müller-Haude and Bernhard Püttmann from Püttmann KG (from left to right)

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>> SICK‘s Partner Portal

: Interview

insightLINKFind out more about SICK‘s Partner Portal at Püttmann on the internet at:www.puettmann.com

Customer service at Püttmann KG on the highest level

SICK’s Portal Partner Program: online services also for distributor clients

Anyone registering now will benefit!

The product quick search will lead you rapidly to the desired product with all of the available details such as technical data, documents, software downloads, links to successor products, the appropriate accessories or typical applications. The guided search with our finders for products, applications, or literature will support you in discovering the right information.

For registered users, our 24-hour online service at www.mysick.com offers additional features:

p Price and availability checkp Product ordering with shopping basket and import and export functionp Offer requestp Complete offer and order historyp Online order statusp Online delivery tracking

Register now at www.mysick.com/register in order to capitalize on all the advantages of SICK’s Partner Portal.

during certain phases, i.e. it did not turn into a full-time job for me, giving me a chance to take care of other assign-ments. And now that everything is up and running, the only effort left is some supplementing and updating here and there.

SICK insight: How would you sum up this initiative? And what will or should the fu-ture bring?

Bernhard Püttmann: The decision to take part in SICK’s Portal Partner Program was right. Our clients are using the pos-sibilities that direct access offers them.

of service, e.g. with respect to advice on application technology. Fulfilling future wishes is not just up to SICK and Pütt-mann. In order to achieve uniformity of the computer systems or, respectively, the different ERP systems, others will have to do their homework on connectiv-ity and interfaces. As far as our clients

go, a bit of fine tuning or the odd service extension here and there would be help-ful, for example, regarding quantity in-quiries or online reservation of products. However, that is a matter we need to tackle together with SICK.

SICK insight: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us.

Whether product search, application support, or inventory check – the clients of Pütt-mann very much appreciate the online participation in SICK’s Portal Partner Program

For them, the search for information has not only become easier and faster, but it is available twenty-four seven. To us this represents a relief in the area of admin-istration, e.g. concerning the mailing of documentation, enabling us to use more resources toward improving the quality

»The search for information has not only become easier

and faster, but it is avail-able twenty-four seven«

38 02/2007

: Highlight

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight and www.sickmaihak.com

Usable almost universally due to novel technology

Level switch and continuous level measurement system in one packageWith the LFT, SICK is presenting a new type of level measurement system for nearly all water- and oil-based liquids. The combination of TDR technology (time domain reflectometry) and a highly resistant coaxial measuring probe results in a maximum degree of independence concerning installing and ambient conditions.

>> With gauge lengths nearly free from dead zones, ranging from 30 to 1,980 mm, the G ¾ A and, respectively, ¾“ NPT connection threads as well as the teach-in configuration via a single button, the LFT level measurement system is suit-able particularly for small to medium-size containers and tanks.

TDR technology: coaxial probe con-ducts microwave impulsesThe special feature of the LFT is the in-novative measuring principle, which in-

volves feeding low-energy microwaves to a stainless steel coaxial probe. When they reach the surface of the liquid me-dium, a portion of the electromagnetic impulses is reflected. Based on the du-ration that passes until the reflected impulses arrive at the sensing head, the device calculates the current filling level with an accuracy of only few millimeters. This technology makes the detection of filling levels with the LFT independent of such factors as installation, type of con-tainer and filling medium, since the am-

bient conditions always prevailing within the measuring probe are firmly defined and free from interference. If the physi-cal attributes of the liquids change, the LFT does not require reconfiguration.

Analog and switching outputs usable individuallyBy using the LFT, users can solve their detection of filling levels individually. The sensor features a 4-20 mA analog output as well as four switching outputs that can be programmed separately. If a high/low level control needs to be real-ized, e.g. for pump control between mini-mum and maximum levels, it is possible to couple two switching points.

Simple operationThe start-up of the LFT is rather simple. Pressing just one button sets the switch-ing points, changes over the switching outputs between NC and NO contact, presets the hysteresis for the switching points, and determines the actual mea-suring range along the coaxial probe.

Wide range of applications Typical fields of use for the LFT are con-tainers and tanks in water and wastewa-ter management, machine construction, machine tools, or CIP (cleaning in place) filling installations. In these areas, the nearly wear-free and maintenance-free device proves its high degree of accuracy and robustness with respect to the most diverse filling materials, including cool-ants, grinding and hydraulic oils, or clean-ing, degreasing, and disinfecting agents.

LFT level measurement system

The novel LFT level measurement system for nearly all water- and oil-based liquids

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insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

For your applications, are you expecting optical sensors that solve demanding tasks, follow fast process speeds, and exhibit a high degree of availability in harsh industrial environments? In that case, the W12-3 is the right choice.

>> SICK will be presenting the new W12-3 series of photoelectric switches for the first time at the 2007 SPS/IPC/DRIVES Trade Fair in Nuremberg. The W12-3 offers superb performance in a metal housing – reliable object de-tection and maximum availability in an industrial environment, coupled with comprehensive sensor monitoring, un-derscores the substantial lead by com-parison with conventional opto-sensors.

Sensor platform with know-howThe W12-3 builds on the wealth of ex-perience and the application expertise derived from the previous W12 models that have been setting standards in au-tomation for over a decade. Featuring different functional principles, the new W12-3 also covers a wide range of uses in the most diverse areas of automation technology. For instance, the WSE12-3 through-beam photoelectric switch is the ideal solution in applications that de-mand greater reserves of performance or very long ranges. The WL12-3 photo-electric reflex switch using the principle of autocollimation is particularly suited for reliable object detection at extremely close ranges. From the PET bottle to the

transparent foil, the WL12G-3 ensures reliable detection of transparent objects. The scanners in the series deliver opti-mum detection results both by means of foreground suppression (WTF12-3) and background suppression (WTB12-3). In addition, they can be integrated in field-bus environments via IO link. These fea-tures permit, among other things, the re-alization of preventive maintenance and servicing measures as well as a consid-erable reduction of changeover times.

Excellent in an extreme environmentProcess reliability and dependability in any ambient conditions is the top priority for the W12-3. For this reason, the en-tire production series features a robust, high pressure-resistant metal housing that conforms to the requirements of the IP 69K protection rating. As well, resistance to cleaning and disinfecting agents, and lubricating oils opens up a variety of possible applications in harsh operating conditions – and all of that within a temperature range from –40 °C to +60 °C. If requirements are even more extreme, the W12-3 is also avail-able with an optional Teflon coating. : T

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Robust, precise, intelligent: the W12-3 sets the new standard

Process reliability is top priority

Innovative and individual: sensor technology of the finest quality Using the W12-3 allows solving more safely and dependably any demanding applications in which precision matters most. This is made possible, among other things, by the small, exact light spot serving to detect objects with better accuracy. Interfering optical reflections from the surroundings are detected and suppressed reliably. The short response time guarantees secure detection at high process speeds. Two status LEDs for operating voltage and light reception, visible very well from all directions, per-mit a straightforward and effective sen-sor diagnosis.

Process reliability and dependability in any type of environmental setting – the W12-3 series in a metal housing

W12-3: simply fits anytime and anywhereThe great variety of attachment options, e.g. dovetail mounting or the reinforced mounting holes, guarantees maximum freedom for mounting. Rotatable plug or cable connectors per-mit a flexible choice of cable laying. Just place the object in the beam path, press the button and voilà – adjusting the scan-ning range setting by means of teach-in saves time and is very user-friendly.

The W12-3 constitutes an impressive ex-ample of SICK’s technological leadership and solution competence in the field of industrial automation.

New series of W12-3 photoelectric switches

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>> The VFS60 permits any line number from 1 to 65,536 per rotation. The encod-ers’ electrical insulation between the mo-tor shaft and the encoder itself is a fea-ture that substantially increases immunity to interference and thus availability. Be-cause of its operating temperature range between –20 °C and +100 °C, the series is particularly suited even for applications involving anything but living-room condi-tions. An additional improvement is re-lated to the encoders’ quiet running. The separation of the two ball bearings in the encoders has been increased to 30 mm to reduce vibrations and achieve optimum concentric running, even at the maximum operating speed of 12,000 min-1.

Asynchronous motors, pay close attention!

Hollow-shaft encoder as pacesetter for technologyBy introducing the new VFS60, SICK STEGMANN presents a novel hollow-shaft en-coder suited specifically for installation in asynchronous motors. With the device, replacing the long-standing top seller DGS66, encoder technology in this area of application is taking a significant technological step forward.

Despite all of the special features included in the VFS60, the “basics” were not neglected either: Features such as a hollow-shaft diameter of up to 15 mm, an external housing dimen-sion of 60 mm, easy attachment due to a large number of torque multipli-ers, universal cable outlet as well as various electrical interfaces (TTL and HTL) meet the basic prerequisites of most manufacturers of asynchronous motors. Finally, the VFS60 conforms to the requirements of the RoHS and has all approvals according to CE and UL. Further electrical and me-chanical designs will follow at the turn of the year.

New in the entry/exit portfolio

No problem with classic examples of poor patterns

>> The C4000 Palletizer has found its enthusiasts because in automated material flows, the entry/exit safety system manages without additional sensor technology, swing doors, or indicator lamps. This means substan-tial cost-savings in terms of planning, construction, and installation as well as connecting and servicing. Pattern recognition – which involves monitor-ing and evaluating the blocking of indi-vidual light beams and objects with a minimum size – has become even more

Currently in its second generation, the C4000 Palletizer safety light curtain for efficient differentiation between persons and pallets in automated material flow now easily masters even the poorest pallets and other impeding factors.

flexible. The C4000 Palletizer makes this possible by special evaluating al-gorithms that keep the taught-in pallet pattern firmly in focus, even in case of damaged pallets with protruding splin-ters of wood and straps or remnants of foil hanging from the pallet.

Proven benefits were kept: safety, avail-ability, additional functions, and reduced costs for installation and operation of up to 40 % by comparison to conventional muting solutions.

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>> Aiming again, aligning again, scan-ning again – it is annoying when read-ing barcode labels does not work or becomes a test of patience. These prob-lems associated with frequent and rapid routine scanning processes have now been eliminated by introducing the new IT4600r hand-held scanner.

Perfect for “fly-by” reading In terms of reading technology, the IT4600r is very well prepared for de-tecting the common 1D, batch, and 2D codes. Its imager reading module is ca-pable of detecting the codes not only reliably but also in any orientation. Be-yond that, it features a great depth of field – therefore, the user does not have to search the scanning range for a long time but obtains a reading result quickly. The device, however, is also particularly

Omnidirectional reading, great depth of field, better reading performance, and a high degree of motion tolerance – the new IT4600r hand-held scanner has everything required to handle the scanning of 1D und 2D codes “on the fly.”

suited for operation as a stationary pre-sentation scanner, e.g. for use at cash registers. Additional LEDs in the reading module ensure optimum lighting and a special operating mode guarantees even better reading performance. In this way, the IT4600r achieves a horizontal mo-tion tolerance that allows the user to let

the code “fly by” the device at a speed of up to 0.5 m/s.

Long “flight time”The IT4600r stands out to due its high availability. It does not come with any moving parts susceptible to wear – but with a five-year warranty instead.

>> The sensor features high speed in two ways: on the one hand, because of the high-speed variants with 10 kHz switch-ing frequency; on the other hand, due to the uncomplicated teach-in of switch-ing thresholds in any of the four possible teach modes. After that, it’s simply “go,” and the WLL170T-2 with its IP 66 hous-ing will deliver convincing performance because of its switching performance, which is microprocessor-assisted and thus extremely stable and reliable.

Fast and direct

Fiber-optic photoelectric switch with “teach & go”Wherever the actual object detection is uncritical but extreme lack of space pre-vails, the WLL170T-2 fiber-optic photoelectric switch constitutes the fast and di-rect solution.

Installed at a distance, but neverthe-less close to the objectIn order to get as close to the scene of the action even from a distance, SICK currently offers more than 100 different fiber-optic cables made of plastic and glass fiber. Flexible in terms of wiring and individual in terms of mounting, they complement the WLL170T-2 very well, opening up ideal automation solutions especially when space around machin-ery is confined.

2D hand-held scanner optimized for presentation scanning

High-flyer

42 02/2007

: Products

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

>> The principle underlying the V300WS is the simplest thing imaginable. The de-vice is installed in one corner of the frame of a working station. A reflective strip is at-tached to the opposite sides. The camera system detects the reflective strip auto-matically and aligns the monitoring field with a 20 mm resolution accordingly. If a person reaches into the machine dur-ing the ongoing processing operation, the V300WS responds within 20 ms, generat-ing a secure shutoff signal.

Easy to install and user-friendlyThe V300WS can be mounted in next to no time, e.g. in or on a slotted bar frame. Due

For a safe workplace

“ Candid camera”

High level of protection: the V300WS camera system

The new V300WS Category 3 safety system is space-saving, quick, and well suited for hand protection. Using the camera system allows securing operat-ing areas on assembly, handling, and industrial robots with cyclical or spo-radic intervention in a reliable and bar-rier-free way.

manently checks whether the reflective strip exhibits any dirt, gaps, damaged sec-tions, or objects placed on it. If any inter-ference is detected, it can be located via the LED display, as each one of the four displays “monitors” a different section within the 110-degree scanning angle of the V300WS. If the reflective strip is too dirty for cleaning or damaged heavily, it is possible to restore the full functionality of the V300WS quickly by affixing a new re-flective strip.

Safety in the appropriate category Featuring Category 3 in accordance with EN 61496-1 (SIL2 according to IEC 61508), the V300WS is the first sensor for securing hazardous zones with this level of protection. This means the user has the opportunity of utilizing a more afford-able Category 3 system for applications that do not require a Category 4 safety level according the risk assessment. If the danger analysis determines a protective requirement corresponding to Category 2, SICK’s safety portfolio provides a suitable solution for this task as well, represented by the V200 WS, the “little brother” of the V300WS.

to the scanning angle of 110°, the device detects all areas while at the same time allowing relatively substantial tolerances – making time-consuming alignment at start-up or during readjustment entirely re-dundant. Depending on the work routine, the device can be positioned in one of the upper or one of the lower corners – that is, wherever it fulfills the ergonomic require-ments of the work station. Furthermore, the arrangement necessitates laying and installing only one connecting cable. The range of the diagonal protection field is 1.41 m – in case of larger intervention openings, there is the option of synchro-nizing two devices, thus doubling the size of the protective field. The required syn-chronization input is a standard feature of the V300WS.

Opens up new, barrier-free monitoring possibilitiesThe V300 now makes it possible to real-ize ergonomic work stations that permit agreeable and efficient working: if two sides adjoining at an angle require se-curing, in this scenario as well two safe camera systems represent the perfect solution. The center brace at the corner junction can be left out so that the opera-tor has barrier-free access to the machine diagonally across, e.g. for putting in or tak-ing out larger work pieces – inconvenient barriers can be dropped.

Permanent reflector inspectionIn order to ensure the highest possible safety and availability, the V300WS per-

V300WS safety camera system

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>> The compact device provides for more performance in the familiar applications of warehousing and materials handling engineering, opening interesting fields of application in clinical analysis, the electronics industry, or document man-agement.

Platform of a new generation of scannersThe CLV6xx production series is not mere-ly a face-lift of the well-known and reli-able CLV4xx series, but an autonomous new scanner platform. From evaluation and operation all the way to possible communication uses, this equipment in-corporates the most advanced technolo-gies and solutions. The scan algorithms of SMART decoding have undergone further refinement – codes can be “even poorer” and yet scanned nevertheless. In order to achieve the easiest initial start-up possible, users have at their dis-posal an operating concept unmatched in simplicity – e.g. featuring connecting assistant, quick start, a diagnostic win-dow that can be activated during the en-tire parameterization, event monitor for inputs and outputs, as well as straight-forward simulation facilities with respect to varying adjustable parameters. The auto set-up is undergoing further adap-tation to users’ requirements. In terms of communications, the CLV620 – like the devices still to follow – is available as a variant with an Ethernet interface. The costs and space required for a separate Ethernet fieldbus gateway become re-dundant. Filtering and sorting functions allow the format of data output to be ad-justed to one’s own wishes, which elimi-nates the programming effort necessary in the controller otherwise.

Compatible connecting technology, new features are in the pipelineThe CLV620 is mechanically improved but compatible with the CLV4xx pro-duction series with a view to essential parameterization commands, making an upgrade to the new scanner genera-tion possible in principle. This applies

New platform for reading devices

Laser scanner with Ethernet on board!The CLV620 made by SICK is the first among a new generation of barcode scan-ners. The device offers even more scanning performance as well as an improved operating and diagnostic approach.

to the entire new CLV6xx platform that will presented in the months ahead. The innovation will entail a number of new system features in several areas such as fieldbus integration and diagnostic func-tions.

Bottom line: The success story of bar-code laser scanners continues.

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

The new CLV 620 barcode scanner Learn more about the CLV620 on page 29

CLV620 barcode scanner

02/2007

: Products

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight and www.sick-stegmann.de

Differentiated by output performance, operation, and measuring system

Automatic format adjustment, custom-made One advantage of automatic format adjustment is fast and precise adjustment of positioning values. Just as precise is the way in which the supplemented HIPER-DRIVE® portfolio is now adjusting to the wishes of users.

>> HIPERDRIVE® (highly integrated perfor-mance drive) is a production series of in-tegrated positioning drives for automatic format adjustment, which accommodates the motor, the drive, and the measuring system, as well as the performance and regulatory electronics in one compact housing. The goal is to meet the users’ requirements and wishes in a way that is both solution-oriented and economical.

Due to the supplementation of the port-folio according to output performance, measuring system, and operating conve-nience, the client receives exactly the sys-tem performance actually required.

Graded output performance and stop-ping momentWith respect to output, on the one hand the user has a choice of 30 W or 45 W.

Both equipment models are self-locking, i.e. the drive shaft cannot be turned in an inactive state. This high stopping moment prevents the drive position from being changed by external influences at times when the machine is turned off. By con-trast, the two other versions with outputs of 25 W or 35 W are not designed for self-locking.

Resolution and operating convenience made to measure Regardless of output and stopping mo-ment, all HIPERDRIVE® positioning drives are available in different models from 16 to 1024 intervals/revolution and from 64 up to 4096 revolutions. Depending on the version, Jog buttons are integrated for manual electronic adjustment, for in-stance, to facilitate the setting of certain positions at start-up.

Measuring absolutely or incrementally? The new HIPERDRIVE® models also in-clude the selection of the measuring sys-tem. Starting in November 2007, the ver-sions will be available with absolute value encoders; the devices with a lower-cost incremental measuring system will follow at the time of the Hanover Fair in 2008.

With the different variant types, the automatic HIPERDRIVE® positioning drives permit accurate format adjust-ment made to measure, e.g. in packag-ing facilities, in tire production, on sinter-ing presses, in beverage bottling, or on printing presses.

The automatic HIPERDRIVE® positioning drives are suited for numerous industries

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HIPERDRIVE® positioning drive

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insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

>> Ultrasound is immune to optical interferences. Therefore, reflections from the surface of a printed circuit board leave the sensors in the UC4 series just as unfazed as the effects of polycrystalline, nitrate-coated so-lar cells, textured surfaces, reflecting backgrounds, or any other interfering contours. With their exceedingly nar-row ultrasonic lobe and a background suppression that can be accurately adjusted down to the millimeter, the UC4 sensors are capable of reliably solving detection tasks that make high demands on precision – even in less favorable conditions.

Versions for different operating conditions The one feature common to all UC4 sensors is their compact housing mea-suring about the size of a sugar cube, which is well known from SICK’s photo-electric sensors in the WT4 series and has already been established in the market. The ultrasonic sensors incor-porate differences in terms of ranges and temperature compensation: the economy version does without the lat-ter feature and offers a range of 150 mm, whereas the standard version in-tegrates temperature compensation in the ultrasonic transducer and can de-tect objects as far away as 250 mm.

Start quickly, switch flexibly All of the UC4 versions offer teach-in within a matter of seconds and are available in NPN and PNP design and with invertible switching output. Addi-tional operating modes such as window mode or use as a reflex switch comple-ment the versatility of this sensor.

For detection assignments making extreme demands

Ultrasound in “sugar cube” formatUC4 is the name of the new series of miniature ultrasonic sensors made by SICK. Their task is the detection of ob-jects in limited space and with difficult surfaces, e.g. on printed circuit boards or solar cells. Their benefit lies in the unique combination of compactness, cutting-edge technology, and precise background suppression.

Original size

The UC4 miniature ultrasonic sensor: object detection in confined spaces and on difficult surfaces

UC4 miniature ultrasonic sensor

: Products

>> The WLL190T-2 is the high-end solu-tion in SICK’s broad portfolio of fiber-op-tic photoelectric switches. Its switching characteristics are microprocessor-as-sisted and thus extremely stable and reliable – even with a view to high-reso-lution switching thresholds or ambient light sources and other causes of inter-ference in the operational environment; as a result, it sets a new standard on the market. In addition, the WLL190T-2 fea-tures high speed: a response time of 60 µs and, respectively, switching sequenc-es of up to 8.3 kHz make it the ideal so-lution for extremely fast detection tasks. Scanning distances of up to 480 mm and scanning ranges of up to 4,000 mm, respectively, allow solving long-range ap-plication dependably.

User friendly and process reliable With respect to all WLL190T-2s, the switching thresholds can be programmed in a user-friendly way via teach-in – either by a push button on the device or via the connecting cable. The model with ad-ditional analog output enables the user to detect object characteristics such as cloudiness, transmission, or positioning and to transmit them to a controller. The programming steps are visualized on two four-digit numerical displays of the WLL190T-2. The expected and actual values are compared on the dual display – a feature ensuring optimum process reliability.

Bus design minimizes wiring and adjustment effort Another highlight offered by the WLL190T-2 is the option of operating the devices either as a single sensor or in a sensor group. For this purpose, the de-vices are equipped with integrated bus technology, which permits up to 16 sen-sors to be plugged in for interference-free cascading. This reduces the wiring effort and also allows copying the adjust-ment of one WLL190T-2 to all other bus participants.

More than 100 models of fiber-optic cables connectible Well over 100 different synthetic fiber-optic cables in the LL3 family permit ideal automation solutions. This applies

Whenever stable switching points and fast switching are essential

New fiber-optic photoelectric switch for high-end applications

The new WLL190T-2 series of fiber-optic photoelectric switches from SICK leaves none of the users’ wishes unfulfilled. As a scanner or one-way system, with red or green light as transmitter, switching or analog output, as stand-alone or bus ver-sion – here the application is the deciding factor. Long ranges, rapid and stable switching, teach-in and a high degree of process reliability are guaranteed for all variants.

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WLL190T-2 fiber-optic photoelectric switch

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insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

Whenever stable switching points and fast switching are essential

New fiber-optic photoelectric switch for high-end applicationsparticularly to the types of problems re-quiring the fiber-optic cable to be adapt-ed specifically to the application, when flexible wiring is essential or special re-sistance of the material is important. A diverse range of end sleeve options, in-cluding varieties with diameters of only 1.5 mm, with flexible output tubes, with integrated 90° corner or individual spe-cial sleeve make nearly any installation solution possible. The protective sheath of the fiber-optic cable, which shields the fiber core from mechanical or chemical loads, is made of synthetic material in standard applications, and of metal or Teflon for higher loads, when aggressive chemical action is to be expected.

The WLL190T-2 is the new marvel in terms of space saving and perfor-mance, suitable among other things, for the semiconductor industry, electronics production, packaging machines, han-dling and assembly systems, precision engineering, and in special machine construction.

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight and www.sick-safetyplus.com

New photoelectric safety switches for safe control systems

Evaluation without detours The new L2000 and L4000 single-beam photoelectric safety switches from SICK offer direct linking to safe control systems and thus evaluation without detours. The user benefits in two ways, saving space in the control cabinet and having available more flexibility for safe automation.

>> With the addition of the new L41 se-ries, the L4000 family of sensors is sup-plemented with a testable photoelectric switch, optionally either in M18 or in M30 cylinder housings and with ranges of up to 60 m. The actual novelty, however, is the fact that the devices no longer require a separate evaluation unit but can be connected directly to safety control sys-tems, e.g. to the safety controller UE410 Flexi as well as the safety controllers in the UE4400 product family. The systems from SICK integrate cyclical testing of the L41 as a standard. The advantage is that now the sensor signals are avail-able directly for various control-related logics and functions, e.g. AND/OR, mut-ing or bypass. In this way, it has become possible to implement applications up to the highest safety demands (Category IV) for protection of small machines and fa-cilities, among other things, in packaging technology or warehousing and materials handling engineering.

L2000 sensor family now in yellow housing Apart from the cylindrical L21 with a range of up to 60 m, the new L2000 production series offers two versions with cubic con-

struction and new yellow design: L27 and L28. Evaluation without detours here as well: in combination with the appropriate safety components, such as the UE410 Flexi or safety controllers in the UE4400 family, all of the L2000 sensors can be deployed in applications up to safety Category II.

Equipment integration that is suitable to the application The strength of both the sensors in the L2000 family and the L4000 lie not just in control engineering but also in sensor technology: different designs, housing materials, and ranges, as well as the en-closure rating IP 67 and the capacity to operate in subzero temperatures open up diverse application fields, ensuring up-to-date integration into the machinery in any respect. Apart from the electronics industry,

the WLL190T-2 series is also interesting for additional sectors

Single light beam photoelectric safety switches

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: Products

>> Transparent labels on transparent carrier material, labels with different print – particularly when the detection situation makes high demands, the UF constitutes the first choice. However, the UF is also very well suited when the goal is detecting adhesive tape on packaging foil, ensuring the detection of holes on foil, or distinguishing single- and double-layer material. The reason: the factors essential for the ultrasonic method of the UF are not optical features but damping dependent on material thickness.

Fast in terms of start-up and practical useThanks to its IP 65 metal housing, whose small and compact size is unique in the market, the UF can be used even in places where operating conditions are harsher and more confined and where contamination, for example with glue remnants, is to be expected. A space of 2 mm between labels already suffices to detect them individually on the carrier tape. The UF fork sensor is one of the fastest of its kind, thus ensuring accu-rate attachment of the labels. The user can define the output switching signal individually, since the UF is capable, as a standard feature, of transmitting the switching signal both via NPN and PNP.

Therefore, labels might be deceptive but the appropriate UF ultrasonic fork sen-sor does not lie …

The new UF fork sensor

Labels might be deceptive, but …

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

Best in class for detecting and positioning

A giant in performance, a midget in construction Wherever objects need to be detected under the most difficult of conditions and the sensor must be as small as pos-sible, the new W4S-3 miniature series is the ultimate benchmark. Tests and initial comments by pilot users have re-vealed that other devices are no real al-ternatives when the essential criterion is performance and availability.

>> Comparative tests have demonstrat-ed: no other sensor of this design fea-tures better detection capability even with respect to deep black objects and better background suppression as a scanner; no other device is as immune to ambient light and can be adjusted and aligned better than the W4S-3 se-ries from SICK.

Fit & forget The W4S-3 offers a maximum degree of easy handling as regards installation. The robust plastic housing is equipped with metal thread sleeves for solid at-tachment. Due to its autocollimation principle, the photoelectric reflex switch features a small and precise light spot that is visible very easily, which facili-tates the alignment of the reflector sub-stantially. Moreover, because of this characteristic the sensor is capable, during operation, of looking between conveyor belts through masks and gaps.

Utmost availability integratedThe adjustable switching threshold of the W4S-3 allows reliable detection of transparent objects such as PET bottles or transparent ampules. General con-ditions, including temperature fluctua-tions or dust, do not interfere with de-tection reliability. During operation, the sensor issues a signal if the reflector needs to be cleaned. Afterward, the de-vice can continue operating immediate-ly – without any resetting as required by many other devices. The IO link-capable photoelectric proximity switch in this se-ries offers even further diagnostic pos-sibilities. Because of its electronically adjustable background suppression,

the sensor with its laser-like light spot is capable of detecting accurately even very small objects on extremely close backgrounds.

On the path to the topTests and trial users are awarding top marks to the W4S-3 series. Adverse ef-fects stemming from the background, interfering ambient light, faulty detec-tions – these pose no problem at all for the new production series from SICK. This means that the series is on the way to the top – in beverage and packaging facilities, in warehousing and conveyor technology, in handling and robotics or in electronics and the pharmaceutical industry.

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>> Common features of both S100 variant types are the scanning angle of 270° and the detection capacity of 1.8 % remission at a switching field range of 2 m as well as 45 % at 10 m. The adjustable object resolution and ambient operating temperatures rang-ing from –10 °C to +50 °C are addi-tional shared attributes. Moreover, both models are available with an integrated CANopen interface. The differences lie in the number of switching fields: The S100 Standard has two, the S100 Pro-fessional 16 switching fields, which can be switched by either binary control or CANopen signals.

Equipment protection without safety category Numerous possible uses of the S100 are associated with automation tech-nology, e.g. load control in elevators, monitoring of storage compartments or general checking of presence. In contrast to its “big brothers” in the S300 family, the S100 is not a safety laser scanner for personal protection – however, it can provide functional support for electro-sensitive safety equipment in many applications that do not require safety-relevant moni-toring. This applies, for instance, to prevention of collisions between auto-mated guided systems and protection from rear-end collisions on electric overhead conveyors, just as it does to overhang monitoring or rear space protection on stacker trucks. Further-more, if mounted in the appropriate way, it takes only two S100s to moni-tor the complete 360° outside contour of surfaces or vehicles by utilizing their wide scanning angle.

Designed for utmost availabilityThe S100 offers object detection and equipment protection combined with the highest degree of availability. Small dimensions and light weight permit fast, simple, and optimum spatial integration. The seven-segment display assists with

Detecting objects, preventing collisions

Laser scanner with 270° “panorama”With the S100 safety laser scanner, SICK is presenting a compact, light, and sim-ple sensor solution for collision prevention and object detection in an industrial environment. The production series offers two designs, “Standard” and “Profes-sional,” which feature different functional characteristics.

start-up and provides direct diagnoses on site. Just in case, replacing the de-vice is a matter of minutes thanks to the configuration memory featuring a plug & play function. The included CANopen interface makes possible direct integra-tion into the fieldbus level of the auto-mation system in either vehicles or in-stallations.

S100 – the clever safety solution for nu-merous tasks.

The S100 laser scanner – a compact, light, and straightforward sensor solution

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

S100 safety laser scanner

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Versions for through and blind hollow shafts

Hollow shaft, tough candidateParticularly in harsh operating condi-tions associated with machine and plant construction, the new DFSS60 in-cremental hollow-shaft encoder reveals its strengths. The extensive operating temperature range is just as much part of it as the improved ball bearing design, a large number of torque multipliers, the universal solution for the cable outlet, as well as additional M12 and M23 con-nector plug options.

>> While keeping the 60-mm housing customary in the market as regards the shaft bearing design, the distance of the two ball bearings was increased to such an extent that the DFS60 now features unprecedented freedom from vibrations

and optimum concentric running. Another improvement relates to the insulation be-tween the motor shaft and the encoder it-self. It prevents leakage currents from the motor shaft from reaching the encoder bearing and causing it to be damaged.

High shock and temperature resistanceThe DFS60 achieves extreme robustness, coupled with utmost precision, by means of the IP 65 housing as well as the use of a metal code disk. By comparison to code disks made of glass, these are consider-ably more robust while offering the same resolution; as compared to code disks made of plastic, they are at least as du-rable but have significantly better resolu-tion and temperature resistance. The op-

>> Contrast scanners (KT) have a long tradition in SICK’s portfolio. In 1952, the company founder, Dr. Erwin Sick de-livered the first unit – in those days on his bicycle. Today not only distribution logistics have become more refined but so has the technology of the KT series. Thus, the devices are available, among other things, with LED, laser light source, as fiber-optic version, with different

Just the right solution portfolio for print mark detection

“Contrasting” programDifferentiating gray scales on the most diverse carrier materials represents the strength of SICK’s portfolio of contrast scanners. Fast speed, robust design, su-perb contrast detection, and a high degree of user friendliness distinguish the devices, e.g. for print mark detection in the paper and packaging industry.

teach-in varieties, or light spot geom-etries and resolutions adapted to the individual applications.

From the basic solution to the high-speed scanner The KT1 and KT3 series can be used for

applications with good contrast differ-ences between mark and background. They offer high detection reliability and, featuring small housings, are suited for confined spaces, e.g. on a packaging machine. The teach-in of all KT3 sensors both on the device and via the control line makes this production series particu-larly user friendly. The KT5-2 series, fea-turing a robust metal housing, offers the greatest variety of types. It ranges from the display type with bar display for con-venient indication of signal quality to the

SICK’s program ranges from the sensor with a small housing to the high-speed sensor, e.g. for the printing and paper industries

p Robust metal housing and small, compact designs

p Various scanning ranges and teach-in variants

p Fiber-optic variants, especially for high temperatures

p Laser models for great scanning distances

>> Your “contrast program”:

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Fulfills EPCglobal and ISO 18000-6 standards

UHF-RFID system for logistics automation The RFI641 radio frequency interrogator is the central element of SICK’s efficient new RFID system based on UHF. Various features make it the ideal system solu-tion for detecting transponder-labeled objects in intralogistical commodity flows.

>> Thus, because of its long range of up 5 m and fast data transmission via Eth-ernet, the RFI641 can be installed with reading points located both alongside the material flow section and in a gantry above the conveying system. Installation directly on a loading gate is possible as well. Thanks to the multi-ident and anti-collision features, a large number of pas-sive transponders can be detected as a batch. In this process, all of the data carriers conforming to EPCglobal and ISO 18000-6 standards are identified reliably.

For individual identification solutionsDue to its modular design, the RFI641 is flexible and can be used economically. Antennae, connecting cables, Ethernet and RS-232 data lines, as well as the transponders can be selected specific to the application. Reading points lend themselves to fast, simple, and space-saving installation. Configuration oc-curs per web browser. Application-spe-cific software can be integrated into the reader. In addition to the four antenna

terminals, the RFI641 features program-mable digital inputs, e.g. for a trigger photoelectric switch. In terms of outputs, the reading device offers one Ethernet and RS-232 data interface each, which can be used to connect the RFID system to a PLC or to superimposed SCM or ERP systems. For these communication pro-cesses, it is possible to implement in the RFI641 both data filtering and an individ-ual specification of data output formats. The digital switching outputs permit di-rect process control via the RFID system, e.g. the activation of a switch in the ma-terial flow or on a signal device.

Ready for operation worldwide, safe investment for the future due to firm-ware updatesIn terms of transmission technology, the RFI641 is specifically designed for the UHF bandwidths approved in both Eu-rope and the USA. Since the RFI641 of-fers the possibility of firmware updates, the systems will remain adaptable to future developments – ensuring a high degree of security of investment.

erating temperature range extends from –20°C to +100°C.

Up to 65,536 line numbers, easy to install and connectThe DFS60 can be realized with all line numbers from 1 to 65,536. In terms of installation options, the encoder offers through and blind shaft versions with six different diameters from 10 mm to 15 mm. The universal cable outlet – for radial or axial alignment – reduces type variety and facilitates mounting in con-fined spaces. Furthermore, effective im-mediately there are plug connector vari-ants available in M12 or M23 design. Another feature favoring easy installation is the clamping ring with only one TORX screw for mounting the DFS60. The TTL and, respectively, HTL interfaces offer all of the important electrical connecting op-tions. Finally, the DFS60 conforms to the requirements of the RoHS and has all ap-provals according to CE and UL.

p Stable operation despite flapping material webs

p Reliable detection of marks on high-gloss films

p Reading of all contrast combina-tions thanks to RGB diode

p First-rate reading accuracy due to high switching frequency

p Simple adjustment

>> Benefits at a glance:

basic version with manual adjustment of the switching threshold and extends all the way to the fiber-optic version for use in particularly confined conditions. The KT8 CAN constitutes the version of con-trast scanner with interface functional-ity. This allows diagnosis, online access, as well as the management of param-eters via an operating panel. Featuring a fast scanning frequency, the device is just as suitable for high-speed use as the KT10-2. With its extremely high resolu-tion and automatic drift correction, this contrast scanner is the benchmark sen-sor in the packaging and printing indus-try. The KT3L and KT8L laser variants can be used for applications with large scanning distances or particularly small print marks.

RFID

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insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.sick.com/insight

For “cool” warehousing and food technology

Due to occasionally Arctic ambient temperatures, the protection of lifting gear, rotary tables, or warehouse aisles in cold or freezer storages often used to mean “treading in thin ice.” Now, there are cold-resistant and highly available safety sys-tems on hand for this purpose: the C2000 and C4000 Micro Cold Store curtains, the M2000 Cold Store photoelectric safety switch as well as the S3000 Cold Store laser scanner.

>> Cold and freezer storage facilities for storage, production, and distribution are found largely in the food industry, in meat and dairy processing, as well as in specialized logistics areas. With a view to these fields of use, SICK has developed cold-store protective solutions based on electro-sensitive protective equipments (ESPE).

Cold store curtain: frostproof and anti-fogThe C2000 und C4000 Micro Cold Store safety light curtains as well as the M2000 multi-beam photoelectric safety switch are mounted in an IP67 Housing. This

protective housing made of PMMA with V4A stainless steel end cap and venting membrane integrated into the end cap prevents the formation of condensate in the interior of the housing, which may develop due to temperature fluctuations and result in the protective housing to fog up. For deep-freeze applications the IP67 Housing was supplemented with an integrated heater, which allows reaching a working temperature range of –30°C, thus maintaining the safety sensor tech-nology at the ideal operating temperature. In this context, the air supply enclosed be-tween the sensor and the housing serves as an effective insulator.

Safety on Ice S3000 Cold Store laser scanner – hot tip for cold areasWhenever the objective is to monitor safety-relevant surfaces or areas in a refrigerated environment vertically or horizontally, the S3000 Cold Store safety laser scanner is the right choice, both in stationary and mobile fields of applica-tion. The device conforms to safety de-mands as Category 3 and, respectively, SIL2 in accordance with EN 61508. It is the first safety solution of its kind completely ready-to-install and ready-to-connect, featuring a housing with IP 67 enclosure rating and thermostatic heater, which allows reaching a working temperature range of up to –30°C. All of the components, including the heating control, are designed in a way oriented toward safety requirements. The S3000 Cold Store offers a protective field with a range of up to 7 m. Within the 180° scan angle and a maximum scanning area of 76 m², it is possible to program up to four switchable protective and warning fields.

The cold-store solutions from SICK are process- and service-friendly alter-natives to separated protective instal-lations, since it is highly advantageous particularly in Arctic temperatures for the machine operator or service and mainte-nance personnel to have the fastest and most unimpeded access possible to the relevant parts of the facility.

02/2007

Safety at –30 °C with the Cold Store safety systems from SICK

The C4000 Cold Store curtain

Safety technology

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: Standards

New series of articles aimed at maximum topicality

SICK informs about changes to EU directives and international standards

Currently and in the years ahead, there will be changes – in some cases substan-tial – with respect to EU directives, national regulations, and numerous stan-dards. SICK is following this process with its own “rules and regulations” panel of experts, who on a regular basis will be reporting directly in upcoming issues of SICKinsight about what is “norm”al at the moment.

>> Information on directives – contents as well as old and new version

p Directive on low voltage: old 73/23/EEC, current 2006/95/ECp Directive on machinery: old 98/37/EC, current 2006/42/EC p EMC Directive: old 89/336/EEC, current 2004/108/EC p ATEX Directives: current 94/9/ECp Directive on pressure equipment: current 97/23/ECp Directive on measuring instruments: current 2004/22/ECp R&TTE Directive on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal

equipment: current 1999/5/EC

>> The series of articles will focus on the Directives relating to low voltage, ma-chinery, EMC, and ATEX as relevant for most of SICK’s clients. In addition, the “rules and regulations” panel of experts is also monitoring current reforms in the areas of New Approach, the Directives on pressure equipment and measuring instruments as well as the R&TTE Direc-tive relating to radio equipment and tele-communications terminal equipment.

Sometimes, changes of directives also have considerable repercussions on the updating of standards, and as a result, this area will become a major emphasis of information that needs to be conveyed to our clients. The articles are aimed at highlighting significant changes, en-abling the reader to get an idea about the relevance for the individual situation and his or her company. The articles will provide up-to-date links concerning each

Look up the complete article at www.sick.com/insight

case with a view to accessing detailed information.

Firsthand information SICK’s group of experts on “rules and reg-ulations” is continuously doing research on the status quo as well as reforms in the area of directives and standards. We recommend that anyone wishing to gather extensive information consult the following links:

Sources for standards: www.cen.eu

Source of the relevant EU directives: ec.europa.eu

Product families and directives (standards): www.newapproach.org

SICK offers an extensive training pro-gram -- specialized seminars on the topic of standards inclusive: www.sick.com/seminare

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: SICK Tour

insightLINKYou can obtain further product information on the Internet at:www.ibeo-as.com and www.sick.com/insightMore on the unmanned automobile at: www.team-lux.com

>> The team LUX – one of 53 teams quali-fied overall for the site visit – participated with a “normal” street-version car featur-ing laser technology by the Hamburg Ibeo Automobile Sensor Company whose in-tegrated components were entirely invis-ible. Three laser scanners as well as one computer installed in the trunk guided the “LUX” vehicle safely through the predeter-mined test course. The DARPA inspectors

SICK at the automotive robot race

“Title holder”, vehicle equipper, and participating team

The autonomously thinking and driving automobile has become a reality. This was confirmed by the quarter-finals (site visit) of the world’s only race for automotive robots, the DARPA Urban Challenge, which took place on 29 June 2007 in Au-burn, Alabama. The “LUX” of the German team LUX from SICK and Ibeo Automobile Sensor proved its driving capabilities in an impressive way.

got to see a vehicle that easily handled within the given time limit even complex tasks such as the crossing of intersections in compliance with the typically American four-way stop rules, oncoming traffic, ob-stacles, U-turns, and passing maneuvers.

Technological lead in laser measurement confirmedAt the quarter finals of the DARPA Urban Challenge, SICK’s technological lead in the area of object and vehicle area detec-tion became clear in two ways, as numer-ous teams used either laser sensors from Ibeo Automobile Sensor or LMS Laser

Measurement Systems from SICK AG. The automotive robot race represents an excellent opportunity for SICK to compare its performance internationally with com-petitors and the most current technologies in the ultimate challenge of autonomous driving. As in previous years, the LMS will once again be the central component of most area detection systems. team LUX from SICK and Ibeo uses this platform to demonstrate to the public at large the readiness of its LUX scanner systems for production and everyday application.

As one of 36 Teams, the team LUX managed to qualify for the semi-finals, the NQE (National Qualification Event) held in the USA. From 26 to 31 October, the 36 teams will be racing to reach the finals. The finals take place at the same location on 3 November, with only the 20 top teams of the NQE eligible to participate.

Team LUX is quite certain of victory, and since 24 of the 36 semi-finalists are driving with laser technology made by the SICK Group, the winner is practically known already, right?

DARPA Urban Challenge

The LUX laser scanners from Ibeo, integrated into the ve-hicle, constitute a real added value to the field of view of the human eye

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>> Presenters included a lecturer from the Trade Association as well as ex-perts from EHP and SICK. Of particular interest was the example of an equip-ment retrofit with a new clamping sys-tem from EHP and the V4000 PB safety camera system from SICK. This item in-volved a presentation of the machine, explanations concerning the require-ments of the retrofit, and a hands-on demonstration of the conversion and integration measures regarding the

Safe bending on press brakes

Great response to workshop at EHPThe client workshop on press brake safety organized by EHP Blechbearbeitungs-maschinen GmbH in Leinatal met with considerable interest. Besides information about the legal fundamentals, the focus was above all on practical demonstra-tions with machinery and the exchange of experiences among participants.

Two decades in the land of the rising sun

Twenty years of SICK Japan

safety technology. Subsequently, par-ticipants were able to verify first hand the safe function by means of a “test finger” and afterwards had a chance to fold their own card index box made of metal.

Because of the great success, the people at EHP are already contemplating additional workshops dealing with the topic of press and machine safety. The next workshop has already taken place on 15 November.

>> Over this period, the team around Masao Tatomi has established SICK as a brand synonymous for innovative and efficient sensor technology in Japan, too. In many market segments, among them the automotive industry as well as ware-housing and materials handling engi-neering, SICK is represented today with a wide range of products: laser distance measuring systems, intelligent safety light curtains and scanners, high-end code reading technology, laser measure-ment technology, and camera systems.

SICK’s subsidiary in Japan is currently celebrating the twentieth anniversary of its foundation.

+++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++

>>The fact that networked safety technology increases productivity was demonstrated by Harald Schmidt from SICK with his presentation during the “Sichere Bus-Systeme” (Safe Bus Systems) Trade Symposium held on 11 and 12 September 2007 at the Trade Association of Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering in Dresden. Participants had an opportunity to inform themselves on the spot at SICK’s exhibition stand about suitable sensor and control systems.

>> IT-powered automation was the motto of this year’s Industrial Communication Congress held on 4 and 5 September at Phoenix Contact in Blomberg. Both the event and SICK’s presentation by Edgar Stadler focused mainly on the integration and connectivity of application solutions in terms of control engineering. The production process for coffee cups, prepared at the Application Park, illustrated what was meant by the idea.

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: SICK Tour

>> In addition, the LTC offers the op-portunity to train employees of system integrators and plant operators on the systems and devices under practical conditions close to reality.

System solutions for logistics automation

SICK opens Logistics Technology CenterA few weeks ago, SICK AG officially opened the new Logistics Technology Center (LTC) at the production site in Reute. More than 500 m² of working space make it possible to assemble, test, and optimize system solutions for logistics automation in realistic conditions that match the subsequent use in production.

“The LTC focuses on the clients’ reality – no matter how diverse these ’realities‘ might be in logistics automation,” Chris-tian Stickl, the new division manager Auto Ident of SICK AG, explained at the opening. More than ten different sta-tions offer an opportunity to assembly, test, and prepare logistics applications and solutions in real-life conditions for fast implementation in the client’s pro-ductive setting. The arrangement covers all of the current technologies related to logistics automation. This includes RFID for intralogistical conveying processes,

baggage identification at airports, com-bined volume, weight, and barcode de-tection for courier, express, and parcel delivery centers, up to six-sided identifi-cation of parcels with camera systems, volume measurement – capable of cali-bration as well – for logistical tasks, bar-code and 2D identification for the elec-tronics and pharmaceutical industries, and palletizing applications in logistics. On top of that, a climate chamber allows simulating the environmental conditions in the client’s setting, which provides valuable insights about the design of sensor systems and applications.

Open to all aspects of material flow and logistics automation At the official opening, Dr. Robert Bauer, Spokesperson of the Executive Board of SICK AG, also emphasized that the Group-wide character of SICK’s LTC: “If required, in this set-up the solutions for logistics automation may be supple-mented with subsystems related to au-tomation or safety technology so that eventually the client receives a complete solution that has been tested and takes into consideration all of the relevant op-erating conditions.”

For client projects, component testing, and transfer of know-how SICK makes use of the LTC not only in the context of customer projects, as Jür-gen Schwerer, who is in charge of the LTC, pointed out as he presented the facility. The practically oriented test set-ting is also used for the introduction of new products, component testing, and feasibility studies. In addition to that, the site provides for practical training and further training of SICK’s own employ-ees and, as a business service, training courses for clients. An eight-page bro-chure that can be ordered from SICK or downloaded from the Internet details the possibilities offered by the LTC.

Left: Dr. Robert Bauer, Spokesperson of the Executive Board, SICK AG, at the official opening of the Logistics Technology Centers (see below)

: Museum

>> The Elmuseet – located 50 km from Århus and 20 km from Viborg – is a living museum about the history and technol-ogy of electricity in which everything is

possible. Visitors are an active part of their own experiences. They wander through various exhibitions, e.g. on

the nature of light. The treasures from the early days of electricity, restored with loving care, show, for example, how starting in

1870 and to this day, Danish companies have manufactured windmills for agricul-ture, industry and for supplying electric-ity. Especially interesting to children, the exhibitions and activities allow museum-goers to verify many natural phenomena such as a capacitor that makes visitors’ hair stand on end when they put their hands on it.

In a newly designed permanent exhibition, an open-air display with houses from different historical periods, windmills, transformer poles, and other exhibits as well as special exhibitions, the Danish electricity museum called “Elmuseet” bears wit-ness to the past, presence, and future of electricity.

Not only the museum is worth a visit; so is the landscapeWhen visitors feel overwhelmed by the flood of impressions and wish to relax, they can grab a bite to eat or have a cof-fee at Café Edison, with the option of adding a stroll afterwards through the beautiful countryside of Central Jutland surrounding the museum. Find out more about the museum at www.elmuseet.dk.

Past, presence, and future Welcome to the

Elmuseet electricity museum

Inside or outside – the exhibits and various exhibitions of the Elmuseet electricity museum are equally impressive

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58 02/2007

>> About Fiona Harrold

Fiona Harrold, brought up in Northern Ireland, lived through a childhood with hatred and terrorism constituting everyday experiences. Nothing could pre-vent her, though, from building her own life in which she can be happy and successful herself while at the same time providing great support to others. According to Daily Mail, she is “the most positive person in all of Britain.”

: Book Corner

>> And do you know what the author will give you in writing? You are among the people who wish to make the best out of themselves and their lives and to get the most out of themselves; you intend to move yourself and your life forward. You are not afraid of tackling anything neces-sary to become the person you have al-ways dreamed of becoming. Otherwise, you would not have bought the book!

Bull’s eye?Well, did Fiona Harrold hit the bull’s eye? Do you really wish to change something, escape from the squirrel cage of appoint-ments, the stress caused by envy, and the compulsion to consume? Do you strive for a healthy amount of confidence, for cheer-fulness and composure, and do you wish to act as you see fit while at the same time not neglecting your fellow human beings?In that case, this motivating book can in-deed help you by prompting you to think about your life to date and, respectively, about your expectations for the future.

You will find out from the author how one learns to appreciate and like one-self. After all, how did Oscar Wilde once put it, “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” Well, there you go!!!

In several sections, Fiona Harrold deals with the question why old baggage, e.g. from childhood, needs to be cleared

The 10-Minute Life Coach: Fast-working Strategies for a Brand New You by Fiona Harrold

Our life is what we make of itWhen you open the book by Fiona Harrold entitled The 10-Minute Life Coach: Fast-working Strategies for a Brand New You, the first question you will get is why you have bought it.

away and why it is particularly important to forgive oneself; she explains that com-plexes make live extremely complicated, that gratitude can make winners out of victims, and that the dose of talent every-one receives in life is worth pure gold.

The power of motivationAre you lacking the motivation to change your life? But, if even captains of industry are having fun cleaning toilets because in doing so, they are improving other semi-nar participants’ quality of life, then surely your case is anything but hopeless.

Countless examples taken from the lives of some prominent and less promi-nent people are substantiating Harrold’s hypotheses, running through the entire book like a consistent thread.

In some chapters, Harrold, who is the founder of the “Positive Living Club,“ puts forward rules and action plans aimed at facilitating within a short time your path to happiness, relaxation, success, and personal greatness.

One of my favorite chapters – who would have guessed it – revolves around the idea of getting better instead of older and describes, among other things, the widespread misconception in today’s society that humans deteriorate physi-cally and mentally with increasing age and what to do about this flawed assess-ment.

The power of positive thinkingThe book ends with a chapter on meta-physics, which elaborates, for example, in a number of hypotheses on a human being’s full responsibility for his or her life and the influence on and shaping of one’s life and of reality by thoughts, emotions, and attitudes.

If you wish to believe more strongly in your wonderful self, if you wish to feel less fear and more “chutzpa” instead, less affectation and more authority and power instead, this appealing read is definitely an invaluable stimulus, though it can only serve as a first step toward a new life. Those who wish to keep at it may obtain useful support on Fiona Harr-old’s homepage at www.fionaharrold.com or via the list of “inspiring things to read” located in the book’s appendix.

„The 10-Minute Life Coach: Fast-working Strategies for a Brand New You“ by Fiona Harrold is available from Hodder and Stoughton, ISBN 978-0340829639

A book review by Ingrid Rathfelder, online editor

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SICK AG · Erwin-Sick-Str. 1 · 79183 Waldkirch · GermanyPhone +49 7681 202-0 · Fax +49 7681 202-38 63

E-mail info@sick.de · www.sick.com

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

Phone +49 7681 202-0 · Fax +49 7681 202-38 63 · info@sick.deCoordination: 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: Dr. Erwin D. Fink · 79106 Freiburg · info@transmedia-translations.dePrinting: Druckerei Furtwängler · 79211 Denzlingen · info@druckerei-furtwaengler.dePictures: SICK AG, Auslöser Fotodesign, Elmuseet, VisionTools, Audi Individual contributions may be reproduced after prior consent. Please contact us at: Phone +49 7681 202-3878 · Errors excepted · Subject to technical change

Trade fair dates GermanyTrade fair Location Dates 2007/2008PRODUCTRONICA Munich 13.11. – 16.11.2007

SPS/IPC/DRIVES Nuremberg 27.11. – 29.11.2007LogiMAt Stuttgart 19.02. – 21.02.2008

EuroShop Düsseldorf 23.02. – 27.02.2008HMI Hanover 21.04. – 25.04.2008

Control Stuttgart 22.04. – 25.04.2008interpack Düsseldorf 24.04. – 30.04.2008

Cemat Hanover 27.05. – 31.05.2008

Trade fair dates EuropeTrade fair Location Dates 2007/2008Poleko Poznań, PL 20.11. – 23.11.2007PROTECH Wrocław, PL 21.11. – 22.11.2007Mocon Zwolle, NL 19.02. – 20.02.2008CFIA Rennes, F 11.03. – 13.03.2008WIN Automation Fair Istanbul, TR 28.02. – 02.03.2008Ampér Praha Prague, CZ 01.04. – 04.04.2008Automaticon Warsaw, PL 01.04. – 04.04.2008Baking Industry Exhibition Birmingham, UK 06.04. – 09.04.2008Empack Den Bosch, NL 09.04. – 10.04.2008Logistik & Transport Gothenburg, S 20.05. – 22.05.2008MSV Nitra Nitra, SK 20.05. – 23.05.2008SIAMS Moutier, CH 20.05. – 24.05.2008BIAS Milan, I 27.05. – 30.05.2008XYLEXPO Milan, I 27.05. – 31.05.2008

Trade fair dates worldwideTrade fair Location Dates 2007/2008FABTECH Chicago, USA 11.11. – 14.11.2007NA08 Cleveland, OH, USA 21.04. – 24.04.2008SAFETY IN ACTION Melbourne, AUS 29.04. – 01.05.2008FENAP/WNAP Bahia, BR 07.05. – 09.05.2008MECÂNICA São Paulo, BR 12.05. – 17.05.2008EMEX Auckland, NZ 13.05. – 15.05.2008National Postal Forum Anaheim, CA, USA 18.05. – 21.05.2008Austech Sidney, AUS 27.05. – 30.05.2008The Vision Show Boston, MA, USA 10.06. – 12.06.2008

insightSERVICETrade fairs · Imprint · Contacts