Safety in laser welding with robots
For safety and protection of the robotic laser welding machines, AWL-Techniek uses leading components and systems. These components are used to monitor and control the "invisible" danger of laser radiation in a sophisticated way and thus prevent injuries. In choosing the various components, AWL has focused on the laser machine standard (NEN-EN-ISO-11553-1) and is even ahead of the new standard in machine safety (NEN-EN-ISO-14119).
AWL uses the EUCHNER safety door lock. Due to its safety features and RFID technology, this lock is not susceptible to manipulation or mechanical defects, such as the tongue breaking. The lock ensures that the laser beam must be off before the door to the welding area can be opened.
AWL also uses the ABB "SafeMove" safety system. This system ensures that the laser beam can only be focused on the product and not on the walls or roof of the welding area. The axes of the robot and thus the area and orientation are monitored safely. If the laser goes outside the secured area, the system will switch it off.
Another security issue is the use of the "ProfiSafe” safety technology. All AWL machines are equiped with a Siemens PLC, in which “ProfiSafe” is integrated. The safety programme that runs in the F-PLC is the heart of the security logic. Based on the safety inputs (MGB, emergency stop buttons, SafeMove, etc.), it ensures that the outputs are switched off (robot, laser, pneumatic, etc.)
In order to optimize safety in accordance with the NEN EN ISO 13849-1, the Performance Level (PL) is calculated. There are several tools available, like BGIA: Sistema, Pilz: Pascal, Siemens: safety tool. AWL uses the Siemens safety tool. Here, the desired PL value (the risk), PL-PFHd and B10 values (data from component suppliers) is introduced. The safety tool then calculates the achieved PL value and makes a report, which is stored in the technical file.
In short, AWL takes safety in their machines very seriously, and in so doing ensures that its clients stay ahead in automated (laser) welding and safety.