Omron introduces NX-series safety network controller
16 January 2019
World's first advanced safety controller to support two industrial safety networks for industrial robot systems.
Omron has announced the global release of its new NX-series Safety Network Controller that is the world’s first to support two safety protocols: CIP Safety that is adopted by industrial robot manufacturers and Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) that provides a high-speed response.
Automotive and food manufacturers need to flexibly change production line layouts to produce low-volume, high-mix products and deal with short product life cycles. Safety systems stop production lines and facilities to protect humans from potential hazards, such as robots in operation. However, with conventional safety controllers, the safety system for the entire line must be checked, even when changing just a part of the line. There is a growing demand for easy installation and maintenance of advanced safety systems, due to the wide adoption of robots and a shortage of experienced safety administrators.
To meet these demands, Omron has developed the NX-Series Safety Network Controller, which allows easy building of safety systems for large production lines using industrial robots, as well as for manufacturing equipment requiring high-speed control. It provides modular safety control, eliminating the need to stop the entire production line when the layout is changed or maintained. Automatic programming for safety systems, offline simulation and an online functional test for checking safety programs reduce the time required from design to safety verification. Moreover, safety data logging allows even inexperienced workers to identify the cause of a sudden line stoppage, helping maximise productivity.
The NX-series Safety Network Controller consists of the following units:
• NX-SL5500/5700 Safety CPU unit
• NX-CSG320 Communication Control Unit
• NX102-9020 Machine Automation Controller
Features
1. Two different networks in a single safety system to meet customers’ needs
• The NX-series Safety Network Controller connected with the NX102 Machine Automation Controller enables the use of both EtherNet/IP + CIP Safety and EtherCAT + FSoE (FailSafe over EtherCAT) at the same time.
• Safety systems for CIP Safety robots from various vendors can be easily built.
• The NX-SL5700 Safety CPU Unit provides up to 254 CIP Safety connections, enabling building safety systems for large production lines.
• The NX-series Safety Network Controller in combination with the NX102 Machine Automation Controller provides real-time safety control of up to 12 motors using EtherCAT and FSoE.
2. Integrated development environment Sysmac Studio for quick safety programming
• Automatic programming cuts safety control programming time.
• Offline simulation allows verification of programs without connecting hardware.
• Online functional test provides instructions on the screen from safety system check at line set-up to report output, allowing even users without expertise to test safety systems.
3. Easy maintenance and quick troubleshooting
• Safety data logging helps to quickly identify the cause of a line stoppage.
• Safety unit restore allows easy hardware replacement without using software.
An SD card containing logging settings is used for safety data Logging. When start trigger conditions are met, the specified device variables and exposed variables can be logged in a chronological order and output to the memory card. This function helps to quickly identify the cause of a sudden stoppage of the system and determine preventive measures.
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