Drives & Controls April 2022

If there is one area where applications are becoming ever-more complex, it's safety engineering and industrial safety engineering specialist Euchner (UK) Limited has not only kept up with this trend with its Multifunctional Gate Box (MGB) safety door system, but has gone a step further by employing modular design to make its latest version, the MGB2 Modular, fully customisable for maximum optimisation. So, more than simply providing safety door protection, thanks to its modular design the MGB2 Modular lets you implement numerous additional functions including locking modules, extension modules and submodules. Following its market firsts in PROFINET and EtherNet/IP connection, the new MBM bus module from Euchner is available in a version that connects to EtherCAT P, which means that every function of the MGB2 Modular can also be used with EtherCAT P. The MBM bus module coordinates all the safety, non-safety and diagnostic communication signals between the fieldbus system and MGB2 Modular system components – connected to the MBM directly or via M12 standard cables – with the MGB2 Modular connection technology able to operate up to six locking modules on one MBM bus module for communicating both safety and control signals. Besides fewer devices, the user also requires less on-machine cabling and PLC I/Os, ultimately saving on costly failsafe PLC capacity in the control system. Comprehensive diagnostic information in the form of EtherCAT messages and the integrated web server provide a rapid and detailed overview of the device status without having to have specialist software or programming knowledge; and straightforward parameter assignment means that even system replacement during servicing is a simple task MGB2 Modular EtherCAT P with FSoE. EUCHNER launches new MBM bus module for EtherCAT P. COVER STORY requiring only a few minutes to complete. Locking modules can be equipped with controls including pushbuttons, selector switches, key-operated rotary switches or emergency stop buttons. Submodules allow up to six different control elements in the locking module, with add-on expansion modules available where additional user-controls are required, eliminating the need for separate localised operator control stations and their associated costs and complexities. An example of this is the combination of MGB2 and the integrated CKS (Coded- Key-System) key system module, which can expand the functionality of the MGB2 from being a simple interlocking/locking device, to being a small control terminal. By integrating a CKS (Coded-Key-System) key system module, Euchner’s MGB2 can be used for electronic access control and access management as an alternative to standard, easily-manipulated key switch or password-based systems. Commenting, Euchner’s UK&I Country Manager David Dearden says: “The combination of MGB2 and CKS can be used across multiple sectors and for numerous applications to ensure process efficiency, create access rights flexibility, increase personnel and process safety, safeguard product quality and create transparency and traceability.” Alternatively, for more complex access control or traceability, Euchner also offers the EKS (Electronic-Key-System) where each Electronic-Key from the EKS transponder-based read/write system can be setup using the Electronic-Key adapter and loaded with information on specific key owners and their rights/privileges. This allows them to control specific machine functions or contain encrypted process parameters for an installation. For further information on the MGB2 Modular, the MBM bus module for EtherCAT or the CKS/EKS key system, visit www.euchner.co.uk, email sales@euchner.co.uk or call the Safety Technology Centre on +44 (0)114 256 0123.