Safe Systems – Guaranteed
The LU6 pneumatic locking unit is an integral part of the Aventics safety philosophy
When it comes to machine safety, Aventics focuses on three pillars: high-quality components, the use of sensors and networked systems, and support from developers. A typical example for this safety philosophy is the LU6 locking unit for static locking and dynamic braking, which will be presented by the pneumatics specialists at drinktec 2017 in Munich.
Laatzen (Germany), August 8, 2017 – “Safety starts in the design and selection of components,” states Andreas Blume. The expert for machine safety at Aventics takes the LU6 pneumatic locking unit as an example to explain the importance of safe components as the first step. The LU6 series can take on safety-relevant functions as both a static lock and a dynamic brake: The lock element can be used as a holding unit to block a movement and as a brake unit for emergency stop or off. Proper use has been verified by the IFA (Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and documented with a DGVU test certificate. Additionally, the locking element has been developed, designed, and manufactured in line with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, with the EN ISO 4414 and EN-ISO 13849-2 standards also taken into consideration. This makes the LU6 locking unit ideal for use in safety-relevant controls. With up to five million switching cycles in holding operation and up to two million dynamic braking cycles according to ISO 15552, the components are extremely reliable (B10 reliability parameter). Engineers can thus employ the LU6 in safety-related controls up to performance level c, category 1. If additional control measures are integrated in accordance with ISO 13849-1, the locking unit can even be used for controls up to performance level e, category 4. Safety functions like “stopping a dangerous movement” can be safely implemented. And safety is ensured no matter the mounting orientation: Whether installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, in the event of a pressure drop or failure, the LU6 locking unit reliably holds and clamps the piston rods or comparable round bars by means of springs.
Sensor and switching variants increase performance level
The second step in planning safety-related control parts is correctly integrating the components into the machine or system. Engineers take many different approaches to ensure machine safety. The opening and closing of the LU6 is monitored by an integrated sensor, increasing the degree of diagnostic coverage of the locking unit to 99% and resulting in a higher performance level. “For all of our safety-relevant components, we provide not only the relevant reliability ratings such as MTTFD, B10, or PFHD, but also circuit examples for different mounting orientations – all online,” explains Blume. These examples were given a positive rating by the IFA, the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance.
The LU6 locking unit comes in seven sizes and covers the spectrum of piston rods with diameters measuring from 32 to 125 mm and stroke lengths up to 2,850 mm. The maximum holding force is 12,000 N while the maximum ambient and medium temperature is +70°C for the dynamic braking function.
Aventics will highlight the topic of machine safety at drinktec 2017, stand 327 in hall A3. The world’s leading trade fair for drink and liquid food technology will be held in Munich from September 11 to 15, 2017.
Contact for journalists:
AVENTICS, Meike Müller-Wiegand
Ulmer Str. 4
D-30880 Laatzen
+49 511 2136-862
meike.mueller-wiegand@aventics.com
Contact for readers:
AVENTICS, Andreas Blume
Ulmer Str. 4
30880 Laatzen, Germany
+49 511 2136-454
andreas.blume@aventics.com
About Aventics
Aventics is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of pneumatic components, systems, and customer-specific applications. The pneumatic engineering company provides products and services for industrial automation, while additionally focusing on the sectors of commercial vehicles, food and beverage, railway technology, life sciences, energy, and marine technology. By integrating electronics, the use of innovative materials and prioritizing trends such as machine safety and the Internet of Things, Aventics is a pioneer in applied and environmentally-friendly solutions.
With around 150 years of expertise in pneumatics, Aventics employs approx. 2,000 associates worldwide. In addition to production sites in Germany (Laatzen), France (Bonneville), Hungary (Eger), USA (Lexington), and China (Changzhou), Aventics is represented in more than 90 countries through direct sales and dealers. The Aventics Group has received multiple certifications, including ISO 9001 and ISO/TS 16949 for quality, ISO 50001 for energy management, and ISO 14001 for environmental management. Further information is available at www.aventics.com.
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