The new Electronic-Key-System EKS2 developed by Euchner in the German town of Leinfelden-Echterdingen is the latest generation of its key systems. The new product has achieved three objectives: it is simple to implement, simple to operate and simple to adjust. For Euchner as a safety specialist, putting the focus on safety engineering comes naturally.

The new generation of products is a logical development of the successful EKS system and has many advantages in terms of digital access control and the selection of a safe operating mode. Template projects with predefined functions and data fields have kept to a minimum the programming work needed to integrate the system. Current requirements, including security factors, for example, have been taken into consideration right from the start.

Euchner uses Profinet for communication purposes, together with reliable, safe semiconductor outputs. The Profinet switch that forms part of the system makes integrating it into an extensive bus system very simple. The 1-of-n safety outputs are directly connected to a safe control system and evaluated there. This allows for the selection of a safe operating mode on the highest safety level, PL e, for example.

Instead of programming the entire selection of safe operating modes in the control system, as was the case in the past, customers can now select a suitable project and simply configure individual parameters via the GSDML file in their configuration software. Other benefits include compact dimensions, industrial keys and a hygienically designed read unit.

“The development process was based on more than 20 years’ experience of the existing EKS system and many discussions with customers,” said product manager Marc Wiederoder and added: “Sometimes only a few improvements are needed to make an already good system even better. Our main objective was to design a system that is as simple as possible for customers to use.”

Euchner is presenting the system for the first time at the Hannover Messe and also giving visitors an initial introduction to other innovations relating to the new Electronic-Key-System EKS2.

The metal processing industry has relied on industrial safety engineering from Euchner for decades. Highlights at this year’s EMO include the latest communicating safety guard locking devices, the new CTS compact guard locking device, and the CTA safety switch for harsh environments. Euchner will also be showcasing its versatile new CKS2 key system for machines and installations. The proven MGB2 Modular for safety doors is now available for EtherCAT/FSoE as well.

Innovative guard locking with the compact CTS and the CTA for harsh environments

Safety switches with guard locking are the key to keeping production personnel safe from harm and safeguarding processes. These transponder-coded safety switches with guard locking have the highest safety level. The CTS safety switch is the latest development in this field. Measuring only 135 by 31 by 31 mm and featuring a locking force up to 3,900 N, plus diverse mounting options, it is versatile enough for almost any application. The CTS can be mounted in three directions to protect both hinged and sliding doors, and users can add an escape release at any time.

The CTA safety switch has already proven its worth time after time. Its robust metal housing and a locking force of up to 8,000 N predestine it for use on heavy doors. Offering a high IP65/IP67/IP69/IP69K degree of protection, this switch is the perfect choice for almost any industrial use – especially if this involves a harsh, dirty environment.

All guard locking devices can be connected in several different ways. Combining the devices with an Euchner IO-Link Gateway gives them the additional benefit of communicating in Industry 4.0 applications.

One device, many applications: the CKS2 safe key system

The CKS2 from Euchner is a new, safe key system that is simple to integrate into the overall control system and suitable for a wealth of applications. The user decides whether to use the device as a lockout system, authorization system or key transfer system by selecting the appropriate keys and programming the control system accordingly. Euchner calls this versatility “FlexFunction”. Highly coded, transponder-based keys ensure the highest possible safety level. The device can be connected to IO-Link using the Gateways from Euchner. The CKS2 is also available as a submodule for the MGB2 Modular, opening up many new applications for this successful door locking system.

The multi-talented MGB2 Modular can now do even more

The MGB2 Modular secures safety doors and fences on machines and installations during hazardous machine movements. A modular design is the secret behind the system’s adaptability to specific requirements. The MGB2 Modular consists of a locking module, plug-in submodules with control and indicating functions, plus an MBM bus module for connecting to PROFINET/ProfiSAFE and now to EtherCAT/FSoE and EtherCAT P/FSoE as well. Two submodules let you integrate up to six different controls and indicators in the locking module. And if that weren’t enough, the MCM expansion module considerably enhances what the Multifunctional Gate Box MGB2 Modular can do. All information from the connected modules comes together in the MBM bus module and is transferred to the installation’s control system. Comprehensive diagnostic and communication functions in the form of EtherCAT or PROFINET messages and the integrated web server provide a fast, detailed overview of the device status.

Legally compliant conversion and retrofitting

Will my machine still be safe after I’ve converted, retrofitted or expanded it? This is the sort of question machine operating organizations in all sectors must face when repurposing or modernizing their installations to meet the latest state of the art. EUCHNER Safety Services is a dependable partner for any project requiring professional support.

Converting and retrofitting instead of buying

Companies are constantly modifying their production machines to adapt them to new products or functions, for example. What’s more, operating organizations retrofit older, technically obsolete machinery to meet the latest state of the art and greatly extend its useful life. A digital retrofit upgrades installations and machinery with modern sensor and communication technology, equipping them to handle the latest demands in the Industry 4.0 environment. Modernizing machines and installations offers the additional benefits of enhancing production efficiency, reducing downtimes, ensuring compliance with the latest legal requirements, and ultimately, extending the machinery’s service life.

Most conversions are not significant modifications, so why not take the plunge?

Machine operating organizations bear a heavy burden of responsibility for protecting their employees. In Germany, this is governed by the Use of Work Equipment Directive 2009/104/EC and by industrial safety regulations. There is often uncertainty about the effects of machinery modification and modernization projects on the legal requirements. Some operating organizations are even so worried about losing the CE conformity and having to repeat the conformity assessment process for their machinery that they avoid making any modifications at all. However, few know that most conversions and modifications are not “significant modifications” requiring CE recertification. As a rule, modifying, converting or expanding a machine always requires an assessment for “significant modification to machines” using the interpretation document from the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS). 

This means that even modifications classified as “not significant” entail obligations for the operating organizations, which must carry out a hazard assessment, determine whether the overall machine corresponds to the state of the art, adapt the documentation in compliance with the Use of Work Equipment Directive, and implement any suitable safety precautions. Construction work could also be required to ensure the machine’s safety.

One-on-one consulting and engineering by EUCHNER Safety Services

EUCHNER Safety Services provides machinery manufacturers and operating organizations with custom consulting and engineering services for everything relating to machinery safety. Our experienced team helps companies implement machinery conversions or modernizations while complying with the law. These experts prepare legally compliant documentation and analyze and assess machinery for “significant modifications” or “assemblies of machinery.” They also conceive, plan and integrate safety solutions, including verification and validation.

Special engineering expertise

As a general contractor, EUCHNER Safety Services offers an all-in-one package for machine operating organizations. The team implements any required construction measures and selects and integrates the best components for the task at hand, no matter the manufacturer. EUCHNER Safety Services’ strength is its wide-ranging engineering expertise. The team comprises design engineers, fitters, installers, and programmers who can cover all disciplines from fluidics to mechanical and electrical engineering, including hardware, safety and standard software. EUCHNER Safety Services also builds control cabinets in house.