Benefits of the new controllers include:
Enhanced communication capabilities: Built-in Gigabit Ethernet in the GuardLogix 5580 and Compact GuardLogix 5380 controllers provides enhanced communication capabilities to support the growing number of smart devices. This can help engineers meet data-intensive smart manufacturing goals without adding extra hardware. It can also support future end-user test machines, which may one day need to collect and share more data.
More Productive Machines: When used with the Studio 5000 integrated development environment and the Kinetix 5700 servo drive, the controllers support new safe stop, speed, and position functions, as well as other safe monitoring functions. These functions can create greater flexibility in safety system operations; for example, slowing a machine down instead of stopping it when a worker approaches. This can improve machine productivity while still achieving the desired level of safety. These new functions are implemented using the built-in safety instructions available in the Studio 5000 software.
Engineers can also use safety features to support applications such as collaborative robots. If a human gets too close to the robot, the system can detect their presence and slow down or stop the robot's movement.
The GuardLogix 5580 and Compact GuardLogix 5380 controllers are TÜV certified for functional safety.
