SICK Magazine

02 2007 www.sick.
com

Detecting Barrels Reliably
Identification of bungholes at A.T.U
per IVC-2D smart camera
Page 21
Novel Technology
Level switch and continuous level
measurement system in one
Page 38
New Series of Articles
Changes to EU directives and
international standards
Page 53
New series of W12-3 photoelectric switches
Page 39
Perfect Precision
Perfect Precision
S I C K S C U S T O M E R M A G A Z I N E
: Editorial
03
insightTELEGRAM
Dear Readers,
In many ways, the business segment of logistics automation, for which I have
been responsible since July as a new member of SICKs Executive Board, is facing
a future of innovations. Technologies such as RFID or image processing open up
new opportunities for optimizing intralogistical and distributive processes. Almost on
a daily basis, our continental teams in SICKs affiliated companies and the employees
at the solution center logistics automation in Reute are confronted with interesting
applications and projects that see clients develop their visions and that they believe
us capable of solving jointly. We have a chance to put many of these innovative ideas
to the acid test before integrating the systems into our customers processes in co-
operation with various partners. By pursuing the solution-oriented project and systems
business, we are living up to the expectations of a great number of clients. At the same
time, cooperation as partners enables us to let their needs, wishes, and objectives
become part of our development and sales activities, ultimately in order to solve new
types of problems and to expand further the success of logistics automation at SICK.
Barcode reading, laser measurement, and RFID the current issue includes several
examples of fascinating solutions in logistics automation. However, the applications
in automation and safety technology also show you the kinds of innovation and ideas
you may expect from SICK. I wish you an enjoyable read.
Reinhard Bsl
Member of the Executive Board
SICK AG
++ SICK has founded its own subsidiary
in Timisoara; reasons are heavy domestic
demand there and the growth expected
in many sectors, particularly in machine
and plant construction; previously, the
Romanian market was supplied by SICKs
Austrian subsidiary ++ Whether on the
topic of consultations concerning appli-
cations, start-up, safety inspections for
plants, or modernization SICK offers
support for all phases of the machine life
cycle; find out more at www.sick.com/
seminare; the site also informs about the
extensive seminar program ++ More effi-
ciency in machines and plants as well as
continuous communications with IO Link;
the website at www.sick.com/io-link pro-
vides information, an instructive applica-
tion animation, and a flyer for download-
ing as an additional service ++
Unfortunately, in the last issue, 1.2007, an error
crept into one of the captions on page 06: the person
on the photograph is not Samuel Gerber, managing
director of espriTex, but Josef Bieri, sales representa-
tive of SICK Switzerland.
02/2007
14
Safety solution for production of precast
concrete elements at Mischek Systembau
36
Interview at Pttmann KG: customer service
with SICKs Partner Portal Program
39
Robust, precise, intelligent:
the W12-3 sets the new standard
43
The success story of barcode laser scanners
continues -- with Ehternet on board!
04
:

T
I
T
L
E

T
O
P
I
C
: Contents
: Interview
Customer service at Pttmann KG
on the highest level ............................. 36
: Highlight
measurement system in one package 38
: Products
TITLE TOPIC: The new W12-3
series of photoelectric switches ......... 39
Product News ...................................... 40
The new V300WS safety system ........ 42
Laser scanner with Ethernet
on board .......................................... 43
Automatic format adjustment ............ 44
Ultrasound in sugar cube format .... 45
New fiber-optic photoelectric
switch for high-end applications ........... 46
New photoelectric safety switches
for safe control systems ..................... 47
The new UF fork sensor ...................... 48
A giant in performance,
a midget in design ............................... 48
Laser scanner with 270
panorama ......................................... 49
SICKs portfolio of contrast scanners ... 50
The new DFSS60 incremental
hollow-shaft encoder ........................... 50
UHF-RFID system................................. 51
Safety on Ice ........................................ 52
: Standards
Changes to EU directives and
international standards ...................... 53
: SICK Tour
DARPA Urban Challenge 2007 ........... 54
Great response to workshop at EHP .... 55
Twenty years of SICK Japan ............... 55
Knowledge live .................................... 55
Logistics Technology Center ............... 56
: Museum
Elmuseet electricity museum ............. 57
: Book Corner
The 10-Minute Life Coach: Fast
Working Strategies for a New You ....... 58
: Info
Imprint/Service ................................... 59
Trade fair dates ................................... 59
: Editorial ............................... 03
: SICK Solutions
Plastics packaging machines ............. 06
Individual outdoor protection
of an automobile elevator .................... 07
The driverless and riskless
INHILIFTER pedestrian pallet stacker ... 08
For LTW availability is top priority ...... 09
: Applications
i10 Lock for door monitoring ............... 10
Laser measurement technology
in open-pit soft-coal mining ................ 11
Rely on inductive proximity sensors ... 12
Light-controlled order picking
of parts with Pick2Light ........................ 13
Personal protection and
process optimization ........................... 14
Position determination
based on height images ..................... 15
Safety for press brakes ........................ 16
SICK at Landliebe, Campina & Co ..... 17
Pattern recognition instead of muting ... 18
Barcode scanners control meat supply 19
Laser scanners secure drive path...... 20
Bunghole detection per camera ........ 21
RFID controls flowerage ...................... 22
Automatic treatment of wooden floors 23
Short-stroke cylinder with a
mag(net)ic sweet tooth ..................... 24
Florist develops conveyor
system with laser scanner .................. 25
Testing programs for light systems .... 26
Safety for structures ........................... 27
Ultrasound cuts rose
growers cutting costs ......................... 28
New scanner platform
with improved decoding ..................... 29
Gripper control at the brick kiln ......... 30
3D weld seam inspection ..................... 31
First laser scanner
in firedamp-proof design .................. 32
: Internet
Application-related and functional
animations on SICKs homepage ....... 33
OpinioScope ........................................ 33
: Technology
Chronos Vision: from space to daily use 34
Distinguishing products and
pirate copies with luminophores ........ 35
Luminescence scale from SICK ......... 35
05
: News
For detection of small objects
Automation with laser photoelectric switches
>> The smallest of objects or features,
an easily visible light spot, long ranges
on reflectors, as well as narrow optical
openings in the machine whenever
these conditions and requirements ex-
ist, the laser photoelectric switches or
laser scanners in the eight different
production series from SICK provide
key advantages.
Visit us at the fair:
SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2007 in Nuremberg
from 27 to 29 November 2007
Hall 7A Stand 7A-310
www.mesago.de/sps
This years main topics at the international fair are:
p Ethernet in automation
p Safety and security in automation
p Motion control

>> Which sensor solves my type of task
in the best possible way? You will get
an answer to this question from the
Product Finder at www.mysick.com or
at www.sick.com
This tool allows you to select the suit-
able device for your application in fac-
tory automation from a large number of
products made by SICK. Simply select
the desired parameters, e.g. range,
connection mode, voltage supply, or
light source. The output table then dis-
plays the products that correspond to
your data and meet your requirements
in the optimum way.
Product Finder
the quick way to
the suitable sensor
The reason for this is the lasers special
beam geometry, whose benefits SICK is
able to offer in a variety of different equip-
ment designs for a wide range of applica-
tion purposes and installation settings.
Has reading this article raised your
curiosity about lasers? In that case, the
link at www.laserlichtschranke.com will
provide you with further information.
>> Have you already discovered our
questionnaire? After three years, we
would like once again to elicit an honest
opinion from you. Winners can look for-
ward to an attractive main prize:
A mobile TomTom
navigation system
As consolation prizes we are giving away
10 books reviewed in the Book Corner
on the right/below.
TomTom
ONE XL
Europe
insightBOOK CORNER
Sometimes a book helps us realize to what extent
our life is filled with unnecessary ballast and how
to get rid of it. Learn about the book that can help
us gain insight about this on page 58.
Fiona Harrold
The 10-Minute
Life Coach
Fast-working Strategies for a Brand New You
Illustration similar to prize
Reader survey in this issue
The Literature Finder offers you online
access to most of our publications.
Whether the thing you are looking for is
operating instructions, technical informa-
tion, product overviews, and additional
interesting literature here you will find
a large number of information materials
as PDF files for download.
Literature Finder
a few clicks to the
information materials
: SICK Solutions Packaging industry
insightLINK
You can obtain further product
information on the Internet at:
www.sick.com/insight
More about the customer:
www.alpla.com
>> Preforms are small plastic tubes that re-
semble test tubes at first glance. The alpla
machines use them to produce, by various
means, non-returnable PET bottles, large-
volume containers, and the matching caps
that are ubiquitous in everyday life, e.g. as
one-way bottles for fruit juice, as cream
jars, or as fabric softener bottles.
From a single source
Automating plastics packaging
machines competently
Object detection, counting, detecting orientation, machine protection, identifica-
tion of bottles, containers, and pallets modern plastics packaging machines and
processes have reached a high level of automation. The people at the alpla Group
are relying throughout on sensor solutions provided by SICK.
Crystal-clear advantages
Some detection tasks deal with trans-
parent materials. In the exit area of a
stretch blow-molding machine, one-way
PET bottles have to be detected before
being palletized in multiple layers. Alpla
successfully solves the difficult detec-
tion of the frequently crystal-clear, i.e.
entirely transparent, PET bottles in the
outlet flow by using W12-2 photoelec-
tric reflex switches from SICK. The sen-
sor is very well suited for detecting the
transparent PET material because of its
adjustable, high response sensitivity,
says Erich Fuchs, head of infrastructure
at alplas principal plant in the Austrian
town of Hard.
A few meters further on, a machine
is just undergoing adjustment for a new
production batch. The bottles to be pro-
duced now will be smaller than the ones
before. This necessitates adjusting the
sensor technology for controlling the bot-
tle flow at the exit area of the conveying
system in such a way that it detects the
transparent bottles with utmost reliabil-
ity. Here we are utilizing very success-
fully the WTB4-3 photoelectric proximity
sensor, says Erich Fuchs. The sensor,
featuring a large, homogenous light spot
on the goods to be scanned, is designed
specifically for reliable detection of high-
ly transparent objects at a distance of 20
to 25 mm.
Always interested in innovation
The people at alpla a leading innovator
in the packaging market itself are always
interested in innovations, e.g. in the new
WT12-3 photoelectric sensor. Electronic
adjustment of the detection range and ac-
curate background suppression are some
of the devices strengths that we put to the
acid test on the cap machine right away,
says Erich Fuchs. On the machine, which
laminates the inner side of the cap with
aluminum foil, the only caps allowed to
enter are those whose openings point up-
wards. The sensor is set in such a way that
it not only distinguishes reliably between
openings up (correct) and openings down-
ward (incorrect) but in case of opening up
senses accurately whether it is looking at
the inside of a cap or through a gap in the
production flow onto the conveyor belt lo-
cated only a few millimeters below. Apart
from the speed of 1.5 kHz, Erich Fuchs
praises the availability of the WT12-3: Es-
pecially in this application, in which the
sensor is exposed to shocks and vibrations
due to ejection of incorrectly turned caps,
any drifting of the switching threshold such
as conventional photoelectric sensors dis-
play is prevented reliably.
In addition to tasks in automation en-
gineering related to plastics packaging
technology, another goal is to make the
machines safe and to control processes
efficiently as well. In this respect, alpla
can rely on SICK as a system partner for
safety and identification technology that
provides innovations and solutions from
a single source.
Alpla relies on sensors from SICK as
seen here on a stretch-blow molding
machine and on the cap machine
06
02/2007
: SICK Solutions Underground parking lot
insightLINK
The way a private citizen in Hamburg parks his vehicles is not exactly run-of-the-mill:
they are transported from his propertys yard to the underground parking lot by freight
elevator. The operation of the elevator is secured by outdoor LMS laser measurement
systems, controlled and monitored by a UE4470 flexible safety controller.
>> This combination conforms to Cat-
egory 2 safety requirements as resulting
from the risk analysis for the automated
elevator operation. Due to the outdoor
application, the use of type-certified
devices, e.g. of an S3000 safety laser
scanner, was feasible neither in terms of
operability nor certification. The prepara-
tion of the overall solution, its implemen-
tation, as well as the consulting accom-
panying the inspection by the technical
standards authority (TV), was carried
out jointly by an elevator manufacturer
and SICK.
The task: parking safely
A Hamburg-based manufacturer of el-
evators has built, for a private individual,
a car elevator allowing the vehicles to
be moved to and from the courtyard at
ground level and the underground park-
ing lot. The roof of the elevator in a re-
tracted position forming part of the yard
has a projecting length on all four sides
due to constructional reasons. During
retraction, this generates a continuous
crush and shear point measuring approx.
300 mm in depth. Whereas in the past,
the elevator was retracted manually,
inched by sight, the car lover now wished
to carry out this function by means of an
automatic stopping command. This in-
volved arranging for a suitable protective
device against crushing hazards.
Outdoor LMS offer
maximum operating reliability
Because of the task setting and the
structural features, three LMS laser mea-
surement systems, in outdoor design
and scanning two-dimensionally, turned
out to be the best solution to monitor all
four sides of the elevator. Although the
dependable devices, tried and tested in
practical application, are not safety com-
ponents as defined by the EC Directive
on machinery, they distinguish them-
selves by a maximum degree of opera-
tional reliability. This is achieved, among
other things, by a heated weatherproof
housing, increased resistance to dust
by means of pixel-oriented resolution,
as well as a minimization of influences
because of rain, fog, or snow, which is
accomplished by raising the measuring
cycles. Thus, they combine in an opti-
mum way robustness with reliable detec-
tion and switching behavior. In conjunc-
tion with the 180-degree scanning angle,
a range of up to 8 m, and three possible
measuring fields and switching outputs,
their outdoor features make these laser
measurement systems the best techni-
cal solution at present for these types of
tasks in outdoor areas.
System safety conforming
to certification, due to UE4470
The element added to the reliability of
the LMS in terms of sensor technology
is the handling of functions relevant to
monitoring by the UE4470 stored-pro-
gram safety controller. It controls the
function of the three connected LMS by
means of periodical test signals, per-
manent interrogation of preset ambient
contours, and special test field param-
eterization. Parallel to this, the UE4470
automatically switches over the defined
protective fields depending on the posi-
tion of the elevator, shutting it off in case
of an object or person being hit or a mal-
function occurring.
Both elements in combination the
system reliability in terms of sensor and
control technology permitted a suc-
cessful individual approval of the overall
solution by the TV. Optional extra for
the car lover: Thanks to the software log-
ic of the UE4470, subsequent additions
can be carried out and approved by the
TV without much effort.
Individual outdoor protection
of an automobile elevator
Parking sports cars
and stretch limos safely
The vehicle is transported to the under-
ground parking lot via freight elevator
07
02/2007
: SICK Solutions
insightLINK
www.indumont.ch
>> The strength of INHILIFTER, which
was designed by the Swiss transport sys-
tem producer Indumont, lies in the high
degree of autonomy when it comes to
picking up and setting down loads, in-
house transport, as well as order picking
of goods onto pallets or wire mesh cars.
Independent detection
and adjustment of positions
The laser-based NAV200 positioning sys-
tem takes care of INHILIFTERs position
determination and navigation support.
Mounted to the vehicles roof, the device
detects and measures in a 360-degree
angle all reflective marks within the
given operating environment at a range
of up to 28.5 meters. Thus, the onboard
computer of the INHILIFTER receives
from the NAV200 the data on its abso-
lute vehicle position and orientation at
millisecond-intervals. In this way, the IN-
HILIFTER is able to carry out autonomous
transport orders, e.g. from the storage
shelf to the truck loading bay. There the
truck driver takes control of the stacker
truck, transports the pallet manually on
the load platform of the truck, returning
the INHILIFTER to the truck loading bay.
After activating the automatic button on
the stacker truck, INHILIFTER indepen-
dently processes the next order.
If INHILIFTER leaves its drive path for
a short time, the NAV200 reliably finds
its way back to the intended route by
means of combining the distance value
and the detection angle of the respec-
tive reflector. Two DRS60 incremental
encoders mounted to the vehicle axle
are used to carry out accurate position
and distance measurements of INHILIFT-
ER during turns, cornering and straight
driving. Their values serve, among other
things, the adjustment with the routes
saved in the vehicles CAD card.
Automation and safety entirely from a single source
For the driverless and riskless
INHILIFTER pedestrian pallet stacker
Independent position
and distance measurement
During manual online order picking of
goods, the storage address is also trans-
mitted to INHILIFTER via WLAN. The de-
vice will then position itself autonomously
in front of the storage address and allow
the order picker to load the goods di-
rectly onto the load carrier brought along
by the stacker truck. The height of the
fork during manual loading or unloading
of INHILIFTER is determined by the BKS
absolute wire-draw encoder. Thanks to
its small but robust aluminum housing
featuring an edge length of 90 mm each,
the distance measuring system is spe-
cifically suited for the confined mounting
space available in the INHILIFTER.
Velocity-dependent drive
path monitoring
The S300 Professional safety laser scan-
ner detects persons and objects on the
drive path of the stacker truck. When
the INHILIFTER drives to the truck load-
ing bay, the 8-meter radius of the warn-
ing field and the 2-meter radius of the
protective field allow local obstacles to
be bypassed safely. In this process, the
S300 Professional scans the surround-
ings of the stacker in an area covering
270 degrees. If there is no way to pass
through, it is possible to select an alter-
native route from the map via WLAN.
The four switchable protective/warning
fields of the S300 Professional can be
adapted easily to different speeds. Light
sensors mounted below the fork tips of
INHILIFTER provide additional safety in
the front area.
INHILIFTER from Indumont the
complete mobile reference for automa-
tion and safety solutions furnished by
SICK.
Transport
Bildtext Bildtext Bildtext Bildtext Bildtext
Bildtext Bildtext Bildtext Bildtext
Because of its flexibility, INHILIFTER the clever combination
of a pedestrian pallet stacker and an automated guided vehicle
(AGV) points the way to the intralogistical future. The
elements on board on this journey are photoelec-
tric switches, positioning systems, safety laser
scanners, distance measuring devices, and en-
coders made by SICK.
08
: SICK Solutions High-bay warehouse
insightLINK
www.ltw.at and www.fater.it
>> The best example: the high-bay ware-
house Fater in the Italian town of Pes-
cara. It was extended by one aisle dur-
ing regular operations and modernized
simultaneously. The facility received
five new stacker cranes, almost fully
equipped with opto-electronic sensor
technology from SICK for object detection
and measurement of travel distance,
says Johannes Schwartze, graduate en-
gineer and head of electrical engineering
at LTW. Since 1981, LTW Lagertechnik
GmbH a company within the Doppel-
mayr Holding Group originating in ski lift
construction has been a byword for
the development, manufacturing, and
construction of innovative facilities in
warehouse engineering and in-house lo-
gistics. The spectrum ranges from com-
ponents for high-bay warehouses, e.g.
stacker cranes, conveying technology,
warehouse control and administration
all the way to complete turnkey systems
in logistics and complete, fully automatic
Optimal opto-electronic sensor technology for
warehouse and materials handling engineering
For LTW availability
is top priority
Anyone operating production warehouses, order-picking facilities, or distribution
centers looks for one thing above all: availability. This requires efficient sensor
technology able to detect objects reliably and measure distances accurately even
in ambient light, on foil surfaces, and under other basic conditions. For this pur-
pose, the Austrian Lagertechnik Wolfurt (LTW) Company uses SICKs product port-
folio for new facilities and retrofitting alike.
parking systems. Worldwide we have
realized over 500 warehouse engineer-
ing facilities already for major corpora-
tions and small and medium-sized com-
panies alike, says Albert Moosbrugger,
engineer and project manager at LTW.
Only appropriate sensor technology
guarantees availability
Whether new facility or retrofitting the
people at LTW know that control systems
require reliable data from the facility, e.g.,
from opto-electronic sensors for object
detection and measurement of travel dis-
tances. However, shiny or deep black ob-
jects, foils and active and passive sources
of interference in the operating environ-
ment certainly do not make it easy for opto-
electronic, says Johannes Schwartze. In
many places in materials handling facili-
ties, we are using the WT18-3, a photoelec-
tric proximity switch that offers improved
object detection in conjunction with highly
efficient background suppression. In the
Object detection and measurement of travel distance on five stacker cranes from LTW
09
Fater project, LTW found in SICKs portfo-
lio the suitable sensor solutions for diverse
jobs. The travel of the stacker cranes is
controlled by DME5000 laser distance
measuring systems that communicate with
the vehicle control via PROFIBUS. For fine
positioning, each lift carriage is equipped
on the left and on the right with a DMP2
position finder featuring an analog out-
put. It repositions the lift carriage until the
optimum desired fine positioning on the
stack is achieved. DS60 distance sensors
serve to check the occupancy of the rack
compartments. Finally, reflex photoelectric
switches from the WL27-2 series are also
important to the smooth operation of the
stacker cranes. They monitor the separate
occupancy of the four stores per lifting fork
and check, to the right and left of the ve-
hicle, the gap to the rack construction. The
data from all photoelectric switches as a
well as the positioning and travel measur-
ing systems both on the stacker cranes
and in the aisle are transmitted to facility
control by means of ISD300 data trans-
mission sensors.
Innovation means
investment reliability
As in the case of Fater, in other proj-
ects LTW also benefits from being able
to choose the most suitable respective
sensor solution from a wide-ranging port-
folio. Added to this is the fact that es-
tablished, internationally operating sup-
pliers such as SICK can also quickly offer
support on site if worst comes to worst,
says Johannes Schwartze. Ultimately, in-
novative sensor technology guarantees
that the facilities are efficient and retain
investment security in the long term.
: Applications
10
02/2007
insightLINK
www.netstal.com
>> The Swiss enterprise Netstal-Ma-
schinen AG ranks among the worlds
leading suppliers of high-precision and
high-speed plastic injection molding ma-
chines. The product range covers stan-
dard machines, PET preform systems,
and machines for optical storage media
such as CDs or DVDs. Within each in-
stallation family, the machines differ in
terms of size, life cycle, and other techni-
cal features. This also includes the size
of doors securing access to the machines
on the front and back sides that have to
be monitored during production.
i10 Lock: two switching
contacts for dual door monitoring
Whereas until now the position of the
doors was monitored by different po-
sitioning switches that required elabo-
rate adjustment, now for the most part
Safety locking device for various injection molding machines
Universal talent for door monitoring
Netstal, a Swiss manufacturer of injection molding machines, has reduced the type
variety of its safety components. The result: the company now uses the i10 Lock
safety locking device universally for all types of machines and door sizes.
i10 Lock locking devices from SICK are
taking on this task. Their major benefit
for Netstal lies in the fact that they fea-
ture two different switching contacts
monitoring both positions of the door
closed and open as well as locked or
unlocked. Both the sensor design and
the safety control comply with Category
4 according to EN 954-1.
In this application, i10 Lock guaran-
tees both features: personal and pro-
cess protection.
i10 Lock: reduction of types for
better economy
Whether the object is a small door or a
large, heavy specimen with long follow-
up movement Netstal can deploy the
i10 Lock universally in all machines. As
a result, it was possible to reduce the
type variety of safety switches consid-
erably yielding all the benefits in pur-
chasing, warehousing, and availability of
spare parts.
International sales is profiting as
well: Due to the licensing of the BG (Ger-
man Trade Association) and UL (Under-
writers Laboratories), the i10 Lock safety
locking device is exportable with the
actual machine and available at short
notice everywhere via SICKs worldwide
sales network.
The safety locking device i10 Lock is a comprehensive solution for all types of
machines and door sizes here on a plastic injection molding machine from Netstal
Monitoring machine access
: Applications
11
>> RWE Power AG is the power generator
within the RWE Group and one of Europes
largest producers of electricity. In produc-
ing power, the enterprise relies on a broad
spectrum of energy sources: nuclear
energy, hard coal, gas, and renewable
forms of energy such as water, wind, and
biomass, as well as soft coal mined from
company-owned open-pit mines in the
Rhineland. This area presents a series of
tasks in which the LMS211 laser measure-
ment systems from SICK can prove their
measuring accuracy and robustness, thus
making automation solutions possible.
Automation of tripper cars
on crawler tracks
Tripper cars are mobile transfer devices
used in open-pit mining. They allow a con-
veyor belt to be lifted from a belt conveyor
for transferring the bulk cargo to a differ-
ent receiving belt. The tripper cars from
RWE Power, e.g. in the Garzweiler open-pit
mine, are equipped with crawler tracks
traveling on the subframe of the movable
belt conveyor. The laser measurement sys-
tem serves to monitor the straight motion
of the belt and steer of the tripper car along
the conveying system.
3D volume determination
for stockpiles and bunkers
Another application field of laser measure-
ment technology is the determination of
bulk material profiles of coal bunkers or
stockpiles. The systems scan the mate-
rial surface and allowing for their rela-
Extremely reliable in extreme conditions
Laser measurement
technology in open-pit
soft-coal mining
Laser measurement technology has become established as an automation solu-
tion in open-pit soft-coal mining. RWE Power AG alone is using about 100 systems
in the most diverse applications.
tive movement generate a 3D model of
the bunker filling or, respectively, of the
stockpile. This information enables the
discharge systems to scoop bulk cargo
exactly from places containing sufficient
material. Though generally the dark bulk
cones only have reflectance values of
about 10 % typical for soft coal the la-
ser measurement systems from SICK pro-
vide for accurate measuring results even
at long distances of up to 30 m.
Measurement of bulk materials
for volume flow reporting
In the context of bulk material transport in
open-pit mining, volumetric flow rates of
up to 240,000 m per day are not unusual.
Often the important thing here is continu-
ous filling of the conveyor belt or, respec-
tively, blending of the volume flow. There-
fore, in this application laser scanners are
used either behind an excavator or in front
of the automatic feed into a bunker as
actual-value transmitters to measure the
current filling level of the belt. Moreover,
the exact measurement of volume flows
allows them to be integrated into the bal-
ancing of the bunker.
Another typical example of using the
LMS211 is controlling the slewing gear of
rotary excavators. All of these applications
have only become possible because of the
high degree of robustness and outdoor
suitability of the laser measurement sys-
tems and their measuring principle that is
independent of ambient conditions.
The application field of the LMS211
at RWE Power AG: measurement
of bulk materials
insightLINK
www.dsk.de and www.rwepower.com
Automation solution
: Applications
12
02/2007
insightLINK
>> In view of a handling volume of approx.
2,000 sales orders with several items
each and, respectively, an order-picking
performance of 5,300 picks a day, it be-
comes clear how important availability of
the different intralogistical subsystems in
the distribution center is at all times. The
large number of initiators (proximity sen-
sors) are contributing substantially to this.
Position detection in logistics systems
Rely on inductive proximity sensors
Pallet dispensers, aisle stackers, transverse shuttle cars, or storage towers at
the Logistics Center of SICK AG in Waldkirch, inductive proximity sensors prove in
various assignments that one can rely on them anytime.
Lift monitoring, position and
end position detection,
and reference adjustment
Inductive proximity sensors in the IM12
series are used, among other things, in
the aisle stackers of the automated small
parts storage. They monitor the lifting
and lowering of container centering on
the load lifting device during the transfer
>> Inductive solutions for all requirements
In recent years, SICK has built a broad portfolio of inductive proximity sensors.
Three production series are available, all of which are modeled on the housing
designs of inductive sensors: the inductive IQ cuboid design, the inductive IH
barrel design, and the inductive IM metric cylinder design. These groups include
numerous sensor versions with optional cable or in some cases turnable plug
connectors that are suitable for all of the major automation requirements: stan-
dard series, partly differentiated according to flush or non-flush mounting, short
design versions, advanced series with increased switching distance and triplex
series with triple switching distance, inox versions in IP69K for the food and
beverage industries, devices with configurable output functions, AC/DC sensors,
robust versions, or NAMUR devices in accordance with EN 50227 and EC design
approval for ATEX areas.
Thus the portfolio offers suitable solutions from a single source for a great variety
of tasks in factory automation.
of containers and during pick-up and de-
livery of containers at the conveying sys-
tems transfer points, explains Dietmar
Friese, maintenance technician of the
Logistics Center. The IM12 series was se-
lected because of its switching accuracy
and the space-saving design in a metric
cylinder housing, which allowed optimum
installation in the narrow mounting space
of the lifting device. Space is not quite as
scarce in the storage towers between the
small parts storage and the order-pick-
ing points as well as on the transverse
shuttle car of the pallet warehouse. In
the storage towers, where containers
are buffered with items, IM18 inductive
proximity sensors are used for detecting
end positions on the lifting system. Their
robustness benefits them just as much
in this context as it does for use on the
transverse shuttle car where they are de-
ployed for positioning the shuttle table. In-
ductive proximity switches also do a good
job in controlling the car along the drive
path. The devices operating here are two
IM30s with extended switching distance
on the one hand for detecting end po-
sitions at both ends of the aisle and on
the other hand for position adjustment
of the car at different reference points.
Finally, in the pallet dispenser, another
IM30 controls the gripping device for the
pallets, thus ensuring a smooth supply of
the loading aids.
Never at a loss for a solution
In many cases, automating inductively
equals automating intelligently. SICKs
portfolio provides the means to achieve
this. The wide variety of devices in the
area of inductive proximity sensors
makes it possible to realize nearly any
individual detection task. And in those
instances where a different physical
principle opto-electronics, capacity, or
ultrasound may be more suitable, ap-
propriate alternatives are available that
feature electrical and mechanical com-
patibility.
Significant for the most diverse tasks
in the distribution center: inductive
proximity sensors
Logistics
: Applications
13
insightLINK
www.faurecia.com and www.audi.com
>> The Pick2Light light grid from SICK
the first one in an easy-to-use and
easy-to-assemble reflex design equipped
with an integrated job LED is the er-
gonomic and economical solution for
access and removal control from small-
parts crates and mesh boxes. For exam-
ple, at Faurecia in Ingolstadt, it provides
for correct order picking without any
exceptions.
Faurecia a worldwide leader
in vehicle modules
Faurecia is one of the worlds leading
automotive suppliers for five important
vehicle modules: seat, cockpit, acoustic
package, front end, and exhaust system.
Among other things, the plant at Ingol-
stadt manufactures the front ends for
the current platform B8 the new model
production series Audi A4 and A5. Fix-
ing clamps, oil lines, air ducting compo-
nents, trumpet horns, intercooler, alumi-
num cross members, or crash boxes on
average, 20 different parts are mounted
on each of the front-end dashboard sup-
No mixed-up components, no missing parts, instead process reliability and quality
in the assembly of front-end modules for Audi, the automotive supplier Faurecia
relies on the use of light grids from the Pick2Light series.
ports, i.e. this requires ensuring approxi-
mately 26,000 correct picks from the
small-parts crates and the mesh boxes
every day. In order to avoid reliably any
faulty assembly, i.e. the mixing up of a
component in terms of variants during
order picking, Faurecia was looking for
an automation-based solution designed
to prevent dependably any errors during
manual parts removal. The task at hand
was put into practice by the systems
integrator Vogl Automatisierungstech-
nik in Neuburg on the Danube, using a
Pick2Light light grid made by SICK.
Pick2Light: correct extraction
without exception
In the supermarket process B8 thus
the in-house designation for front-end or-
der picking the front-end modules are
assembled for just-in-sequence provision
on the production line at the nearby Audi
plant. Order picking takes place from a
small parts shelf as well as mesh boxes lo-
cated on ground storage sites. At the begin-
ning of the order picking process, the job
Among other things, Faurecia produces
front-end modules for Audi
Light-controlled order picking of parts with Pick2Light
for automotive front-end modules at Faurecia
Simple (and) error-free
With the help of the Pick2Light light grids, errors are
ruled out during manual parts removal
Order picking of parts
P
ic
t
u
r
e
:

A
u
d
i
A
G
LEDs are activated on the corresponding
Pick2Lights via the shelf control. By means
of a mobile order-picking frame, the em-
ployee removes the parts to be installed
from the compartments in sequence. The
Pick2Light detects the intervention in the
compartment; via the interruption of rays,
the removal is acknowledged and the job
LED goes out. If the machine operator
reaches into a wrong compartment, the
light grid positioned there generates an
error message; if the machine operator
overlooks a compartment, he or she can-
not call up the next order position. After the
parts for the dashboard support have been
picked, the order-picking frame is removed
from the carriage and transported first to
the assembly stations and from there to
final testing.
Removal monitoring and replenishment
control by means of confirmed picks
Confirmation of the individual picks by
Pick2Light not only achieves error-free
order picking but also the monitoring of
the quantitative removal per compart-
ment and the generation of information
for automatic replenishment control. The
Pick2Light light grids mounted to the rear
of the shelf indicate to the forklift driver
where to hand over the requested items.
Errors? Negative!
The supermarket process B8 has been
in operation since November 2006.
Since then the rule has been: Errors in
order picking? Negative!
: Applications
02/2007
By using the central UE4470 safety controller, the decentralized UE4421 I/O
extensions as well as tactile and electro-sensitive protective equipment, the
Austrian Mischek Systembau GmbH, a manufacturer of precast concrete elements,
saw the realization of a complete solution that has improved not only safety but
also the processes of the plant.
>> The entire project of modernizing the
concrete component production in terms
of safety technology was carried out by
Unitechnik Cieplik & Poppek AG. For over
15 years, the company, specializing in
automated logistics systems, has been
cooperating with partners in mechanical
engineering to automate the production
of precast concrete parts.
The production of a precast concrete
component requires about a dozen pro-
that are as high as a room and are used
primarily in Viennese housing construc-
tion (large panel construction). Clean-
ing/oiling, automatic shuttering, shut-
tering supplementation, reinforcement/
built-in components, packing, hardening,
lifting the transport between the differ-
ent work stations occurs automatically,
while many process steps are carried out
by employees. In the course of a conver-
sion of the facility to current automation
systems, the safety technology at the ten
circulation points and at additional pro-
cessing or handling stations is scheduled
to undergo modernization and restruc-
turing in such a way that it contributes to
an improvement of processes related to
production logistics.
Suitable safety portfolio
At Mischek, ten dual-beam M4000 multi-
ple light beam safety devices are used to
guard the circulation stations as well as
the vibrating station from entry. Another
M4000 in conjunction with a deflecting
mirror column provides double-sided
monitoring of the tilting table for pallets.
Well over a dozen i110 safety position
switches with roller levers are deployed
for checking the lattice gates between
the transfer table and the different cir-
culation stations. Safety switches of the
i17 series with a separate actuator take
care of monitoring the access doors.
Central: the UE4470 safety controller
offers monitoring logic adapted
to processes
The core of the system solution is the
UE4470 safety controller, by way of
which the main stopping circuits are op-
erating. Via certified functional blocks,
it allows interlinking multiple light beam
safety devices, emergency stop switches
and enable switches as well as door- and
gate-related safety requests in a logical
way. During ongoing operations, the sta-
tus, diagnostic, and error reports can be
recorded and processed on site or via a
network. For this purpose, the UE4470
is integrated into the communications
structures of the entire facility by means
of a PROFIBUS gateway. This means uni-
Production of precast concrete elements
Personal protection and process
optimization at Mischek Systembau
Comprehensive safety technology from SICK in the production
of precast concrete elements at Mischek
cess steps. Considering that a shuttering
pallet measuring 3.5 x 13.5 m and filled
with concrete can weigh up to 22 tons,
one realizes the importance of making
the individual work place safe.
Safety and improvement of processes:
the dual objective at Mischek
Every year, Mischeks prefabricated parts
plant in Gerasdorf near Vienna produces
about 75,000 tons of concrete elements
14
Safety solution
: Applications
insightLINK
www.mischek.at and www.unitechnik.com
>> Ingots are aluminum or magnesium
bars that need to be fed continuously to
a smelting furnace if one wishes to ensure
the correct temperature that is decisive
for the quality of the molten metal. In or-
der to guarantee this, a producer of metal
goods installed a new feeding system on
its smelting furnace, conveying the ingots
directly from the pallet to the furnace.
LMS400 controls three-axis
handling system
For feeding the ingots, weighing from 5 to
25 kg, at 25-second to 4-minute intervals,
a three-axis handling system was installed
that uses a vacuum gripper to convey the
ingots to the crucible furnace. The control
commands for positioning the suction grip-
per in the x, y, and z direction as well as
for rotary motion are based on the results
of a solution developed by the system
integrator VisionTools. With the LMS400
used here, a 3D profile of the ingot pallet
is generated and by means of evaluating
the height and gray-scale images, it is pos-
sible to determine the position of the top
layer of ingots to be removed.
Simple calibration, precise measure-
ment, and reliable handling of ingots
Five to ten ingots are stored at each level
of the pallet. These are lying alternately on
the top or bottom side. During depalletiz-
ing, the ingots lying bottom side up must
be taken from the stack first. The shape
of the aluminum ingot, alternatively, its
length and width, serve as identification
mark. The LMS400 is taught-in these
values during the start-up/calibration run
of the depalletizing facility. In relation to
these reference values, it detects the po-
sition of the ingots during the measuring
operation and calculates the transfer pa-
rameters for the handling system as well
as the relative orientation. The measuring
results have a resolution of 1 mm and
0.1. Afterwards, the evaluation system
transmits these values to the control unit.
It guides the vacuum gripper to the correct
Position determination based on height images
Laser measurement controls
depalletizing of ingots
position, issues commands for picking up
the ingots and transporting them to the
transfer station. Subsequently, the feed-
ing system returns to the initial state and
awaits the next demand for ingots.
Reliable in harsh environment
The LMS400 operates to the end custom-
ers full satisfaction in the difficult condi-
tions of a light metal foundry. Building on
the successful automation of the crucible
furnace with the controller via the LMS400
and in conjunction with the standard V60
image analysis software from VisionTools,
the user is currently planning additional
similar applications.
www.vision-tools.com
Evaluation of a 3D height image generated by an LMS400 forms the basis of a
workpiece detection system for trouble-free depalletizing of ingots. The solution
developed by VisionTools works very accurately and does an excellent job in the
harsh environment of a foundry.
versal schemes toward machine safety
can be implemented that also have a
positive influence on the processes re-
lated to automation technology, e.g.
on the performance and availability of
the transfer tables. With a view to the
complex tasks at Mischek, the UE4470
safety system was extended with the aid
of decentralized UE4421 I/O units. With
these IP 20 fieldbus nodes and their safe
inputs/outputs, on-site integration of the
safety devices was possible without any
problems. One UE4421 each takes on
the monitoring of signals from two adja-
cent processing stations; at the vibrating
point and the tilting table, one UE4421
each is used. This approach meant sav-
ing substantial costs for cabling and in-
stallation.
Positive: the experiences with start-up
The people at Unitechnik arrive at a posi-
tive assessment regarding the use of the
safety package that was co-projected
and delivered by SICK and has been
in operation at Mischek since January
2007. Programming proved to be very
user-friendly. The possibility of testing
the safety logic at the company location
without hardware prevents unnecessary
stress and loss of time on the construc-
tion site. At the same time, the solution
with the UE4470 is so flexible that any
additional monitoring functions possibly
recognized on site can be supplemented
logically and by sensors.
For Unitechniks client Mischek, the
comprehensive cooperation in terms of
safety technology with SICK as a system
supplier for sensor and control engineer-
ing has resulted in a customized and
design-to-cost safety solution that now
bears the CE label.
15
The LMS400 laser measurement sys-
tem generates a 3D profile of the pallet
Metal industry
P
i
c
t
u
r
e
:

V
i
s
i
o
n
T
o
o
l
s
: Applications
16
02/2007
insightLINK
www.sick.com/insight and
www.sick-safetyplus.com
www.schweizer-metallbau.ch
>> Ernst Schweizer AG is an independent,
family-owned business with headquar-
ters in the Swiss town of Hedingen. The
metal construction program includes a
variety of metal workpieces for the most
diverse application fields and uses in the
construction industry: civil defense doors
in basements, solar panels on roofs, fold-
ing glass and faade walls, wooden and
metal windows, design-oriented mailbox-
es as calling cards for front entrances.
The reliable V4000PB camera system based on image processing permits the
highest level of industrial safety and improved transformation processes on press
brakes of the Swiss metal construction company Ernst Schweizer AG. The camera
system generates a protective volume within which it detects even a users small
finger reliably, bringing press motion to a full stop.
The builders hardware required in each
respective case receives its final shape by
means of complex folding processes. De-
pending on the bending method as well
as the thickness and tensile strength of
the material, the presses are operating
with forces of up to 320 tons at a speed
of about 0.7 m/s per stroke.
High-volume finger protection extending
over the entire width of the female die
At Category 4 according to EN 954-1
and SIL3 according to EN 62061, the
V4000PB achieves the highest possible
protection levels. The system consists of a
transmitter and receiver that are mounted
to the clamping bar flush with the bend-
ing punch by means of the appropriate
fixtures. The camera sensor travels along
with the motion of the clamping bar and
looks uninfluenced by the environment
and the respective tool geometry across
the entire width of the female die directly
into the hazardous zone of the press
brake. As soon as the workpiece was in-
serted manually into the intended posi-
tion, the machine operator initiates the
High-volume finger protection
by means of safety camera system
Quite hands-on:
safety for press brakes
transformation process per foot pedal.
During the fast closing motion of the tool,
a preset protective volume is activated;
it amounts to 26 mm in height, 40 mm
in width, and a depth corresponding to
the machine dimensions. If the machine
operator is careless and reaches with a
hand or finger into the hazardous zone
at any given point, the V4000PB camera
system that is traveling along detects this,
immediately activating the emergency
stop function of the press brake.
Simple integration and cost aspects
constitute convincing arguments
The V4000PB receives a positive assess-
ment by Schweizer in terms of installation
effort and sensor costs. A remarkable
facet was the simple integration of the
camera sensor into the existing equip-
ment control of the 15- to 20-year old
press brakes, explains Othmar Wick,
production manager at Schweizer. The
integration turned out to be very simple,
since the V4000PB uses the signals of
the already existing position measuring
system within the press for detecting po-
sition, speed, direction of movement, and
stop time. In addition, the excellent price-
performance ratio of the safety camera
system was also convincing, adds Oth-
mar Wick.
Safe operation, minimum
service investment
Since the camera-monitored press brakes
were put into operation, all of the systems
have been working flawlessly. If the safe-
ty technology happens to issue an error
message, the machine operator or, re-
spectively, service technician can quickly
form an impression of the reason for the
malfunction, as the cause is not only vi-
sualized in plain text, but the system al-
so offers advice on how to fix it. These
functions benefit the maintenance crews.
They are thus able to reduce service times
drastically in favor of equipment availabil-
ity which in turn increases productivity
and economy, says Othmar Wick.
Even the smallest finger stops
any movement of the press
Press safety
: Applications
17
insightLINK
www.campina.de and www.landliebe.de
or www.oystar.afautomation.de
>> Yoghurt, whey drinks, and other milk
products are goods whose quality de-
pends crucially on a smooth production
process. For instance, if a bottleneck oc-
curs during packaging, filling has to be
reduced or even stopped. However, you
cannot keep pudding warmed up forever,
and the bacterial cultures in yoghurt re-
act very sensitively to any disruptions in
the process. Both instances may result in
material rejects if the packaging process
stalls. Of course, the people at Campina
in Heilbronn know this as well. Among
other things, the company is well known
for its premium brand Landliebe (Ger-
man for countryside love) and is one
of the large German dairies, processing
approx. one billion kilograms of milk an-
nually. About a year ago, when the so-
called carton platform was equipped
with four carton erectors manufactured
by A+F Automation and Frdertechnik in
Kirchlengern, automated format adjust-
ment with HIPERDRIVE
was an essential
demand placed on the high-performance
machines: the setting accuracy and posi-
tion repeatability of the drives ensure a
maximum degree of availability for the
carton erectors.
High-tech unfolding of cardboard
crates for Landliebe, Campina & Co
The machine performance of the four car-
ton erectors from A+F is designed in such
a way that per hour and machine, 2,400
cardboard crates can be unfolded. Each
of the machines is capable of supply-
ing several filling machines at the same
time. Operating personnel feed the erec-
tors with the stacked carton formats for
12-piece or 8-/16-piece crates. The first
of three HIPERDRIVE
positioning drives
makes sure that the position of the later-
al guidance in the carton loader matches
the format to be processed. The machine
picks up the top carton, placing it in the
lifter of the first folding station where the
side walls are erected. The side guides in
the lifter were set with high precision by
For the love of Landliebe, Campina & Co.
Being upright not a
question of carton format
In order to achieve the highest possible dependability of supplies of secondary
packaging for milk products, the Campina dairy company relies on servo controlled
carton erectors with integrated HIPERDRIVE
positioning drives.
the second format adjustment drive so
that both correct folding and the position
of the crate are guaranteed and there
will not be any interruptions during the
onward transport through the machine.
The third HIPERDRIVE
is only activated
if one of the 16-piece crates needs to be
separated in two 8-piece trays. This takes
place by means of the so-called crate
saw whose travel positions are predeter-
mined via the third adjustment drive.
Utmost availability
in continuous operation
The carton erectors are operating six
days a week in three shifts. This illus-
trates how high the production volume of
yoghurt and desserts is and thus the de-
mands to ensure permanent availability
of the cardboard trays. Campinas carton
erectors from A+F can no longer suffer
from inaccurate settings, forgotten pro-
Servo-controlled carton erectors at Campina
one machine is capable of unfolding 2,400 crates per hour
cess steps, and other operation-related
sources of error not least of all due to
automatic format adjustment.
Packaging industry
: Applications
18
02/2007
Pattern recognition instead of muting
Safety light curtain automates
material feeding of press brakes
insightLINK
www.at.trumpf.com
>> Annually, TRUMPF Maschinen Aus-
tria manufactures more than 800 press
brakes of the TruBend 5000 series for
the main markets in Europe, the USA,
Asia, and South America. Approx. 50
of these units are delivered as bending
cells with an integrated handling robot.
With increasing frequency, the scope of
supply also encompasses an automated
feeding system instead of a depositing
and pick-up station for the material to be
processed. Cooperating with technicians
from TRUMPF at the Pasching location
and the project manager, Dipl.-Ing. (FH)
Rudolf Huber, Jrg Frschl from SICK
Austria played a crucial role in the devel-
opment of the conveying system. There-
fore, he knew exactly what constituted
the best ESPE in this individual case.
Active safety in any operating state
The actual bending cell is secured by a
protective grid; however, with respect to
the pallet conveyor, used to transport
the palletized material to the cell during
ongoing operations, the planners opted
for protection by means of the C4000
Palletizer safety light curtain. Always
active in contrast to a muting solution,
this safety system evaluates the width of
and space between pallet feet, thus dif-
The client: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria. The task: securing the automated mate-
rial feeding into the area of a press brake. The solution: the innovative muting
alternative, C4000 Palletizer. The producer: SICK.
ferentiating human and material, person
and pallet. In this way, the access area
continues to be protected even if the line
stops. Another asset is immunity against
interference. As compared to the elabo-
rate muting solution, the C4000 Pallet-
izer proves particularly immune to influ-
ences such as light and pollution as well
as misalignment. Finally, by using this
solution, TRUMPF Maschinen Austria re-
duces costs for planning, construction,
installation, start-up, and servicing of the
facility.
Everythings OK
no matter what shape of pallet
We certainly suggest that our custom-
ers employ standardized Euro pallets,
but practical operations often involve the
use of other, non-standardized pallets,
says Rudolf Huber. In this connection,
the flexibility of the C4000 Palletizer
safety light curtain proves particularly
advantageous. While the units pass
through, the pattern is continuously
saved again absolutely independently.
Thus, even operations with a variety of
pallets do not pose a problem.
C4000 Palletizer as a selling point
The safety concept presented here for
automated material feeding is available
for all TruBend-5000 bending cells. Us-
ing the C4000 Palletizer as a selling
point, TRUMPF can further consolidate
its international market position in ma-
chine construction.
Project manager Rudolf Huber from TRUMPF
(left) and Jrg Frschl from SICK discussing
the advantages of C4000 Palletizer
Press protection
: Applications
19
insightLINK
www.ica.se and www.swisslog.com
>> ICA receives the meat it ships via
its distribution center in Vsteras from
the nearby meat processing plant of
the Hilton Food Group. Virtually through
a hole in the shared building wall, the
so-called SRS containers filled with
different kinds of meats arrive at ICA
120,000 units per week. The boxes
each marked with a barcode are
stacked according to the orders from
the individual businesses and forward-
ed in ICAs automatic transport system
to the robots that put together the or-
ders from the businesses, making them
available for loading the refrigerated
trucks.
High throughput, high degree
of service, and high detection
requirements
The distribution center must be ca-
pable of processing very high through-
From Hilton via ICA to the client
Barcode scanners
control meat supply
Ordered yesterday, delivered today, prepared and consumed tomorrow custom-
ers ordering meat from ICA in Sweden are sure to receive first-class products and
top service. CLV barcode scanners are an ingredient of the recipe in automation
technology required for such service.
puts, up to 50,000 meat containers
within 24 hours, Roger Carlsson from
Swisslog, which delivered the whole
plant and was responsible for the de-
sign, describes the intralogistical di-
mension. Therefore, it was necessary to
guide the boxes as quickly as possible
through the in-house logistics to the ap-
propriate robots in order to ensure the
required due date reliability and quality
of the shipped goods. Therefore, in this
project the identification of the boxes is
incredibly important. It ensures that the
control is accurate and flows are kept
on a high performance level, Roger
Carlsson hints at the importance of the
highest possible detection reliability.
Whats more, the general conditions at
ICA are not ideal. Scanning occurs at
an oblique angle from the side. The la-
bel is not always positioned accurately;
the speed is high; and a large number
of boxes and codes have to be identi-
fied within a short time, says Roger
Carlsson.
CLV barcode scanners deliver
maximum performance
The high detection requirements at ICA
are solved by using barcode scanners
from the CLV430 and CLV450 produc-
tion series. These devices feature dy-
namic focus adjustment, fast scanning
frequencies, and powerful decoding al-
gorithms, guaranteeing a maximum de-
gree of detection reliability. The avail-
ability of the entire intralogistical sys-
tem from receipt of goods from Hilton
to shipment is accordingly high. How-
ever, the data from the barcode scan-
ners, provided to the Swisslog control
system, not only benefit order picking
and controlling of destinations, but also
the uninterrupted tracing of individual
batches and delivered boxes. On two
occasions, we had to recall goods from
stores, relates Lisa Manske, company
manager at ICA. In both instances, it
was possible to track down all of the
boxes very quickly since every box is
scanned and the data stored in the con-
trol system, all thanks to the labeling
of the boxes and the careful identifica-
tion and handling in the control system
throughout the whole supply chain.
Each robot processes 60 positions on two levels where it places the boxes
The scanning angle is oblique from the side
no problem for the barcode scanner
Food-processing industry
20
>> MINDA Industrieanlagen GmbH spe-
cializes in in-house conveying and pro-
duction installations that are designed for
linking complex production processes and
for coping with logistical tasks. All over the
world, the enterprise equips plants that
produce packaging made of corrugated
board and solid board with fully automatic
conveyor systems; in addition, it manufac-
tures machines and installations for the
solid wood industry. Transfer cars consti-
tute an important component of such fa-
cilities, as they are able to transport large
amounts of stacked goods for long dis-
tances and can be used to transfer blocks
within the production lines. The perfor-
mance data is not exactly lightweight: The
five-ton vehicles are capable of accommo-
dating loads of up to 3.5 tons and trans-
porting them at speeds of up to 9 km/h
in which case, however, their stopping
distance can reach up to 2.5 m. For this
reason, the safety requirements placed on
Utmost operating safety convinces MINDA
Laser scanners secure
drive path of transfer cars in
corrugated board industry
At MINDA Industrieanlagen GmbH, parameterization suitable for individual instal-
lations and processes have proven the decisive factor in favor of the S3000 safety
laser scanner for protecting transfer cars weighing up to 8.5 tons.
the transfer cars operating in automatic
mode are high.
Personal protection along the drive path
By using S3000 safety laser scanners,
MINDA achieves a maximum amount of
personal protection. During travel, the
monitoring fields of the S3000 with a
range of up to 4.5 m switch over depend-
ing on the situation contingent upon the
current route sector, the travel speed, and
payload. If a person is detected in the trav-
el path, the transfer car reduces its speed
steplessly until coming to a halt in front
of the obstacle. Once the obstacle is re-
moved, the transfer car can continue its
journey following a manual confirmation.
No hazards during material transfer
The S3000 on the transfer cars also se-
cure the material transfer points. During
the approach, the scanners detect wheth-
er the transfer car is traveling toward an
obstacle or a person at the transfer point.
In this process, the S3000 scans down
100 mm below the outside edge of the
conveying system. This ensures on the
one hand reliable monitoring of the gap
between the transfer car and the chain
conveyor, and on the other hand, detec-
tion of a person in case he or she is locat-
ed directly next to the conveying system
when the car arrives.
By means of the S3000, the trans-
fer cars from MINDA achieve the highest
availability figures possible. Thats be-
cause the laser scanner cannot be ham-
pered either by the fine paper, cardboard,
and pulp dust in the work environment or
by ambient light.
SafetyPLUS
at MINDA
In terms of its conveyor and production in-
stallations, MINDA benefits not only from
innovative safety sensor technology such
as the S3000 but also from SICKs com-
prehensive SafetyPLUS
approach, i.e.
the integration of universal sensor, con-
trol, and service solutions from a single
source. As a result, for the secure automa-
tion of conveyors, palletizers, or transfer
units, the company relies, among other
things, on the software-free safety control-
ler UE410 Flexi, whose modular design
allows customized control solutions that
can be migrated.
When it comes to transfer cars weighing up to 8.4 tons, a maximum degree
of personal protection along the drive path is particularly important
: Applications Safe transfer cars
02/2007
insightLINK
www.sick.com/insight und
www.ue410flexi.com
www.minda.de
: Applications
21
insightLINK
www.atu.de
>> A long-standing systems partner of
A.T.U, isa Industrieelektronik GmbH was
entrusted with the task of implement-
ing an image-processing solution that
allows for fully automatic and trouble-
free operation of an existing barrel fill-
ing installation for different engine oils.
Subsequently, the engine oil is used at
branches of A.T.U a combination of
master car repair shop and integrated
auto parts store at the so-called oil
counter in the workshop according to the
required amounts, e.g. for an oil change
associated with vehicle maintenance.
No automatic filling without
reliable bunghole detection
Within the internal A.T.U circulation sys-
tem, individual branches are supplied
with oil in 180-liter barrels to a lesser
extent in smaller 60-liter containers. The
automatic engine oil filling station fea-
tures a portal-guided filling lance that
lowers automatically into the bunghole
At Auto Teile Unger (A.T.U) in Weiden, the automatic filling of low-viscosity engine
oils unfolds like greased lightning. This is made possible by the IVC-2D smart
camera that detects the bungholes of various barrel types reliably, thus allowing
ultra-precise control of a portal-guided filling lance.
of a barrel. However, this process works
only if the sensor technology of the facil-
ity detects the position of the bunghole
unambiguously. The detection solution
installed originally, based on a line scan
camera, proved to be less than reliable
in operation, among other things due to
reflections from the barrel surface and
difficult contrast conditions: bungholes
were not detected and incorrect filling
holes indicated both on the barrel and
next to it. In practical use, therefore, the
filling stations degree of automation was
quite limited; the installation required
monitoring by the machine operator.
First-rate reliability in
bunghole detection
Searching for a suitable solution, isa
Industrieelektronik GmbH found what
it was looking for in SICKs extensive
image-processing portfolio. The IVC-2D
smart camera is mounted to a portal lo-
cated at the station inlet and scans the
barrels at a distance of about 2 m from
above. The entry of the pallet, the trigger-
ing of the lighting and the camera, image
recording, evaluation, and approaching
the lance portal i.e. the entire process
of bunghole detection and lance control
only take about five seconds. Based
on the positioning data of the detected
bunghole, the IVC-2D calculates, accu-
rately to the millimeter, the x- and y-coor-
dinates by which the PLC of the filling sta-
tion must move the filling lance so that it
homes in on the bunghole dead center.
The solution with the IVC-2D has
proven its great reliability in practical
use. Collisions between the filling lance
and the barrel are just as much a thing of
the past as missing the barrel and spill-
ing the oil in the catch basin beside the
barrels. Thanks to the IVC-2D, the instal-
lation at A.T.U features the same superb
smooth running attributes as the en-
gine oils being filled in. Bunghole detection per camera
Detecting
barrels reliably
The IVC-2D smart camera
dependably detects the bungholes
of different types of barrels
Barrel filling facility
>> The love of flowers and plants has been
the great motivating factor of the flower
family Rutishauser for nearly 100 years.
Already in the fourth generation now, the
family corp. in the Swiss town of Zber-
wangen is selling high-quality flowers ei-
ther from its own production grown on
75,000 sq. m. of greenhouse space with
computer-controlled air conditioning in
Fllanden, Tenero, and Zberwangen or
as merchandise from business partners
across the globe. Every day, a range of
products consisting of up to 200 different
arrangements is delivered to all corners
of Switzerland. In order to cope with the
logistical requirements, the production fa-
cility in Zberwangen saw the realization
of a project for fully automatic flower tray
control with RFID.
Validation of technology by technical
college recommends RFID system
based on 13.56 MHz
In the order-picking process, the employ-
ees comprising the so-called set-up teams
are placing potted plants and flower in
trays, partially preparing them with plas-
Using the 13.56 MHz RFID system from SICK has now enabled the production
facility of the Swiss florists enterprise Rutishauser AG in Zberwangen to use
conveying technology for directing each individual flower tray to different order-
picking and shipping points in accordance with the matching order.
tic foil, colored pots, and accessories, as
well as carrying out the price labeling.
Afterwards, the order-picked goods, pro-
vided with a special clip-on RFID tag, are
conveyed fully automatically to the differ-
ent packing points. In this context, the
differentiation is largely between pack-
aging with cartons and roller containers.
For identifying the goods on the in-house
conveyor systems, the goal was to find a
labeling solution that takes into account
the special demands such as humidity,
soiling, as well as obstruction by leaves. A
technological validation initiated by the lo-
gistics planner RALOG AG and carried out
by the Fachhochschule Nordostschweiz
(Technical College of Northeastern Swit-
zerland) resulted in a recommendation
to use a 13.56 MHz system. During the
project phase, the 13.56 MHz system
from SICK was tested under realistic con-
ditions with humidity, changing distances,
and transponders aligned in different
directions. Project manager Balz Leu-
thard, who works for the system integra-
tor Brge-Fischer AG, explained that the
reading performance of SICKs system ex-
ceeded the high demands, thus also vali-
dating the documented laboratory tests
done by SICK.
RFID: Tray detection, the flowery way
After a mobile barcode reader has read
the imprinted barcode, assigning an RFID
transponder to a product, it is inserted to
one of the outer pots, which is then placed
on the conveyor system. At the first deci-
sion point within the material flow, the
unique number in the transponder (unique
ID) is read out by the interrogator, which
assigns the product to an order. Depend-
ing on the size of the order or the clients
stipulations, the trays are packaged either
in cartons or roller containers. In the sub-
sequent material flow, the transponder is
read out again several times at various
decision points and conveyed to the cor-
rect packaging station automatically by
means of the material flow processor.
Having reached the cartonizing sta-
tion, the tray transponder is read out
again and the goods checked. An em-
ployee places the tray into the carton
manually and removes the transponder.
The carton is then transported onward
to the labeling machine, which prints a
label according to the ingoing RFID data
>> In detail
The central component of the 13.56 MHz system from SICK is the RFI341
interrogator (Radio Frequency Interrogator). This is a recording/reading de-
vice for electronic data carriers also called a transponder. The integrated
splitter allows simultaneous connection of two antennas, e.g. of the RFA331
used at Rutishauser, which achieves a range of up to 550 mm per antenna.
With the larger RFA341 antenna, a range of up to 1.2 m may be realized
in individual applications an exceptionally high value for a 13.56 MHz
system. It is possible to read all transponders compatible with ISO 15693,
regardless of manufacturer, design, and packaging.
RFID controls flowerage at Rutishauser
Florists operations requires logistics, too
: Applications Conveying system
02/2007
22
: Applications
insightLINK
www.rutishauserag.ch
and attaches it diagonally. After that, the
carton is automatically taped and con-
veyed to palletizing. Container packaging
also involves reading out transponder
IDs before removing the data medium in
the same way and loading the tray on the
proper container.
Convenient MFP (material flow proces-
sor) connection via Ethernet
All of the intralogistical processes are con-
trolled by a central material flow proces-
sor. Both the implementation of the RFID
system and the connection via Ethernet
TCP/IP was carried out by the system
integrator Brge Fischer AG. Since in
this facility Rutishauser employs RFID as
well as barcode scanners of the CLV420
series from SICK, it was highly advan-
tageous that by using the components
CDM420 and the plug-in CMF400 Ether-
net gateway, both identification systems
from SICK feature the same fieldbus con-
nection technology, says Balz Leuthard.
This means that subsequent switching
from barcode to RFID is possible without
any problems.
Pre-testing on site builds confidence
By introducing RFID, the Rutishauser Com-
pany has broken new ground. Accordingly,
during the project phase it was very impor-
tant for the persons in charge to learn the
honest truth about the possibilities and
limitations. We were very impressed by
the professionalism of the test assem-
bly built on top of the existing conveying
systems, commented Urs Rutishauser,
responsible for sales and logistics, as well
as the head of logistics, Marcel Thomann.
In the test run, hanging plants covering
the transponder were additionally sprayed
with water. It was possible to detect them
with SICKs RFID system regardless of the
orientation of the objects, Balz Leuthard
reports about the course of the feasibility
study on location.
The bottom line is that by using the ap-
propriate RFID system, logistics works for
floristic applications as well.
RFID controls flowerage at Rutishauser
Florists operations requires logistics, too
23
Automatic treatment of wooden floors
Fast as a weasel toward
the perfect parquet floor
Weasel is the name of the first fully automatic robot for automated treatment of
wooden floors. For the machine to be able to carry out the scheduled loops while
sanding, the LMS200 supplies the vehicle control with some final polish.
>> The Weasel combines high tech and
practical expertise in a mobile system
no surprise, since the development saw
specialists from the robotics department
at the Technical University of Vienna and
an experienced parquet layer join forces.
Modern cylinder wheel technology, a
Zyklon vacuum with nearly 100-percent
collection efficiency, a handheld PDA for
coded data transmission and for remote
control, a USB interface and, respectively,
a USB stick that serves for saving the func-
tions, downloading of updates, and as an
ignition key, as well as laser measurement
for drive path control any features imag-
inable went into Weasel.
Fine sanding without scratches on
walls or built-in furniture
According to statement by its manufac-
turer, INNOVATION-TEC, Weasel pro-
vides for a radical change of the working
process and a new form of productivity.
With a propulsion rate of 5 m/min, the
device grinds the parquet floor, produc-
ing an even, clean surface structure. The
LMS200 makes sure that this happens in
the entire room. It detects the contours of
the room, compares them with the saved
schedule, issues data for controlling travel
speed and steering motions, thus helping
insightLINK
www.innovation-tec.at
Weasel to stay on course. This means any
collision-related damage to walls and built-
in furniture is prevented reliably. Moreover,
the permanent laser scanning also detects
obstacles and persons, sending Weasel in
a holding pattern for the time being.
Incidentally, Weasel delivers convinc-
ing performance not only in terms of func-
tionality and productivity but also concern-
ing mobility and handling: Dismantled into
its five separate components also fast as
a weasel , it can be transported in a car
without any problems and reassembled at
the next place of application. And there the
LMS200 once again ensures the Weasel is
sanding on the right track
Parquet robot
: Applications
24
02/2007
insightLINK
www.w-u-d.com
>> Winkler and Dnnebier Swaren-
maschinen GmbH (WDS) in Rengsdorf
specializes in forming machines for sol-
id and filled chocolate products, pour-
ing facilities for sweets as well as spe-
cial plant process technology related to
Mogul installations for products based
on gelatine, starch, pectin, agar-agar,
or other raw materials. The forming ma-
chines process up to 10 t of chocolate
or other confectionery raw materials
per hour. They may be over 80 m long
because they complete a large number
of process steps, including the preheat-
ing of pans, successive proportioning
of various product mixtures, forming,
and multiple cooling stages, as well as,
depending on the product, the addition
of diverse ingredients such as cherries,
One sensor, two switching points
Short-stroke cylinder
with a mag(net)ic
sweet tooth
Two separately adjustable switching points in a sin-
gle device for the plant manufacturer Winkler and
Dnnebier Swarenmaschinen, the MZ2Q per-
mits simple, flexible, and cost-effective installa-
tion of the sensor on short-stroke cylinders.
rice crisp, raisins, or nuts. All of the
processing steps are highly automated
accordingly, short-stroke cylinders
are integrated in many areas of the in-
stallations. Achieving a high degree of
process reliability and availability ne-
cessitates detecting the start and end
of the lifting motions of the pneumatic
cylinders used.
MZ2Q the application solver
This innovation of forming installations
from WDS became feasible due to the
use of the MZ2Q magnetic cylinder sen-
sor. The device offers two freely adjust-
able switching points; at the same time,
it is so compact that it can be inserted
into and attached to all standard T-slots
by drop-in installation. It is possible
to adjust and fine-tune the switching
points in a user-friendly way even when
the cylinder sensor is already installed.
Cost of piston detection
reducible by up to 30 percent
Not only in terms of design and ap-
plication technology but also from an
economic point of view, the MZ2Q is
the optimum solution for detecting two
switching points in short-stroke cyl-
inders. Current calculations, directly
comparing the MZ2Q as an alternative
to two separate magnetic proximity sen-
sors featuring only one switching point
each, indicate cost savings of up to 30
percent. The crucial element for this is
the elimination of installation compo-
nents as well as the time involved for
installation, setting, and cabling of the
MZ2Q. On top of that, there are qualita-
tive aspects, e.g. the occupancy of only
one slot, less cabling on the cylinder
or, respectively, in the machine, better
access to the sensor once the cylinder
is already installed, and minimized risk
of a component failure that results sta-
tistically from reducing the number of
sensors.
Links: High degree of process reliability with the MZ2Q magnetic cylinder sensor on the forming machine for chocolate products
Right: Bernd Plies from Winkler and Dnnebier and Myrjam Heinrich from SICK are pleased about the great cooperation
Forming facility
: Applications
25
insightLINK
www.gorarpsblomster.se
>> Applying a luxuriant imagination,
the general manager of KE Pettersson
tackled the task at hand. The company
is Swedens largest greenhouse and hor-
ticultural enterprise for potted plants,
growing approx. 3.5 million plants a year
on an area measuring 31,000 square
meters. When the company began in-
dustrializing its flower production three
years ago, the project would certainly
not have been complete without an auto-
matic transportation system. However,
the overhead conveyor caused plenty of
trouble, says Fredrik Hemberg in retro-
spect. Collisions of trolleys with each
other, with people and with the planting
tables were not unusual at all. Resolute
as he is, after three weeks Hemberg dis-
mantled the system again and began
planning his own solution.
SICKs web page as a source of ideas
One of the essential tasks that needed
to be solved was the prevention of col-
lisions, i.e. guaranteeing operations
compatible with persons and processes.
During the search for a suitable sensor,
he discovered what he was looking for
on SICKs web page: an animation of
the S200 caused his flowery dreams
Florist develops conveyor system with laser scanner
Far more than just winning a flowerpot
The mans name is Fredrik Hemberg: he developed a special overhead conveyor
system for his greenhouse. A safety laser scanner in miniature format the S200
from SICK played a crucial role in making this possible.
to take concrete shape. Subsequently, I
discussed the entire matter with Joakim
Olofsson from SICK Sweden, and the
result was our own development in con-
veying technology, which has now raised
interest from greenhouse operators in
Sweden and abroad. We developed the
entire system in three months, putting it
into operation in December 2006.
Moving through the greenhouse colli-
sion-free, thanks to the S200
Today, because of the S200 safety laser
scanner, the containers are traveling be-
low the ceiling of the greenhouse without
any collisions. The programmed protec-
tion and warning fields are switched via
identification by 16 different barcodes
along the track sections. Speed control
takes place in the same way. A special
refinement is the fact that the scanner
is not mounted fast to the trolley but in-
stead swings in front of it, thus covering
an area greater than the curves. This
means that the fields can be utilized to
the greatest extent, Fredrik Hemberg
delights in his idea.
And what is the benefit? Every-
thing runs so quietly, there is no noise
any more like before, when employees
pulled the handcarts across the ground
or behind the moped, says Fredrik Hem-
bergs wife, Annika. For him, other ad-
vantages count: Not least thanks to the
S200s, we achieved a consistent flow in
the facility, which has made us very reli-
able at meeting deadlines. By using the
new conveying system, two persons can
complete the same work that five ac-
complished before. Moreover, the work
has become more ergonomic: employ-
ees save a lot of energy that previously
they had to invest in lifting and pulling
the carts.
Small-batch production started
Fredrik Hemberg is prepared to share
his innovation with others. Currently, he
has sufficient capacities to manufacture
four to five facilities a year. In terms of
development technology, he has already
moved one step further he his thinking
about introducing a remote control for
each individual trolleys control unit as
well as GPS in order to locate them from
the office. Whatever the future will bring,
he is certain about one thing: S200s will
be on board.
The S200 laser scanner prevents possible collisions
Fredrik Hemberg developed his
own automated conveying system
Conveying technology with overhead monorail
: Applications
26
02/2007
>> At its plant in the Austrian town of
Wieselburg, Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH
runs state-of-the-art facilities to pro-
duce headlights, turn signals, and in-
terior lights for cars and trucks. The
innovations for the automotive indus-
try include, among other things, projec-
tion systems with xenon gas-discharge
lamps for dimmed headlights and high
beams, both with and without adaptive
front lighting system. In terms of tech-
nology and practical use alike, each of
the light systems incorporates specific
features, e.g. a special light distribu-
tion, which must be met upon delivery.
For 100-percent process reliability and retraceability
2D code reader activates testing
programs for light systems
At Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH, compact ICR803 2D code readers always help
activate the testing processes that match the product. Apart from that, the auto-
matic detection guarantees complete retracing just in case.
Testing systematically
For testing, the respective light system
is positioned in a test rig. The ICR803
reads the code generated by a thermal
transfer process and transmits it to the
PLC. Based on the data, the system
first checks whether the right compo-
nents are present in the test station.
Subsequently, the appropriate testing
program is loaded and used to check
parameters such as light function or
light distribution. In case of a correct
signal, the test values are added to the
data of the light system already saved,
from where they can be retrieved and
retraced at any time.
insightLINK
www.zkw.at
The omnidirectional ICR803 code
reader as an identification solution
in the testing systems
To make sure that the correct testing
program is activated for each headlight
or lamp, Zizala identifies the light sys-
tems according to their 2D code, which
contains, among other things, the se-
rial number and product data in coded
format.
ICR803 when mounting space for a
code reader is in short supply
The ICR803 is an omnidirectional
code reader in particularly compact
design. Whether barcode, 2D code,
plain OCR characters, or pure image
capture the most diverse markings
can be detected and evaluated in any
orientation. LED illumination, the lat-
est imaging technology, and the choice
between USB or RS-232 interface ver-
sions everything the device needs
for reading is already integrated in the
housing that measures only 49 x 40 x
25 mm. The system does not require
any external decoders, illumination, or
interface adapters. In operation, the
ICR803 is extremely reliable, since
the code reader designed for station-
ary use contains no moving parts that
might break down, misalign, or age.
These attributes made the ICR803 the
ideal identification solution in the test-
ing systems at Zizala.
Automotive supply industry
insightLINK
www.itb-wetzlar.de
>> The advance warning system was
developed by the Ingenieurbro fr Bau-
wesen GbR (Engineering Office for the
Construction Sector) in Wetzlar. The data
detected includes horizontal and vertical
movements of structural elements rel-
evant to static equilibrium. The objective
is to recognize in advance any potential
material failure, thus preventing serious
accidents such as the collapse of the ice
rink in Bad Reichenhall or the highway
bridge in Minneapolis.
Safety sensor detects changes
In order to detect any deformations, the
advance warning device utilizes the sen-
sor signal from the L4000 photoelectric
safety switch. It sends, at a predeter-
mined distance, a narrowly focused ref-
erence beam to the supporting structure
of a roof construction or bridge. Prior to
this and based on the existing structural
statics, the maximum permissible defor-
mation was calculated; as well, cross-sec-
tions of the supporting structure relevant
Safety for roofs, bridges, and other types of structures
Advance warning system with
safety sensor detects deformations
Assisted by the L4000 photoelectric safety switch, the BDLV 2006 detects any
distortion or bending of rafters, bridge construction elements, and other load-bear-
ing components of structures.
to monitoring were defined. The support-
ing structure is fitted with masks through
which the focused light beam is directed
from the transmitter to the receiver. If the
structural component deforms beyond
the defined limiting value, the masks
mounted to it wander from their posi-
tion, which causes an interruption of
the light beam. The shut-off signal of the
UE401 then activates a signal and warn-
ing device, which allows the immediate
launch of evacuation and, respectively,
emergency measures.
For safe building and civil
engineering constructions as
well as bridge structures
The BDLV 2006 advance warning device
is suitable, among other things, for use
in hall constructions, bridge structures,
retaining walls, dams, embankments, or
noise barriers. The high safety level of the
L4000 ensures availability of the advance
warning system for continuous monitor-
ing of structures at any time.
: Applications Advance warning system
27
The four inventors of the BDLV 2006
advance warning system: Matthias Braun,
Eckhard Voltmann, Uwe Dietz, and Detlef
Lumma (from left to right)
On 2 October 2007, the BDLV 2006
advance warning device was presented on
MDR in the television show called Einfach
genial das Erfindermagazin (Simply in-
genious the inventors magazine).
: Applications
28
02/2007
insightLINK
www.bergproduct.nl
Activates driving control for automated harvesting trolley
Ultrasound cuts rose
growers cutting costs
By using autonomously moving trolleys, rose grower Frank van Wijk in the Dutch
city of de Lier has optimized the process of cutting roses. Compact ultrasonic sen-
sors from SICKs UC12 series initiate travel from one flowerbed to the next.
>> The B-Trolley Rozen was realized by
Berg Product B.V. located in the same
town. The company specializes in the
development and production of high-
quality advanced systems for harvesting,
supplying, transporting, and processing
products in the modern greenhouse in-
dustry. The freely moving trolleys are
equipped with an electric motor, a re-
chargeable battery, and a container ac-
commodating the freshly cut roses from
the flowerbed. Since the vehicles are
traveling automatically and no longer
need to be pushed along, now the em-
ployee can often cut five or six rose in
sizes. The sensor is mounted above the
container in which the roses are placed.
Whenever a rose or a bundle of roses is
put into the container, the sound wave
is interrupted briefly. The UC12 detects
this immediately, explicates Silvester
Weterings from Berg Product B.V. The B-
Trolley Rozen features a timer that allows
setting the number of travel seconds per
impulse. For small growing beds, fewer
roses have to be picked per consecutive
meter so that the trolley can move ahead
faster. For wider flower beds, the picker
requires more time, Silvester Weterings
describes the vehicles flexibility.
Rosy calculation
In his company, Frank van Wijk relies on
six B-Trolleys Rozen overall. He did the
math and has made cuts, calculating
that by using the automated rose trolley,
he was able to reduce cutting costs by
about 20 percent. The UC12 sensors,
showing a very high availability in this
tough environment, are contributing
their share to making this possible.
The UC12 ultrasonic sensor detects when the harvesting trolley needs to move forward
a single movement instead of only one
before, explains Frank van Wijk. This
means the harvesting work has become
more ergonomic and more efficient at
the same time.
UC12 gives the signal to move ahead
A UC12 ultrasonic sensor detects the time
when the B-Trolley Rozen is supposed
to carry on its journey. Measuring 15 x
50.5 x 43.5 mm, the device is one of the
smallest of its kind, thus ideally suited for
the application. Additionally, the sensor
has a detection range of about 35 cm,
sufficient for containers in the standard
Industrial trucks
: Applications
29
insightLINK
www.formit.ch
>> The Universal Form Feeder, made
by the Swiss producer Formit Technolo-
gies AG, is used both in banks and in-
surance companies and as a backup
inserting system in large mail service
outlets. Operating at a speed of 3 m/s,
the system processes different formats,
ranging from single-sheet documents
to print media such as brochures and
magazines. The crucial element in this
context is that the right documents are
processed completely and in the proper
order. They are marked with a barcode
that is identified during processing by
means of a CLV620 barcode scanner in-
tegrated into the feeder.
Formit-able solution
With regard to Formit and the Universal
Form Feeder, respectively, the CLV620
constitutes a formidable solution. De-
pending on the format, guide rails within
New scanner platform with improved decoding
Optimum process reliability
for document management
The Universal Form Feeder, a feeding station for tabletop inserting systems, is ca-
pable of handling up to 18,000 documents in A4 Format per hour. The integrity of the
documents and the flawless completion of the inserting process are based on the
reliability of CLV620 barcode readers from SICK and the Formit verification solution.
the feeder make it possible to align the
scanner in any location and position.
Immediately following the separation of
the documents, they are identified with
utmost reliability, with the scanned in-
formation transmitted to the prove-it
software within the inserting process
verification system. Using this program
Formit has opted at the same time for
the suitable re-detection solution: the
IT3800 hand-held scanner made by
SICK. The selection of scanners from
SICK and their extensive service network
secures very well the successful market-
ing of the feeders from Formit.
Depending on the format, the barcode scanner can be aligned
in any location and position via guide rails in the feeder
Andres Rdishli, general manager at
Formit Technologies AG, in front of the
Universal Form Feeder
permits in the next step detecting reli-
ably any missing parts or irregularities
within the process. Subsequent to docu-
ment processing, an additional verifica-
tion takes place in order to ensure the
highest possible reliability of the auto-
mated processes and to reproduce any
missing documents directly.
The Universal Form Feeder has
made its mark due to high flexibility, per-
formance, and availability. If neverthe-
less an instance of a no read occurs
or manual intervention may be required,
Learn more about the
CLV620 on page 43
Inserting system
: Applications
30
02/2007
insightLINK
www.crhclayproducts.com
>> Four tunnel kilns overall are in op-
eration at CRH Kleiwaren De Bylandt in
Rijnwaarden, producing about 90 million
bricks annually. This means that each
week roughly two million bricks leave the
company site on 125 fully loaded trucks,
plant manager Ton Bouma illustrates the
production volume. The enormous quan-
tity entails that the bricks are transported
away from the kiln quickly, a task complet-
ed by the unloading device. It grabs the
stacked and baked bricks very carefully
and sets them down. This sounds easier
than it is, since at the time the pressed
bricks reach the kilns, the position of each
stack is firmly defined, but this is not the
case when they leave the kilns. The rea-
son for the change: Because of material
shrinkage and due to the transport move-
ment, the bricks have shifted a bit in rela-
tion to each other. It is imperative that the
grippers of the unloading device, weighing
Laser measurement no need for sweeping up shards
Gripper control at the brick kiln
The clay product plant CRH Kleiwaren De Bylandt processes about 120,000 m of clay
a year into paving bricks. In order to prevent these bricks from turning into shards at
the four brick kilns, four LMS Laser Measurement Systems control the automatic
brick gripper.
about two tons each and moving above
the tunnel kiln car, do not hit any protrud-
ing bricks. This could result in serious
damage, as part of the tunnel kiln car con-
sists of a very delicate fireproof material.
Reliable grasp even of shifted stacks
In order to pick up the stacks, the gripper
first pivots above the tunnel kiln car load-
ed with bricks. The LMS Laser Measure-
ment System helps search for positions in
which the gripper can be lowered without
collisions so that no damages occur, no
bricks fall down, and none of the stacks
tips over. As soon as the LMS has helped
detect a sufficiently large free space for
the gripper arm, it is positioned accord-
ingly to pick up the stack of bricks.
In good company
The LMS are not the only components
from SICK that CRH Kleiwaren De By-
Each week, 125 fully loaded trucks
with 2 million paving bricks leave
the company site
landt has used to automate the produc-
tion process. We are utilizing numerous
photoelectric switches for presence and
absence control and as feed safety sys-
tems, says Ton Bouma. Even though
we cannot determine that decision, most
of our machine suppliers equip their in-
stallation with sensor technology from
SICK as standard feature to begin with,
enabling us to keep our stock of spare
parts as low as possible. This is also
due to another reason: A number of sen-
sors from SICK have already been in op-
eration since 1978, proving their robust-
ness and availability.
Four LMS Laser Measurement Systems control the automatic 2-ton gripper
Construction, pit and quarry industries
: Applications
31
insightLINK
www.atmvision.com and
www.kawasakirobotics.com
>> An automotive manufacturer had been
searching for a means to guarantee
and document the one-hundred-per-
cent flawless quality of laser-welded
seams at minimized inspection cost.
The firm found what it was looking for at
ATMvision AG located in Salem/Beuren,
which was able to realize such a 3D in-
spection solution together with the Ka-
wasaki Robotics Company.
Weld seam as an indicator of product
and process quality
In the course of laser welding, a con-
centrated coupling of energy into the
3D weld seam inspection in automotive body assembly
No chance for pores,
nicks, and cracks
Compact in design, accurate in measurement technology, and fast in image evalu-
ation and data transmission these features make the Ranger E 3D camera the
ideal solution for the integrator ATMvision and Kawasaki Robotics with respect to
laser-welded seams in automotive body assembly.
abutting edges of the metal sheets
takes place. This causes the material
to melt within a very short time. In this
technique, a steam capillary develops
in the direction of the beam, connect-
ing the metal sheets during cooling.
The workmanship of the weld seam is
an indicator of quality in two ways on
the one hand, regarding the welded
component part and on the other hand,
regarding process stability. Therefore,
the requirement involved a test system
that allowed examining the weld seam
for holes, marginal nicks, surface
pores, gaping cracks, or other indica-
tions of surface flaws immediately af-
ter being created.
Ranger E: Camera inspection system
integrated directly into a six-axis robot
For solving this task, the people at ATM-
vision decided in favor of using Ranger E
the worlds fastest camera for 3D con-
tour measurement. With up to 35,000
contour profiles per second and over
1,500 measuring points per profile,
this camera system from SICK sets the
standard of 3D contour measurement
in an industrial environment. Apart from
the highest possible measuring speed,
Ranger E offers the kind of extremely
high accuracy required for detecting min-
ute detail of laser weld seams. Using the
triangulation method, the profile of the
laser line produced by the weld seam is
evaluated directly in the integrated im-
age-processing chip. Since the Ranger E
is equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet in-
terface for fast data transmission, the
measured results can be transmitted
and evaluated in real time. ATMvision in-
stalled the Ranger E 3D camera system
directly on Kawasaki Robotics six-axis
industrial robot. At a defined distance,
the robot guides the camera system at
800 mm/s across the weld seam, which
is scanned line-by-line at the same time.
The surface of the laser weld seam is
recorded one hundred per cent in the in-
line process. Due to the high resolution
of < 100 m, even the smallest irregu-
larities are detected reliably. If any nicks,
cracks, pores, or holes occur, the inspec-
tion system reports them to the higher
control level of the overall installation.
Using the Ranger E guarantees and
documents the product quality of the
welded component parts. At the same
time, the welding process is monitored
permanently and instantly. The evalu-
ation of the weld seam based on high-
precision measurement values makes
it possible to detect fluctuations in the
process early on and to take corrective
action.
Successful weld seam inspection with the Ranger E 3D camera that is
integrated directly into the six-axis robot
Automotive
: Applications
32
02/2007
insightLINK
www.dsk.de
>> The objective of DSK was to cooper-
ate with specialized partners to develop
a solution toward advance drive path
monitoring for an OMR. Commissioned
by DSK, the Fraunhofer Institute for Auto-
mation took on the project management.
SICK supplied the laser scanner as well
as extensive application expertise. The
Embigence Company programmed what
eventually amounted to the LD-OEMs
16 monitoring fields, and DBT Scharf,
the manufacturer of the OMR, was re-
Protects miners underground by advance drive path monitoring
First laser scanner in
firedamp-proof design
In 2005, the prototype of a fully automated diesel trolley was introduced in the
context of DSKs project called Novel transport infrastructure; apart from docu-
menting economy and feasibility, the project served to demonstrate that such a
machine could obtain technical approval. For this purpose, the hard coal mining
company Deutsche Steinkohle (DSK) launched the development of the first laser
scanner in firedamp-proof design. The LD-OEM from SICK is used at a depth of
1,200 m for protecting an unmanned overhead monorail (OMR). Accordingly, this
system opens the potential for a large number of possible applications, not only in
mining but also in explosion-prone areas above ground.
sponsible for the ATEX housing, system
integration, and approval of the overall
system by the mining authority.
Safety on underground routes
The automated OMR, suspended from
a steel rail, is intended for unmanned
transport of materials and tools along
suitable routes. The device scans the
area in the direction of travel in front of
the trolley by electronic means. Utilizing
two radar sensors and one laser scan-
ner, the machine sees electronically
and stops automatically when detecting
obstacles.
This is the function taken on by the
firedamp-proof LD-OEM1000. The de-
vice scans its surroundings with laser
impulses, which are used by a first DSP
(digital signal processor) to generate dis-
tance and angle data.
Ambient detection
from the protective housing
The LD-OEM1000 is accommodated en-
tirely in a pressure-proof enclosed hous-
ing. The laser scanners short-range sup-
pression makes sure that the device can
measure through the view window of the
housing without any problems and that
reflections from the particularly thick
window do not result in any malfunc-
tions.
Tested successfully, unique worldwide
Before deployment underground, the
entire solution was tested thoroughly
by the project partners at the Training
Center for Mining in Recklinghausen.
Following successful completion, there
was nothing standing in the way of the
underground trial. The prototype of the
automated diesel trolley has shown that
all of the necessary components, in par-
ticular the sensor technology, such as
laser and radar scanners as well as the
WLAN technology, are suited for under-
ground operations in hard coal mining at
reasonable cost.
Just for the record, one may note
that today the LD-OEM laser scanner,
as used in the DSK facility, is the worlds
only firedamp-proof and ATEX-approved
installation for advance path protection.
Use of the LD-OEM laser scanner 1,200 m below ground to secure an unmanned
overhead monorail the fully automated diesel trolley of the DSK
Overhead monorail
: Internet
>> Application-related animations illus-
trate the use of sensors from SICK in the
everyday industrial settings and answer
fascinating questions:
p How does a safety laser scanner pro-
tect people from accidents or injuries
and an automated guided vehicle
from collisions?
p In what way does a safety light
curtain manage to differentiate
between human and material
on a conveyor system?
Application-related and functional animations on SICKs homepage
Complex processes explained easily
Sometimes a picture or in this case, a short film tells more than a 1000 words.
Our application-related and functional animations on SICKs homepage depict
even complex processes in a way that is graphic and easy to understand.
p How does a contrast scanner detect
print marks?
p What is the underlying principle when
a camera system detects contours or
determines 3D positions in a given
space?
p What are the requirements that a
code reader needs to fulfil in order to
identify 1D or 2D codes reliably?
More complex products, such as safety
controls or safety network solutions
and the associated sensor technology
are explained by means of functional
animations; using graphic visualiza-
tions, they depict and elucidate vari-
ous application scenarios or safety
functions such as blanking or muting.
Have we aroused your curiosity?
You can check out the animations dur-
ing SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2007 at SICKs
exhibition stand or on your own com-
puter in the Application Finder of
SICKs Partner Portal:
http://mysick.com/applikationen
>> As a client, how satisfied are you with
SICK? Would you recommend us to oth-
ers? Please let us now in OpinioScope
at www.sick.de!
OpinioScope is an Internet-based
feedback tool developed specifically
for users from the automation industry.
It records customer satisfaction with
respect to manufacturers and suppli-
ers. Since OpinioScope allows evalu-
ation of more than 90 German enter-
prises, it also serves as a company-
specific benchmark tool and at the
same time as barometer to gauge the
mood in the major areas of automation
technology.
Are you satisfied with products,
logistics, and service?
Your opinion counts!
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
You will find OpinioScope on our homep-
age at www.sick.de. Numerous custom-
ers have already submitted their evalu-
ations. Now its your turn because we
are particularly keen to find out about
your opinion
34
02/2007
: Technology
High-end image processing with Ranger cameras from SICK IVP
Chronos Vision: from space to daily use
For more than 12 years, the high-tech and high-speed image processors from
Chronos Vision in Berlin have been working together with the 3D camera pioneers
from SICK IVP. Ranger cameras from SICK IVP now help to get technologies from
space travel into shape for commercial use.
>> Eye tracking is one of the magic words
for Dr. Friedrich-J. Baartz, general man-
ager of Chronos Vision. This involves
the rapid measurement of eye move-
ments at currently more than 1,200
images per second, he explains. What
does eye tracking have to do with space
travel? On the one hand, it is a monitor-
ing system that enabled ground control
to track the action of cosmonauts on the
MIR, elucidates Dr Baartz; on the other
hand, the object here is a medical-scien-
tific study on the effects of the human
optic system on our balance, as the lat-
ter is decoupled from the balancing influ-
ence of the ears only in a state of zero
gravity. The transfer of these insights
from the universe to universal everyday
use, as it were, is important for various
fields. Using rapid eye tracking allows
quick diagnosis of illnesses; eye track-
ing is important in the context of laser
eye surgery; in neurophysiology it helps
measure the brains adaptability; and in
psychology, too, eye movement provides
important clues. Yet again, how do all of
these applications relate to the Ranger
camera system from SICK IVP?
1,200 images per second
an unequaled value
Eye tracking in space occurred via head-
set systems similar to eyeglasses with
an integrated mini camera and deflect-
ing mirrors on the ear pieces. On earth,
eye tracking can now be integrated with
Ranger E cameras in devices related to
medical technology, e.g. in an MRI scan-
ner or a Lasik for refractive eye surgery.
With the Rangers from SICK IVP, there
are cameras available for this purpose
that can now evaluate more than 1,200
SICK insight: Chronos is part of the company name because
Dr. Baartz: we are the specialists for fast image processing
and place a premium on the shortest possible time to market
solutions.
SICK insight: The special achievement of IVP was
Dr. Baartz: the brilliant idea of pre-processing 3D image data
directly online on the camera chip without additional hardware.
SICK insight: SICKs investment at IVP has ...
Dr. Baartz: opened the door to large clients for the top technology of Ranger.
SICK insight: The great advantage of the Ranger cameras is
Dr. Baartz: not only the rapid image sequence but also the 3D triangulation be-
tween laser, object, and camera that is flexibly adjustable and immune to ambient
light.
SICK insight: The people coming to Chronos Vision
Dr. Baartz: require rapid and, respectively, high-resolution image processing
and are looking for a partner accompanying them with other partners from the
first feasibility study all the way to successful system integration.
SICK insight: Thank you for coffee and the interesting conversation!
>> Five questions for Dr. Baartz:
On earth, eye tracking with Ranger E
cameras can be integrated in devices
related to medical technology
In space, eye tracking took place via headset systems similar
to eyeglasses with miniature cameras
Eye tracking
35
: Technology
>> With respect to pharmaceutical pack-
ages, for example, invisible labeling with
luminophores and sensors that can
detect them are promising measures
toward product protection with a high
degree of counterfeit safety. SICKs LUT
series of stationary and mobile lumines-
cence scanners allow quick differentia-
tion between original and pirate copy in
manufacturing, packaging, distribution,
customs inspection, or automated re-
turn systems.
The luminescence scale from SICK al-
lows testing and determining the sig-
nal quality of luminescent markings.
>> In order to achieve a dependable use
of luminescence scanners in various ap-
For many products, authentication label-
ing with luminophores represents techni-
cally and economically suitable protection
against pirate copies. Read more about the
way luminescence scanners can be used
to tackle illegal brand name and product
piracy in the PDF available for download-
ing at www.sick.com/insight
plication fields, the luminescence scale
can be used to test the detection reli-
ability at different signal intensities. The
testing according to gradations of 10,
30, 50, 75, 100 and 200 % constitutes
a relative measurement between scale
and test specimen, e.g. with respect to
labels, package inserts, banderols, or
an application of glue. The stability of
the luminophorous pigments printed
in safety color permits the use of the
scale as a long-term standard measure
and as reference material for the signal
strength of a luminescence marking.
In serving this function, the lumines-
cence scale, which replaces Cibas white
scale that is out of stock, constitutes
an important accessory for the marking
of luminophores and their detection by
means of luminescence scanners.
www.sick.com/lumineszenztaster
High-end image processing with Ranger cameras from SICK IVP
Chronos Vision: from space to daily use
images per second instead of 500 so
far, Dr. Baartz points to the crucial ad-
vantage. This high-speed eye tracking
opens up entirely new possibilities for
medical technology because it allows
observing eye movements nearly without
delay and evaluating them with extreme
temporal resolution. What is depicted
as linear eye travel when using slower
image sequences now turns out to be a
complex, multidirectional sequence of
movements, explains Dr. Baartz. How-
ever, is medical technology the only field
requiring such fast image sequences?
High-end automation
and testing technology
Dr. Baartz has been in the business for
long enough to set his focus or that of
the Rangers, respectively, on other ap-
plications apart from medical technol-
ogy as well. Currently, a project involving
the separation and portioning of meat in
fast-moving cutting processes will draw
to a close shortly. In Russia, he relates,
the Rangers are used to check the pla-
narity of forged railroad wheels and their
embossing. Eye tracking similar maxi-
mum speed is called for with respect to
another project patented by partners and
him: the measurement of tread depth in
moving traffic. Here we could certainly
go as high as 200 km/h [125 mph],
comments Dr. Baartz, but we are limit-
ing ourselves to 120 km/h [75 mph] in
the first step. We have already tested the
system at TV [German safety inspection
authority], and with the Ranger cameras
we are able to reach resolutions of 8 m
a traffic policeman will achieve an ac-
curacy of merely 2/10 mm for a vehicle
at rest.
Therefore, in the future one may con-
tinue to expect the cooperation between
Chronos Vision and SICK IVP to yield
quite a few innovations that today exist
as visions as best.
www.chronos-vision.de
With the Ranger E, it is possible to
evaluate 1,200 images per second
instead of only 500
Invisible and safe
Distinguishing products and pirate
copies with luminophores
Pirate copies are a nuisance even oc-
cupying the G8 summit recently. The
worldwide brand industry suffers no
less than 120 billion euros a year in
damages because of product piracy
German companies alone are losing 25
billion euros. Due to the health risks,
things become really dangerous when
the counterfeit products are medicines
or their packaging.
Original or pirated copy? LUTs provide the solution!
Use as standard measure and reference material
Luminescence scale defines
signal intensity
36
02/2007
: Interview
SICK insight: What are the core compe-
tencies of Pttmann KG?
Bernhard Pttmann: Founded in 1930,
today our company has a staff of 14 em-
ployees and serves as an agency and
distributor for well-known suppliers. Our
special competence is concentrated in
the areas of sensor technology, factory
automation, identification systems, and
safety technology. By offering this portfo-
lio, our company aims at being a compe-
tent partner with comprehensive know-
ledge of products for industries active
in mechanical engineering, production,
and equipment cabinet construction. In
this context, for numerous clients we act
as a single-source supplier of the prod-
uct spectrum in question.
SICK insight: Why are you participating
as a distributor in SICKs Portal Partner
Program?
Bernhard Pttmann: We wish to serve
our customers in the best possible way,
not only with goods but also with infor-
Customer service at Pttmann KG on the highest level
SICKs Portal Partner Program: online services also for distributor clients
For six months, SICKs Partner Portal has been accessible for clients of the dis-
tribution partner Pttmann KG as well. SICK insight interviewed general manager
Dipl.-Ing. Bernhard Pttmann and Dr. Peter Mller-Haude, who is in charge of IT at
the distributor, about their experiences and the benefits to customers.
mation. By participating in SICKs Portal
Partner Program our clients can take
advantage of the same opportunities
that SICK offers to its direct customers:
product search, application support, in-
ventory check, inquiry on product data,
download functions, and much more. By
using these possibilities, our clients sim-
plify their operating processes, e.g. the
compilation of internal demand require-
ments as a basis for inquiries.
SICK insight: And what are the resulting
advantages for the Pttmann Company?
Dr. Mller-Haude: To begin with, they are
associated with the area of IT. Pttmann
does not need its own shop solution be-
cause via SICKs Partner Portal, we are
connected directly to SICKs product da-
tabase. Its maintenance is carried out at
SICK not creating any work for us but
always providing our clients and us with
access to up-to-date information. Anoth-
er advantage is the fact that the Partner
Portal is open and we had a chance to
extend it by adding our database, i.e. the
Pttmann client finds our entire product
range in the shop at puettmann.com.
This makes the solution an efficient in-
strument for fostering client loyalty.
SICK insight: : How extensive does a
distributors IT department have to be in
order to participate in SICKs Portal Part-
ner Program?
Dr. Mller-Haude: The IT department
you are asking about is standing in front
of you: I am it. Of course, a series of com-
mercial, technology- and Internet-related
details had to be cleared up within the
Pttmann team and with SICK; however,
the next distributor will likely be spared
many aspects emerging from the for-
ward project planning that lasted nearly
one year, because as the first partner we
definitely did a lot of pioneering work,
e.g. regarding the consideration of pric-
ing rules. The software runs completely
on the Internet, which makes the load-
ing of data or the completion of test runs
very easy. Thomas Burger from SICKs
Vertriebs-GmbH in Dsseldorf and his
competent IT colleagues from Waldkirch
were always available very promptly
throughout the entire development and
implementation stage. As a result, the
project required my full attention only
In conversation: Thomas Burger from SICK with Dr. Peter Mller-Haude and Bernhard Pttmann from Pttmann KG (from left to right)
37
>> SICKs Partner Portal
: Interview
insightLINK
Find out more about SICKs Partner Portal
at Pttmann on the internet at:
www.puettmann.com
Customer service at Pttmann KG on the highest level
SICKs Portal Partner Program: online services also for distributor clients
Anyone registering now will benefit!
The product quick search will lead you rapidly to the desired product with all of
the available details such as technical data, documents, software downloads,
links to successor products, the appropriate accessories or typical applications.
The guided search with our finders for products, applications, or literature will
support you in discovering the right information.
For registered users, our 24-hour online service at www.mysick.com offers
additional features:
p Price and availability check
p Product ordering with shopping basket and import and export function
p Offer request
p Complete offer and order history
p Online order status
p Online delivery tracking
Register now at www.mysick.com/register in order to capitalize on all the
advantages of SICKs Partner Portal.
during certain phases, i.e. it did not turn
into a full-time job for me, giving me a
chance to take care of other assign-
ments. And now that everything is up
and running, the only effort left is some
supplementing and updating here and
there.
SICK insight: How would you sum up this
initiative? And what will or should the fu-
ture bring?
Bernhard Pttmann: The decision to take
part in SICKs Portal Partner Program
was right. Our clients are using the pos-
sibilities that direct access offers them.
of service, e.g. with respect to advice on
application technology. Fulfilling future
wishes is not just up to SICK and Ptt-
mann. In order to achieve uniformity of
the computer systems or, respectively,
the different ERP systems, others will
have to do their homework on connectiv-
ity and interfaces. As far as our clients
go, a bit of fine tuning or the odd service
extension here and there would be help-
ful, for example, regarding quantity in-
quiries or online reservation of products.
However, that is a matter we need to
tackle together with SICK.
SICK insight: Thank you for taking the
time to talk to us.
Whether product search, application support, or inventory check the clients of Ptt-
mann very much appreciate the online participation in SICKs Portal Partner Program
For them, the search for information has
not only become easier and faster, but it
is available twenty-four seven. To us this
represents a relief in the area of admin-
istration, e.g. concerning the mailing of
documentation, enabling us to use more
resources toward improving the quality
The search for information
has not only become easier
and faster, but it is avail-
able twenty-four seven
38
02/2007
: Highlight
insightLINK
www.sickmaihak.com
Usable almost universally due to novel technology
measurement system in one package
With the LFT, SICK is presenting a new type of level measurement system for
nearly all water- and oil-based liquids. The combination of TDR technology (time
domain reflectometry) and a highly resistant coaxial measuring probe results in a
maximum degree of independence concerning installing and ambient conditions.
>> With gauge lengths nearly free from
dead zones, ranging from 30 to 1,980
mm, the G A and, respectively, NPT
connection threads as well as the teach-
in configuration via a single button, the
LFT level measurement system is suit-
able particularly for small to medium-
size containers and tanks.
TDR technology: coaxial probe con-
ducts microwave impulses
The special feature of the LFT is the in-
novative measuring principle, which in-
volves feeding low-energy microwaves
to a stainless steel coaxial probe. When
they reach the surface of the liquid me-
dium, a portion of the electromagnetic
impulses is reflected. Based on the du-
ration that passes until the reflected
impulses arrive at the sensing head, the
device calculates the current filling level
with an accuracy of only few millimeters.
This technology makes the detection of
filling levels with the LFT independent of
such factors as installation, type of con-
tainer and filling medium, since the am-
bient conditions always prevailing within
the measuring probe are firmly defined
and free from interference. If the physi-
cal attributes of the liquids change, the
LFT does not require reconfiguration.
Analog and switching outputs usable
individually
By using the LFT, users can solve their
detection of filling levels individually.
The sensor features a 4-20 mA analog
output as well as four switching outputs
that can be programmed separately. If a
high/low level control needs to be real-
ized, e.g. for pump control between mini-
mum and maximum levels, it is possible
to couple two switching points.
Simple operation
The start-up of the LFT is rather simple.
Pressing just one button sets the switch-
ing points, changes over the switching
outputs between NC and NO contact,
presets the hysteresis for the switching
points, and determines the actual mea-
suring range along the coaxial probe.
Wide range of applications
Typical fields of use for the LFT are con-
tainers and tanks in water and wastewa-
ter management, machine construction,
machine tools, or CIP (cleaning in place)
filling installations. In these areas, the
nearly wear-free and maintenance-free
device proves its high degree of accuracy
and robustness with respect to the most
diverse filling materials, including cool-
ants, grinding and hydraulic oils, or clean-
ing, degreasing, and disinfecting agents.
LFT level measurement system
The novel LFT level measurement
system for nearly all water- and
oil-based liquids
39
: Products
insightLINK
For your applications, are you expecting optical sensors that solve demanding
tasks, follow fast process speeds, and exhibit a high degree of availability in harsh
industrial environments? In that case, the W12-3 is the right choice.
>> SICK will be presenting the new W12-
3 series of photoelectric switches for the
first time at the 2007 SPS/IPC/DRIVES
Trade Fair in Nuremberg.
The W12-3 offers superb performance
in a metal housing reliable object de-
tection and maximum availability in an
industrial environment, coupled with
comprehensive sensor monitoring, un-
derscores the substantial lead by com-
parison with conventional opto-sensors.
Sensor platform with know-how
The W12-3 builds on the wealth of ex-
perience and the application expertise
derived from the previous W12 models
that have been setting standards in au-
tomation for over a decade. Featuring
different functional principles, the new
W12-3 also covers a wide range of uses
in the most diverse areas of automation
technology. For instance, the WSE12-3
through-beam photoelectric switch is
the ideal solution in applications that de-
mand greater reserves of performance
or very long ranges. The WL12-3 photo-
electric reflex switch using the principle
of autocollimation is particularly suited
for reliable object detection at extremely
close ranges. From the PET bottle to the
transparent foil, the WL12G-3 ensures
reliable detection of transparent objects.
The scanners in the series deliver opti-
mum detection results both by means of
foreground suppression (WTF12-3) and
background suppression (WTB12-3). In
addition, they can be integrated in field-
bus environments via IO link. These fea-
tures permit, among other things, the re-
alization of preventive maintenance and
servicing measures as well as a consid-
erable reduction of changeover times.
Excellent in an extreme environment
Process reliability and dependability in
any ambient conditions is the top priority
for the W12-3. For this reason, the en-
tire production series features a robust,
high pressure-resistant metal housing
that conforms to the requirements of
the IP 69K protection rating. As well,
resistance to cleaning and disinfecting
agents, and lubricating oils opens up a
variety of possible applications in harsh
operating conditions and all of that
within a temperature range from 40 C
to +60 C. If requirements are even
more extreme, the W12-3 is also avail-
able with an optional Teflon coating.
:

T
I
T
L
E

T
O
P
I
C
Robust, precise, intelligent:
the W12-3 sets the new standard
Process reliability is
top priority
Innovative and individual: sensor
technology of the finest quality
Using the W12-3 allows solving more
safely and dependably any demanding
applications in which precision matters
most. This is made possible, among
other things, by the small, exact light
spot serving to detect objects with better
accuracy. Interfering optical reflections
from the surroundings are detected and
suppressed reliably. The short response
time guarantees secure detection at
high process speeds. Two status LEDs
for operating voltage and light reception,
visible very well from all directions, per-
mit a straightforward and effective sen-
sor diagnosis.
Process reliability and dependability in
any type of environmental setting
the W12-3 series in a metal housing
W12-3: simply fits anytime and
anywhere
The great variety of attachment options,
e.g. dovetail mounting or the reinforced
mounting holes, guarantees maximum
freedom for mounting.
Rotatable plug or cable connectors per-
mit a flexible choice of cable laying. Just
place the object in the beam path, press
the button and voil adjusting the scan-
ning range setting by means of teach-in
saves time and is very user-friendly.
The W12-3 constitutes an impressive ex-
ample of SICKs technological leadership
and solution competence in the field of
industrial automation.
New series of W12-3 photoelectric switches
40
02/2007
: Products
:

P
R
O
D
U
C
T

N
E
W
S
>> The VFS60 permits any line number
from 1 to 65,536 per rotation. The encod-
ers electrical insulation between the mo-
tor shaft and the encoder itself is a fea-
ture that substantially increases immunity
to interference and thus availability. Be-
cause of its operating temperature range
between 20 C and +100 C, the series
is particularly suited even for applications
involving anything but living-room condi-
tions. An additional improvement is re-
lated to the encoders quiet running. The
separation of the two ball bearings in the
encoders has been increased to 30 mm
to reduce vibrations and achieve optimum
concentric running, even at the maximum
operating speed of 12,000 min-1.
Asynchronous motors, pay close attention!
Hollow-shaft encoder as
pacesetter for technology
By introducing the new VFS60, SICK STEGMANN presents a novel hollow-shaft en-
coder suited specifically for installation in asynchronous motors. With the device,
replacing the long-standing top seller DGS66, encoder technology in this area of
application is taking a significant technological step forward.
Despite all of the special features
included in the VFS60, the basics
were not neglected either: Features
such as a hollow-shaft diameter of up
to 15 mm, an external housing dimen-
sion of 60 mm, easy attachment due
to a large number of torque multipli-
ers, universal cable outlet as well as
various electrical interfaces (TTL and
HTL) meet the basic prerequisites of
most manufacturers of asynchronous
motors. Finally, the VFS60 conforms
to the requirements of the RoHS and
has all approvals according to CE
and UL. Further electrical and me-
chanical designs will follow at the turn
of the year.
New in the entry/exit portfolio
No problem with classic examples
of poor patterns
>> The C4000 Palletizer has found
its enthusiasts because in automated
material flows, the entry/exit safety
system manages without additional
sensor technology, swing doors, or
indicator lamps. This means substan-
tial cost-savings in terms of planning,
construction, and installation as well
as connecting and servicing. Pattern
recognition which involves monitor-
ing and evaluating the blocking of indi-
vidual light beams and objects with a
minimum size has become even more
Currently in its second generation, the C4000 Palletizer safety light curtain for
efficient differentiation between persons and pallets in automated material flow
now easily masters even the poorest pallets and other impeding factors.
flexible. The C4000 Palletizer makes
this possible by special evaluating al-
gorithms that keep the taught-in pallet
pattern firmly in focus, even in case of
damaged pallets with protruding splin-
ters of wood and straps or remnants of
foil hanging from the pallet.
Proven benefits were kept: safety, avail-
ability, additional functions, and reduced
costs for installation and operation of up
to 40 % by comparison to conventional
muting solutions.
41
: Products
:

P
R
O
D
U
C
T

N
E
W
S
>> Aiming again, aligning again, scan-
ning again it is annoying when read-
ing barcode labels does not work or
becomes a test of patience. These prob-
lems associated with frequent and rapid
routine scanning processes have now
been eliminated by introducing the new
IT4600r hand-held scanner.
Perfect for fly-by reading
In terms of reading technology, the
IT4600r is very well prepared for de-
tecting the common 1D, batch, and 2D
codes. Its imager reading module is ca-
pable of detecting the codes not only
reliably but also in any orientation. Be-
yond that, it features a great depth of
field therefore, the user does not have
to search the scanning range for a long
time but obtains a reading result quickly.
The device, however, is also particularly
Omnidirectional reading, great depth
of field, better reading performance,
and a high degree of motion tolerance
the new IT4600r hand-held scanner
has everything required to handle
the scanning of 1D und 2D codes on
the fly.
suited for operation as a stationary pre-
sentation scanner, e.g. for use at cash
registers. Additional LEDs in the reading
module ensure optimum lighting and a
special operating mode guarantees even
better reading performance. In this way,
the IT4600r achieves a horizontal mo-
tion tolerance that allows the user to let
the code fly by the device at a speed of
up to 0.5 m/s.
Long flight time
The IT4600r stands out to due its high
availability. It does not come with any
moving parts susceptible to wear but
with a five-year warranty instead.
>> The sensor features high speed in two
ways: on the one hand, because of the
high-speed variants with 10 kHz switch-
ing frequency; on the other hand, due
to the uncomplicated teach-in of switch-
ing thresholds in any of the four possible
teach modes. After that, its simply go,
and the WLL170T-2 with its IP 66 hous-
ing will deliver convincing performance
because of its switching performance,
which is microprocessor-assisted and
thus extremely stable and reliable.
Fast and direct
Fiber-optic photoelectric
switch with teach & go
Wherever the actual object detection is uncritical but extreme lack of space pre-
vails, the WLL170T-2 fiber-optic photoelectric switch constitutes the fast and di-
rect solution.
Installed at a distance, but neverthe-
less close to the object
In order to get as close to the scene of
the action even from a distance, SICK
currently offers more than 100 different
fiber-optic cables made of plastic and
glass fiber. Flexible in terms of wiring
and individual in terms of mounting, they
complement the WLL170T-2 very well,
opening up ideal automation solutions
especially when space around machin-
ery is confined.
2D hand-held scanner optimized for presentation scanning
High-flyer
42
02/2007
: Products
insightLINK
>> The principle underlying the V300WS
is the simplest thing imaginable. The de-
vice is installed in one corner of the frame
of a working station. A reflective strip is at-
tached to the opposite sides. The camera
system detects the reflective strip auto-
matically and aligns the monitoring field
with a 20 mm resolution accordingly. If
a person reaches into the machine dur-
ing the ongoing processing operation, the
V300WS responds within 20 ms, generat-
ing a secure shutoff signal.
Easy to install and user-friendly
The V300WS can be mounted in next to no
time, e.g. in or on a slotted bar frame. Due
For a safe workplace
Candid
camera
High level of protection: the V300WS
camera system
The new V300WS Category 3 safety
system is space-saving, quick, and well
suited for hand protection. Using the
camera system allows securing operat-
ing areas on assembly, handling, and
industrial robots with cyclical or spo-
radic intervention in a reliable and bar-
rier-free way.
manently checks whether the reflective
strip exhibits any dirt, gaps, damaged sec-
tions, or objects placed on it. If any inter-
ference is detected, it can be located via
the LED display, as each one of the four
displays monitors a different section
within the 110-degree scanning angle of
the V300WS. If the reflective strip is too
dirty for cleaning or damaged heavily, it is
possible to restore the full functionality of
the V300WS quickly by affixing a new re-
flective strip.
Safety in the appropriate category
Featuring Category 3 in accordance
with EN 61496-1 (SIL2 according to IEC
61508), the V300WS is the first sensor for
securing hazardous zones with this level
of protection. This means the user has
the opportunity of utilizing a more afford-
able Category 3 system for applications
that do not require a Category 4 safety
level according the risk assessment. If the
danger analysis determines a protective
requirement corresponding to Category 2,
SICKs safety portfolio provides a suitable
solution for this task as well, represented
by the V200 WS, the little brother of the
V300WS.
to the scanning angle of 110, the device
detects all areas while at the same time
allowing relatively substantial tolerances
making time-consuming alignment at
start-up or during readjustment entirely re-
dundant. Depending on the work routine,
the device can be positioned in one of the
upper or one of the lower corners that is,
wherever it fulfills the ergonomic require-
ments of the work station. Furthermore,
the arrangement necessitates laying and
installing only one connecting cable. The
range of the diagonal protection field is
1.41 m in case of larger intervention
openings, there is the option of synchro-
nizing two devices, thus doubling the size
of the protective field. The required syn-
chronization input is a standard feature of
the V300WS.
Opens up new, barrier-free
monitoring possibilities
The V300 now makes it possible to real-
ize ergonomic work stations that permit
agreeable and efficient working: if two
sides adjoining at an angle require se-
curing, in this scenario as well two safe
camera systems represent the perfect
solution. The center brace at the corner
junction can be left out so that the opera-
tor has barrier-free access to the machine
diagonally across, e.g. for putting in or tak-
ing out larger work pieces inconvenient
barriers can be dropped.
Permanent reflector inspection
In order to ensure the highest possible
safety and availability, the V300WS per-
V300WS safety camera system
43
: Products
>> The compact device provides for more
performance in the familiar applications
of warehousing and materials handling
engineering, opening interesting fields
of application in clinical analysis, the
electronics industry, or document man-
agement.
Platform of a new generation
of scanners
The CLV6xx production series is not mere-
ly a face-lift of the well-known and reli-
able CLV4xx series, but an autonomous
new scanner platform. From evaluation
and operation all the way to possible
communication uses, this equipment in-
corporates the most advanced technolo-
gies and solutions. The scan algorithms
of SMART decoding have undergone
further refinement codes can be even
poorer and yet scanned nevertheless.
In order to achieve the easiest initial
start-up possible, users have at their dis-
posal an operating concept unmatched
in simplicity e.g. featuring connecting
assistant, quick start, a diagnostic win-
dow that can be activated during the en-
tire parameterization, event monitor for
inputs and outputs, as well as straight-
forward simulation facilities with respect
to varying adjustable parameters. The
auto set-up is undergoing further adap-
tation to users requirements. In terms of
communications, the CLV620 like the
devices still to follow is available as a
variant with an Ethernet interface. The
costs and space required for a separate
Ethernet fieldbus gateway become re-
dundant. Filtering and sorting functions
allow the format of data output to be ad-
justed to ones own wishes, which elimi-
nates the programming effort necessary
in the controller otherwise.
Compatible connecting technology,
new features are in the pipeline
The CLV620 is mechanically improved
but compatible with the CLV4xx pro-
duction series with a view to essential
parameterization commands, making
an upgrade to the new scanner genera-
tion possible in principle. This applies
New platform for reading devices
Laser scanner with Ethernet on board!
The CLV620 made by SICK is the first among a new generation of barcode scan-
ners. The device offers even more scanning performance as well as an improved
operating and diagnostic approach.
to the entire new CLV6xx platform that
will presented in the months ahead. The
innovation will entail a number of new
system features in several areas such as
fieldbus integration and diagnostic func-
tions.
Bottom line: The success story of bar-
code laser scanners continues.
insightLINK
The new CLV 620 barcode scanner
Learn more about the
CLV620 on page 29
CLV620 barcode scanner
02/2007
: Products
insightLINK
www.sick-stegmann.de
Differentiated by output performance, operation, and measuring system
Automatic format adjustment,
custom-made
One advantage of automatic format adjustment is fast and precise adjustment of
positioning values. Just as precise is the way in which the supplemented HIPER-
DRIVE portfolio is now adjusting to the wishes of users.
>> HIPERDRIVE
(highly integrated perfor-

mance drive) is a production series of in-
tegrated positioning drives for automatic
format adjustment, which accommodates
the motor, the drive, and the measuring
system, as well as the performance and
regulatory electronics in one compact
housing. The goal is to meet the users
requirements and wishes in a way that is
both solution-oriented and economical.
Due to the supplementation of the port-
folio according to output performance,
measuring system, and operating conve-
nience, the client receives exactly the sys-
tem performance actually required.
Graded output performance and stop-
ping moment
With respect to output, on the one hand
the user has a choice of 30 W or 45 W.
Both equipment models are self-locking,
i.e. the drive shaft cannot be turned in an
inactive state. This high stopping moment
prevents the drive position from being
changed by external influences at times
when the machine is turned off. By con-
trast, the two other versions with outputs
of 25 W or 35 W are not designed for self-
locking.
Resolution and operating convenience
made to measure
Regardless of output and stopping mo-
ment, all HIPERDRIVE
positioning drives
are available in different models from 16
to 1024 intervals/revolution and from 64
up to 4096 revolutions. Depending on
the version, Jog buttons are integrated
for manual electronic adjustment, for in-
stance, to facilitate the setting of certain
positions at start-up.
Measuring absolutely or incrementally?
The new HIPERDRIVE
models also in-

clude the selection of the measuring sys-
tem. Starting in November 2007, the ver-
sions will be available with absolute value
encoders; the devices with a lower-cost
incremental measuring system will follow
at the time of the Hanover Fair in 2008.
With the different variant types, the
automatic HIPERDRIVE
positioning
drives permit accurate format adjust-
ment made to measure, e.g. in packag-
ing facilities, in tire production, on sinter-
ing presses, in beverage bottling, or on
printing presses.
The automatic HIPERDRIVE
positioning drives are suited for numerous industries

44
HIPERDRIVE
positioning drive
45
: Products
insightLINK
>> Ultrasound is immune to optical
interferences. Therefore, reflections
from the surface of a printed circuit
board leave the sensors in the UC4
series just as unfazed as the effects
of polycrystalline, nitrate-coated so-
lar cells, textured surfaces, reflecting
backgrounds, or any other interfering
contours. With their exceedingly nar-
row ultrasonic lobe and a background
suppression that can be accurately
adjusted down to the millimeter, the
UC4 sensors are capable of reliably
solving detection tasks that make high
demands on precision even in less
favorable conditions.
Versions for different operating
conditions
The one feature common to all UC4
sensors is their compact housing mea-
suring about the size of a sugar cube,
which is well known from SICKs photo-
electric sensors in the WT4 series and
has already been established in the
market. The ultrasonic sensors incor-
porate differences in terms of ranges
and temperature compensation: the
economy version does without the lat-
ter feature and offers a range of 150
mm, whereas the standard version in-
tegrates temperature compensation in
the ultrasonic transducer and can de-
tect objects as far away as 250 mm.
Start quickly, switch flexibly
All of the UC4 versions offer teach-in
within a matter of seconds and are
available in NPN and PNP design and
with invertible switching output. Addi-
tional operating modes such as window
mode or use as a reflex switch comple-
ment the versatility of this sensor.
For detection assignments making extreme demands
Ultrasound in sugar cube format
UC4 is the name of the new series of
miniature ultrasonic sensors made by
SICK. Their task is the detection of ob-
jects in limited space and with difficult
surfaces, e.g. on printed circuit boards
or solar cells. Their benefit lies in the
unique combination of compactness,
cutting-edge technology, and precise
background suppression.
Original size
The UC4 miniature ultrasonic sensor:
object detection in confined spaces
and on difficult surfaces
UC4 miniature ultrasonic sensor
: Products
>> The WLL190T-2 is the high-end solu-
tion in SICKs broad portfolio of fiber-op-
tic photoelectric switches. Its switching
characteristics are microprocessor-as-
sisted and thus extremely stable and
reliable even with a view to high-reso-
lution switching thresholds or ambient
light sources and other causes of inter-
ference in the operational environment;
as a result, it sets a new standard on the
market. In addition, the WLL190T-2 fea-
tures high speed: a response time of 60
s and, respectively, switching sequenc-
es of up to 8.3 kHz make it the ideal so-
lution for extremely fast detection tasks.
Scanning distances of up to 480 mm
and scanning ranges of up to 4,000 mm,
respectively, allow solving long-range ap-
plication dependably.
User friendly and process reliable
With respect to all WLL190T-2s, the
switching thresholds can be programmed
in a user-friendly way via teach-in either
by a push button on the device or via the
connecting cable. The model with ad-
ditional analog output enables the user
to detect object characteristics such as
cloudiness, transmission, or positioning
and to transmit them to a controller. The
programming steps are visualized on
two four-digit numerical displays of the
WLL190T-2. The expected and actual
values are compared on the dual display
a feature ensuring optimum process
reliability.
Bus design minimizes wiring and
adjustment effort
Another highlight offered by the
WLL190T-2 is the option of operating the
devices either as a single sensor or in a
sensor group. For this purpose, the de-
vices are equipped with integrated bus
technology, which permits up to 16 sen-
sors to be plugged in for interference-
free cascading. This reduces the wiring
effort and also allows copying the adjust-
ment of one WLL190T-2 to all other bus
participants.
More than 100 models of fiber-optic
cables connectible
Well over 100 different synthetic fiber-
optic cables in the LL3 family permit
ideal automation solutions. This applies
Whenever stable switching points and fast switching are essential
New fiber-optic photoelectric switch for high-end applications
The new WLL190T-2 series of fiber-optic photoelectric switches from SICK leaves
none of the users wishes unfulfilled. As a scanner or one-way system, with red or
green light as transmitter, switching or analog output, as stand-alone or bus ver-
sion here the application is the deciding factor. Long ranges, rapid and stable
switching, teach-in and a high degree of process reliability are guaranteed for all
variants.
02/2007
WLL190T-2 fiber-optic photoelectric switch
47
: Products
insightLINK
Whenever stable switching points and fast switching are essential
New fiber-optic photoelectric switch for high-end applications
particularly to the types of problems re-
quiring the fiber-optic cable to be adapt-
ed specifically to the application, when
flexible wiring is essential or special re-
sistance of the material is important. A
diverse range of end sleeve options, in-
cluding varieties with diameters of only
1.5 mm, with flexible output tubes, with
integrated 90 corner or individual spe-
cial sleeve make nearly any installation
solution possible. The protective sheath
of the fiber-optic cable, which shields the
fiber core from mechanical or chemical
loads, is made of synthetic material in
standard applications, and of metal or
Teflon for higher loads, when aggressive
chemical action is to be expected.
The WLL190T-2 is the new marvel
in terms of space saving and perfor-
mance, suitable among other things, for
the semiconductor industry, electronics
production, packaging machines, han-
dling and assembly systems, precision
engineering, and in special machine
construction.
insightLINK
www.sick-safetyplus.com
New photoelectric safety switches for safe control systems
Evaluation without detours
The new L2000 and L4000 single-beam photoelectric safety switches from SICK
offer direct linking to safe control systems and thus evaluation without detours.
The user benefits in two ways, saving space in the control cabinet and having
available more flexibility for safe automation.
>> With the addition of the new L41 se-
ries, the L4000 family of sensors is sup-
plemented with a testable photoelectric
switch, optionally either in M18 or in M30
cylinder housings and with ranges of up
to 60 m. The actual novelty, however, is
the fact that the devices no longer require
a separate evaluation unit but can be
connected directly to safety control sys-
tems, e.g. to the safety controller UE410
Flexi as well as the safety controllers in
the UE4400 product family. The systems
from SICK integrate cyclical testing of
the L41 as a standard. The advantage
is that now the sensor signals are avail-
able directly for various control-related
logics and functions, e.g. AND/OR, mut-
ing or bypass. In this way, it has become
possible to implement applications up to
the highest safety demands (Category IV)
for protection of small machines and fa-
cilities, among other things, in packaging
technology or warehousing and materials
handling engineering.
L2000 sensor family now in
yellow housing
Apart from the cylindrical L21 with a range
of up to 60 m, the new L2000 production
series offers two versions with cubic con-
struction and new yellow design: L27 and
L28. Evaluation without detours here as
well: in combination with the appropriate
safety components, such as the UE410
Flexi or safety controllers in the UE4400
family, all of the L2000 sensors can be
deployed in applications up to safety
Category II.
Equipment integration that is suitable
to the application
The strength of both the sensors in the
L2000 family and the L4000 lie not just
in control engineering but also in sensor
technology: different designs, housing
materials, and ranges, as well as the en-
closure rating IP 67 and the capacity to
operate in subzero temperatures open up
diverse application fields, ensuring up-to-
date integration into the machinery in any
respect. Apart from the electronics industry,
the WLL190T-2 series is also interesting
for additional sectors
Single light beam photoelectric safety switches
48
02/2007
: Products
>> Transparent labels on transparent
carrier material, labels with different
print particularly when the detection
situation makes high demands, the UF
constitutes the first choice. However, the
UF is also very well suited when the goal
is detecting adhesive tape on packaging
foil, ensuring the detection of holes on
foil, or distinguishing single- and double-
layer material. The reason: the factors
essential for the ultrasonic method of the
UF are not optical features but damping
dependent on material thickness.
Fast in terms of start-up and practical
use
Thanks to its IP 65 metal housing, whose
small and compact size is unique in the
market, the UF can be used even in
places where operating conditions are
harsher and more confined and where
contamination, for example with glue
remnants, is to be expected. A space of
2 mm between labels already suffices to
detect them individually on the carrier
tape. The UF fork sensor is one of the
fastest of its kind, thus ensuring accu-
rate attachment of the labels. The user
can define the output switching signal
individually, since the UF is capable, as
a standard feature, of transmitting the
switching signal both via NPN and PNP.
Therefore, labels might be deceptive but
the appropriate UF ultrasonic fork sen-
sor does not lie
The new UF fork sensor
Labels might be
deceptive, but
insightLINK
Best in class for detecting and positioning
A giant in performance,
a midget in construction
Wherever objects need to be detected
under the most difficult of conditions
and the sensor must be as small as pos-
sible, the new W4S-3 miniature series
is the ultimate benchmark. Tests and
initial comments by pilot users have re-
vealed that other devices are no real al-
ternatives when the essential criterion
is performance and availability.
>> Comparative tests have demonstrat-
ed: no other sensor of this design fea-
tures better detection capability even
with respect to deep black objects and
better background suppression as a
scanner; no other device is as immune
to ambient light and can be adjusted
and aligned better than the W4S-3 se-
ries from SICK.
Fit & forget
The W4S-3 offers a maximum degree of
easy handling as regards installation.
The robust plastic housing is equipped
with metal thread sleeves for solid at-
tachment. Due to its autocollimation
principle, the photoelectric reflex switch
features a small and precise light spot
that is visible very easily, which facili-
tates the alignment of the reflector sub-
stantially. Moreover, because of this
characteristic the sensor is capable,
during operation, of looking between
conveyor belts through masks and
gaps.
Utmost availability integrated
The adjustable switching threshold of
the W4S-3 allows reliable detection of
transparent objects such as PET bottles
or transparent ampules. General con-
ditions, including temperature fluctua-
tions or dust, do not interfere with de-
tection reliability. During operation, the
sensor issues a signal if the reflector
needs to be cleaned. Afterward, the de-
vice can continue operating immediate-
ly without any resetting as required by
many other devices. The IO link-capable
photoelectric proximity switch in this se-
ries offers even further diagnostic pos-
sibilities. Because of its electronically
adjustable background suppression,
the sensor with its laser-like light spot
is capable of detecting accurately even
very small objects on extremely close
backgrounds.
On the path to the top
Tests and trial users are awarding top
marks to the W4S-3 series. Adverse ef-
fects stemming from the background,
interfering ambient light, faulty detec-
tions these pose no problem at all for
the new production series from SICK.
This means that the series is on the way
to the top in beverage and packaging
facilities, in warehousing and conveyor
technology, in handling and robotics or
in electronics and the pharmaceutical
industry.
49
: Products
>> Common features of both S100
variant types are the scanning angle
of 270 and the detection capacity of
1.8 % remission at a switching field
range of 2 m as well as 45 % at 10 m.
The adjustable object resolution and
ambient operating temperatures rang-
ing from 10 C to +50 C are addi-
tional shared attributes. Moreover, both
models are available with an integrated
CANopen interface. The differences lie
in the number of switching fields: The
S100 Standard has two, the S100 Pro-
fessional 16 switching fields, which can
be switched by either binary control or
CANopen signals.
Equipment protection
without safety category
Numerous possible uses of the S100
are associated with automation tech-
nology, e.g. load control in elevators,
monitoring of storage compartments
or general checking of presence. In
contrast to its big brothers in the
S300 family, the S100 is not a safety
laser scanner for personal protection
however, it can provide functional
support for electro-sensitive safety
equipment in many applications that
do not require safety-relevant moni-
toring. This applies, for instance, to
prevention of collisions between auto-
mated guided systems and protection
from rear-end collisions on electric
overhead conveyors, just as it does
to overhang monitoring or rear space
protection on stacker trucks. Further-
more, if mounted in the appropriate
way, it takes only two S100s to moni-
tor the complete 360 outside contour
of surfaces or vehicles by utilizing their
wide scanning angle.
Designed for utmost availability
The S100 offers object detection and
equipment protection combined with
the highest degree of availability. Small
dimensions and light weight permit fast,
simple, and optimum spatial integration.
The seven-segment display assists with
Detecting objects, preventing collisions
Laser scanner with 270 panorama
With the S100 safety laser scanner, SICK is presenting a compact, light, and sim-
ple sensor solution for collision prevention and object detection in an industrial
environment. The production series offers two designs, Standard and Profes-
sional, which feature different functional characteristics.
start-up and provides direct diagnoses
on site. Just in case, replacing the de-
vice is a matter of minutes thanks to the
configuration memory featuring a plug
& play function. The included CANopen
interface makes possible direct integra-
tion into the fieldbus level of the auto-
mation system in either vehicles or in-
stallations.
S100 the clever safety solution for nu-
merous tasks.
The S100 laser scanner a compact,
light, and straightforward sensor solution
insightLINK
S100 safety laser scanner
50
02/2007
: Products
Versions for through and blind hollow shafts
Hollow shaft, tough candidate
Particularly in harsh operating condi-
tions associated with machine and
plant construction, the new DFSS60 in-
cremental hollow-shaft encoder reveals
its strengths. The extensive operating
temperature range is just as much part
of it as the improved ball bearing design,
a large number of torque multipliers, the
universal solution for the cable outlet,
as well as additional M12 and M23 con-
nector plug options.
>> While keeping the 60-mm housing
customary in the market as regards the
shaft bearing design, the distance of the
two ball bearings was increased to such
an extent that the DFS60 now features
unprecedented freedom from vibrations
and optimum concentric running. Another
improvement relates to the insulation be-
tween the motor shaft and the encoder it-
self. It prevents leakage currents from the
motor shaft from reaching the encoder
bearing and causing it to be damaged.
High shock and temperature
resistance
The DFS60 achieves extreme robustness,
coupled with utmost precision, by means
of the IP 65 housing as well as the use of
a metal code disk. By comparison to code
disks made of glass, these are consider-
ably more robust while offering the same
resolution; as compared to code disks
made of plastic, they are at least as du-
rable but have significantly better resolu-
tion and temperature resistance. The op-
>> Contrast scanners (KT) have a long
tradition in SICKs portfolio. In 1952,
the company founder, Dr. Erwin Sick de-
livered the first unit in those days on
his bicycle. Today not only distribution
logistics have become more refined but
so has the technology of the KT series.
Thus, the devices are available, among
other things, with LED, laser light source,
as fiber-optic version, with different
Just the right solution portfolio for print mark detection
Contrasting program
Differentiating gray scales on the most diverse carrier materials represents the
strength of SICKs portfolio of contrast scanners. Fast speed, robust design, su-
perb contrast detection, and a high degree of user friendliness distinguish the
devices, e.g. for print mark detection in the paper and packaging industry.
teach-in varieties, or light spot geom-
etries and resolutions adapted to the
individual applications.
From the basic solution to the high-
speed scanner
The KT1 and KT3 series can be used for

applications with good contrast differ-
ences between mark and background.
They offer high detection reliability and,
featuring small housings, are suited for
confined spaces, e.g. on a packaging
machine. The teach-in of all KT3 sensors
both on the device and via the control
line makes this production series particu-
larly user friendly. The KT5-2 series, fea-
turing a robust metal housing, offers the
greatest variety of types. It ranges from
the display type with bar display for con-
venient indication of signal quality to the
SICKs program ranges from the sensor with a small housing to the
high-speed sensor, e.g. for the printing and paper industries
p Robust metal housing and small,
compact designs
p Various scanning ranges and
teach-in variants
p Fiber-optic variants, especially for
high temperatures
p Laser models for great scanning
distances
>> Your contrast program:
51
: Products
Fulfills EPCglobal and ISO 18000-6 standards
UHF-RFID system for
logistics automation
The RFI641 radio frequency interrogator is the central element of SICKs efficient
new RFID system based on UHF. Various features make it the ideal system solu-
tion for detecting transponder-labeled objects in intralogistical commodity flows.
>> Thus, because of its long range of up
5 m and fast data transmission via Eth-
ernet, the RFI641 can be installed with
reading points located both alongside
the material flow section and in a gantry
above the conveying system. Installation
directly on a loading gate is possible as
well. Thanks to the multi-ident and anti-
collision features, a large number of pas-
sive transponders can be detected as
a batch. In this process, all of the data
carriers conforming to EPCglobal and
ISO 18000-6 standards are identified
reliably.
For individual identification solutions
Due to its modular design, the RFI641 is
flexible and can be used economically.
Antennae, connecting cables, Ethernet
and RS-232 data lines, as well as the
transponders can be selected specific
to the application. Reading points lend
themselves to fast, simple, and space-
saving installation. Configuration oc-
curs per web browser. Application-spe-
cific software can be integrated into the
reader. In addition to the four antenna
terminals, the RFI641 features program-
mable digital inputs, e.g. for a trigger
photoelectric switch. In terms of outputs,
the reading device offers one Ethernet
and RS-232 data interface each, which
can be used to connect the RFID system
to a PLC or to superimposed SCM or ERP
systems. For these communication pro-
cesses, it is possible to implement in the
RFI641 both data filtering and an individ-
ual specification of data output formats.
The digital switching outputs permit di-
rect process control via the RFID system,
e.g. the activation of a switch in the ma-
terial flow or on a signal device.
Ready for operation worldwide, safe
investment for the future due to firm-
ware updates
In terms of transmission technology, the
RFI641 is specifically designed for the
UHF bandwidths approved in both Eu-
rope and the USA. Since the RFI641 of-
fers the possibility of firmware updates,
the systems will remain adaptable to
future developments ensuring a high
degree of security of investment.
erating temperature range extends from
20C to +100C.
Up to 65,536 line numbers, easy to
install and connect
The DFS60 can be realized with all line
numbers from 1 to 65,536. In terms of
installation options, the encoder offers
through and blind shaft versions with
six different diameters from 10 mm to
15 mm. The universal cable outlet for
radial or axial alignment reduces type
variety and facilitates mounting in con-
fined spaces. Furthermore, effective im-
mediately there are plug connector vari-
ants available in M12 or M23 design.
Another feature favoring easy installation
is the clamping ring with only one TORX
screw for mounting the DFS60. The TTL
and, respectively, HTL interfaces offer all
of the important electrical connecting op-
tions. Finally, the DFS60 conforms to the
requirements of the RoHS and has all ap-
provals according to CE and UL.
p Stable operation despite flapping
material webs
p Reliable detection of marks on
high-gloss films
p Reading of all contrast combina-
tions thanks to RGB diode
p First-rate reading accuracy due to
high switching frequency
p Simple adjustment
>> Benefits at a glance:
basic version with manual adjustment of
the switching threshold and extends all
the way to the fiber-optic version for use
in particularly confined conditions. The
KT8 CAN constitutes the version of con-
trast scanner with interface functional-
ity. This allows diagnosis, online access,
as well as the management of param-
eters via an operating panel. Featuring
a fast scanning frequency, the device is
just as suitable for high-speed use as the
KT10-2. With its extremely high resolu-
tion and automatic drift correction, this
contrast scanner is the benchmark sen-
sor in the packaging and printing indus-
try. The KT3L and KT8L laser variants
can be used for applications with large
scanning distances or particularly small
print marks.
RFID
52
: Products
insightLINK
For cool warehousing and food technology
Due to occasionally Arctic ambient temperatures, the protection of lifting gear,
rotary tables, or warehouse aisles in cold or freezer storages often used to mean
treading in thin ice. Now, there are cold-resistant and highly available safety sys-
tems on hand for this purpose: the C2000 and C4000 Micro Cold Store curtains,
the M2000 Cold Store photoelectric safety switch as well as the S3000 Cold Store
laser scanner.
>> Cold and freezer storage facilities
for storage, production, and distribution
are found largely in the food industry, in
meat and dairy processing, as well as in
specialized logistics areas. With a view to
these fields of use, SICK has developed
cold-store protective solutions based on
electro-sensitive protective equipments
(ESPE).
Cold store curtain: frostproof and
anti-fog
The C2000 und C4000 Micro Cold Store
safety light curtains as well as the M2000
multi-beam photoelectric safety switch
are mounted in an IP67 Housing. This
protective housing made of PMMA with
V4A stainless steel end cap and venting
membrane integrated into the end cap
prevents the formation of condensate
in the interior of the housing, which may
develop due to temperature fluctuations
and result in the protective housing to
fog up. For deep-freeze applications the
IP67 Housing was supplemented with an
integrated heater, which allows reaching
a working temperature range of 30C,
thus maintaining the safety sensor tech-
nology at the ideal operating temperature.
In this context, the air supply enclosed be-
tween the sensor and the housing serves
as an effective insulator.
Safety on Ice
S3000 Cold Store laser scanner hot
tip for cold areas
Whenever the objective is to monitor
safety-relevant surfaces or areas in a
refrigerated environment vertically or
horizontally, the S3000 Cold Store safety
laser scanner is the right choice, both in
stationary and mobile fields of applica-
tion. The device conforms to safety de-
mands as Category 3 and, respectively,
SIL2 in accordance with EN 61508. It
is the first safety solution of its kind
completely ready-to-install and ready-
to-connect, featuring a housing with
IP 67 enclosure rating and thermostatic
heater, which allows reaching a working
temperature range of up to 30C. All of
the components, including the heating
control, are designed in a way oriented
toward safety requirements. The S3000
Cold Store offers a protective field with a
range of up to 7 m. Within the 180 scan
angle and a maximum scanning area of
76 m, it is possible to program up to
four switchable protective and warning
fields.
The cold-store solutions from SICK
are process- and service-friendly alter-
natives to separated protective instal-
lations, since it is highly advantageous
particularly in Arctic temperatures for the
machine operator or service and mainte-
nance personnel to have the fastest and
most unimpeded access possible to the
relevant parts of the facility.
02/2007
Safety at 30 C with the Cold Store safety systems from SICK
The C4000
Cold Store curtain
Safety technology
53
: Standards
New series of articles aimed at maximum topicality
SICK informs about changes
to EU directives and
international standards
Currently and in the years ahead, there will be changes in some cases substan-
tial with respect to EU directives, national regulations, and numerous stan-
dards. SICK is following this process with its own rules and regulations panel of
experts, who on a regular basis will be reporting directly in upcoming issues of
SICKinsight about what is normal at the moment.
>> Information on directives contents as well as old and new version
p Directive on low voltage: old 73/23/EEC, current 2006/95/EC
p Directive on machinery: old 98/37/EC, current 2006/42/EC
p EMC Directive: old 89/336/EEC, current 2004/108/EC
p ATEX Directives: current 94/9/EC
p Directive on pressure equipment: current 97/23/EC
p Directive on measuring instruments: current 2004/22/EC
p R&TTE Directive on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal
equipment: current 1999/5/EC
>> The series of articles will focus on the
Directives relating to low voltage, ma-
chinery, EMC, and ATEX as relevant for
most of SICKs clients. In addition, the
rules and regulations panel of experts
is also monitoring current reforms in the
areas of New Approach, the Directives
on pressure equipment and measuring
instruments as well as the R&TTE Direc-
tive relating to radio equipment and tele-
communications terminal equipment.
Sometimes, changes of directives also
have considerable repercussions on the
updating of standards, and as a result,
this area will become a major emphasis
of information that needs to be conveyed
to our clients. The articles are aimed at
highlighting significant changes, en-
abling the reader to get an idea about
the relevance for the individual situation
and his or her company. The articles will
provide up-to-date links concerning each
Look up the complete article
at www.sick.com/insight
case with a view to accessing detailed
information.
Firsthand information
SICKs group of experts on rules and reg-
ulations is continuously doing research
on the status quo as well as reforms in
the area of directives and standards.
We recommend that anyone wishing to
gather extensive information consult the
following links:
Sources for standards:
www.cen.eu
Source of the relevant EU directives:
ec.europa.eu
Product families and directives
(standards):
www.newapproach.org
SICK offers an extensive training pro-
gram -- specialized seminars on the
topic of standards inclusive:
www.sick.com/seminare
54
02/2007
: SICK Tour
insightLINK
www.ibeo-as.com and
More on the unmanned automobile at:
www.team-lux.com
>> The team LUX one of 53 teams quali-
fied overall for the site visit participated
with a normal street-version car featur-
ing laser technology by the Hamburg Ibeo
Automobile Sensor Company whose in-
tegrated components were entirely invis-
ible. Three laser scanners as well as one
computer installed in the trunk guided the
LUX vehicle safely through the predeter-
mined test course. The DARPA inspectors
SICK at the automotive robot race
Title holder, vehicle equipper,
and participating team
The autonomously thinking and driving automobile has become a reality. This was
confirmed by the quarter-finals (site visit) of the worlds only race for automotive
robots, the DARPA Urban Challenge, which took place on 29 June 2007 in Au-
burn, Alabama. The LUX of the German team LUX from SICK and Ibeo Automobile
Sensor proved its driving capabilities in an impressive way.
got to see a vehicle that easily handled
within the given time limit even complex
tasks such as the crossing of intersections
in compliance with the typically American
four-way stop rules, oncoming traffic, ob-
stacles, U-turns, and passing maneuvers.
Technological lead in
laser measurement confirmed
At the quarter finals of the DARPA Urban
Challenge, SICKs technological lead in
the area of object and vehicle area detec-
tion became clear in two ways, as numer-
ous teams used either laser sensors from
Ibeo Automobile Sensor or LMS Laser
Measurement Systems from SICK AG.
The automotive robot race represents an
excellent opportunity for SICK to compare
its performance internationally with com-
petitors and the most current technologies
in the ultimate challenge of autonomous
driving. As in previous years, the LMS will
once again be the central component of
most area detection systems. team LUX
from SICK and Ibeo uses this platform
to demonstrate to the public at large the
readiness of its LUX scanner systems for
production and everyday application.
As one of 36 Teams, the team LUX
managed to qualify for the semi-finals, the
NQE (National Qualification Event) held in
the USA. From 26 to 31 October, the 36
teams will be racing to reach the finals. The
finals take place at the same location on 3
November, with only the 20 top teams of
the NQE eligible to participate.
Team LUX is quite certain of victory,
and since 24 of the 36 semi-finalists are
driving with laser technology made by
the SICK Group, the winner is practically
known already, right?
DARPA Urban Challenge
The LUX laser scanners from
Ibeo, integrated into the ve-
hicle, constitute a real added
value to the field of view of the
human eye
55
: SICK Tour
>> Presenters included a lecturer from
the Trade Association as well as ex-
perts from EHP and SICK. Of particular
interest was the example of an equip-
ment retrofit with a new clamping sys-
tem from EHP and the V4000 PB safety
camera system from SICK. This item in-
volved a presentation of the machine,
explanations concerning the require-
ments of the retrofit, and a hands-on
demonstration of the conversion and
integration measures regarding the
Safe bending on press brakes
Great response to workshop at EHP
The client workshop on press brake safety organized by EHP Blechbearbeitungs-
maschinen GmbH in Leinatal met with considerable interest. Besides information
about the legal fundamentals, the focus was above all on practical demonstra-
tions with machinery and the exchange of experiences among participants.
Two decades in the land of the rising sun
Twenty years of SICK Japan
safety technology. Subsequently, par-
ticipants were able to verify first hand
the safe function by means of a test
finger and afterwards had a chance to
fold their own card index box made of
metal.
Because of the great success, the
people at EHP are already contemplating
additional workshops dealing with the
topic of press and machine safety. The
next workshop has already taken place
on 15 November.
>> Over this period, the team around
Masao Tatomi has established SICK as
a brand synonymous for innovative and
efficient sensor technology in Japan, too.
In many market segments, among them
the automotive industry as well as ware-
housing and materials handling engi-
neering, SICK is represented today with
a wide range of products: laser distance
measuring systems, intelligent safety
light curtains and scanners, high-end
code reading technology, laser measure-
ment technology, and camera systems.
SICKs subsidiary in Japan is currently
celebrating the twentieth anniversary
of its foundation.
+++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++ KNOWLEDGE LIVE +++
>>The fact that networked safety technology increases productivity was demonstrated by Harald Schmidt from SICK with
his presentation during the Sichere Bus-Systeme (Safe Bus Systems) Trade Symposium held on 11 and 12 September
2007 at the Trade Association of Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering in Dresden. Participants had an opportunity
to inform themselves on the spot at SICKs exhibition stand about suitable sensor and control systems.
>> IT-powered automation was the motto of this years Industrial Communication Congress held on 4 and 5 September at
Phoenix Contact in Blomberg. Both the event and SICKs presentation by Edgar Stadler focused mainly on the integration and
connectivity of application solutions in terms of control engineering. The production process for coffee cups, prepared at the
Application Park, illustrated what was meant by the idea.
56
02/2007
: SICK Tour
>> In addition, the LTC offers the op-
portunity to train employees of system
integrators and plant operators on the
systems and devices under practical
conditions close to reality.
System solutions for logistics automation
SICK opens Logistics
Technology Center
A few weeks ago, SICK AG officially opened the new Logistics Technology Center
(LTC) at the production site in Reute. More than 500 m of working space make it
possible to assemble, test, and optimize system solutions for logistics automation
in realistic conditions that match the subsequent use in production.
The LTC focuses on the clients reality
no matter how diverse these realities
might be in logistics automation, Chris-
tian Stickl, the new division manager
Auto Ident of SICK AG, explained at the
opening. More than ten different sta-
tions offer an opportunity to assembly,
test, and prepare logistics applications
and solutions in real-life conditions for
fast implementation in the clients pro-
ductive setting. The arrangement covers
all of the current technologies related to
logistics automation. This includes RFID
for intralogistical conveying processes,
baggage identification at airports, com-
bined volume, weight, and barcode de-
tection for courier, express, and parcel
delivery centers, up to six-sided identifi-
cation of parcels with camera systems,
volume measurement capable of cali-
bration as well for logistical tasks, bar-
code and 2D identification for the elec-
tronics and pharmaceutical industries,
and palletizing applications in logistics.
On top of that, a climate chamber allows
simulating the environmental conditions
in the clients setting, which provides
valuable insights about the design of
sensor systems and applications.
Open to all aspects of material flow
and logistics automation
At the official opening, Dr. Robert Bauer,
Spokesperson of the Executive Board
of SICK AG, also emphasized that the
Group-wide character of SICKs LTC:
If required, in this set-up the solutions
for logistics automation may be supple-
mented with subsystems related to au-
tomation or safety technology so that
eventually the client receives a complete
solution that has been tested and takes
into consideration all of the relevant op-
erating conditions.
For client projects, component testing,
and transfer of know-how
SICK makes use of the LTC not only in
the context of customer projects, as Jr-
gen Schwerer, who is in charge of the
LTC, pointed out as he presented the
facility. The practically oriented test set-
ting is also used for the introduction of
new products, component testing, and
feasibility studies. In addition to that, the
site provides for practical training and
further training of SICKs own employ-
ees and, as a business service, training
courses for clients. An eight-page bro-
chure that can be ordered from SICK or
downloaded from the Internet details the
possibilities offered by the LTC.
Left: Dr. Robert Bauer, Spokesperson
of the Executive Board, SICK AG,
at the official opening of the Logistics
Technology Centers (see below)
: Museum
>> The Elmuseet located 50 km from
rhus and 20 km from Viborg is a living
museum about the history and technol-
ogy of electricity in which everything is
possible. Visitors are an active part of
their own experiences. They wander
through various exhibitions, e.g. on
the nature of light. The treasures
from the early days of electricity,
restored with loving care, show,
for example, how starting in
1870 and to this day, Danish companies
have manufactured windmills for agricul-
ture, industry and for supplying electric-
ity. Especially interesting to children, the
exhibitions and activities allow museum-
goers to verify many natural phenomena
such as a capacitor that makes visitors
hair stand on end when they put their
hands on it.
In a newly designed permanent exhibition, an open-air display with houses from
different historical periods, windmills, transformer poles, and other exhibits as well
as special exhibitions, the Danish electricity museum called Elmuseet bears wit-
ness to the past, presence, and future of electricity.
Not only the museum is worth a visit;
so is the landscape
When visitors feel overwhelmed by the
flood of impressions and wish to relax,
they can grab a bite to eat or have a cof-
fee at Caf Edison, with the option of
adding a stroll afterwards through the
beautiful countryside of Central Jutland
surrounding the museum.
Find out more about the museum at
www.elmuseet.dk.
Past, presence,
and future
Welcome to the
Elmuseet electricity museum
Inside or outside the exhibits
and various exhibitions of the
Elmuseet electricity museum
are equally impressive
57
58
02/2007
>> About Fiona Harrold
Fiona Harrold, brought up in Northern Ireland, lived through a childhood with
hatred and terrorism constituting everyday experiences. Nothing could pre-
vent her, though, from building her own life in which she can be happy and
successful herself while at the same time providing great support to others.
According to Daily Mail, she is the most positive person in all of Britain.
: Book Corner
>> And do you know what the author will
give you in writing? You are among the
people who wish to make the best out of
themselves and their lives and to get the
most out of themselves; you intend to
move yourself and your life forward. You
are not afraid of tackling anything neces-
sary to become the person you have al-
ways dreamed of becoming. Otherwise,
you would not have bought the book!
Bulls eye?
Well, did Fiona Harrold hit the bulls eye?
Do you really wish to change something,
escape from the squirrel cage of appoint-
ments, the stress caused by envy, and the
compulsion to consume? Do you strive for
a healthy amount of confidence, for cheer-
fulness and composure, and do you wish
to act as you see fit while at the same time
not neglecting your fellow human beings?
In that case, this motivating book can in-
deed help you by prompting you to think
about your life to date and, respectively,
about your expectations for the future.
You will find out from the author how
one learns to appreciate and like one-
self. After all, how did Oscar Wilde once
put it, To love oneself is the beginning of
a lifelong romance. Well, there you go!!!
In several sections, Fiona Harrold
deals with the question why old baggage,
e.g. from childhood, needs to be cleared
The 10-Minute Life Coach: Fast-working Strategies
for a Brand New You by Fiona Harrold
Our life is what we make of it
When you open the book by Fiona Harrold entitled The 10-Minute Life Coach: Fast-
working Strategies for a Brand New You, the first question you will get is why you
have bought it.
away and why it is particularly important
to forgive oneself; she explains that com-
plexes make live extremely complicated,
that gratitude can make winners out of
victims, and that the dose of talent every-
one receives in life is worth pure gold.
The power of motivation
Are you lacking the motivation to change
your life? But, if even captains of industry
are having fun cleaning toilets because in
doing so, they are improving other semi-
nar participants quality of life, then surely
your case is anything but hopeless.
Countless examples taken from the
lives of some prominent and less promi-
nent people are substantiating Harrolds
hypotheses, running through the entire
book like a consistent thread.
In some chapters, Harrold, who is the
founder of the Positive Living Club, puts
forward rules and action plans aimed at
facilitating within a short time your path
to happiness, relaxation, success, and
personal greatness.
One of my favorite chapters who
would have guessed it revolves around
the idea of getting better instead of older
and describes, among other things, the
widespread misconception in todays
society that humans deteriorate physi-
cally and mentally with increasing age
and what to do about this flawed assess-
ment.
The power of positive thinking
The book ends with a chapter on meta-
physics, which elaborates, for example,
in a number of hypotheses on a human
beings full responsibility for his or her life
and the influence on and shaping of ones
life and of reality by thoughts, emotions,
and attitudes.
If you wish to believe more strongly
in your wonderful self, if you wish to feel
less fear and more chutzpa instead,
less affectation and more authority and
power instead, this appealing read is
definitely an invaluable stimulus, though
it can only serve as a first step toward
a new life. Those who wish to keep at it
may obtain useful support on Fiona Harr-
olds homepage at www.fionaharrold.com
or via the list of inspiring things to read
located in the books appendix.
The 10-Minute Life Coach: Fast-working
Strategies for a Brand New You by
Fiona Harrold is available from Hodder
and Stoughton,
ISBN 978-0340829639
A book review by
Ingrid Rathfelder,
online editor
Australia
Phone +61 3 9497 4100
+1800 3 3480 2 tollfree
sales@sick.com.au
Austria
Phone +43 22 36 62 28 8-0
office@sick.at
Belgium/Luxembourg
Phone +32 2 466 55 66
info@sick.be
Brazil
Phone +55 3215 4900
sac@sick.com.br
China
Phone +852 2763 6966
ghk@sick.com.hk
Czech Republic
Phone +420 2 57 91 18 50
sick@sick.cz
Denmark
Phone +45 45 82 64 00
sick@sick.dk
Finland
Phone +358 9-25 15 800
sick@sick.fi
France
Phone +33 1 64 62 35 00
info@sick.fr
Germany
Phone +49 211 5301-1
info@sick.de
Great Britain
Phone +44 17 27-83 11 21
info@sick.co.uk
India
Phone +91 22 2822 7084
info@sick-india.com
Italy
Phone +39 02 27 43 41
info@sick.it
Japan
Phone +81 3 3358 1341
support@sick.jp
Netherlands
Phone +31 30 229 25 44
info@sick.nl
Norway
Phone +47 67 81 50 00
austefjord@sick.no
Poland
Phone +48 22 837 40 50
info@sick.pl
Republic of Korea
Phone +82 2 786 6321
kang@sickkorea.net
Romania
Phone +40 356 171 120
office@sick.ro
Russia
Phone +7-495-775-05-34
denis.kesaev@sick-automation.ru
Singapore
Phone +65 6744 3732
admin@sicksgp.com.sg
Slovenia
Phone +386 (0)11-47 69 990
office@sick.si
Spain
Phone +34 93 480 31 00
info@sick.es
Sweden
Phone +46 10 110 10 00
info@sick.se
Switzerland
Phone +41 41 619 29 39
contact@sick.ch
Taiwan
Phone +886 2 2365 6292
sickgrc@ms6.hinet.net
Turkey
Phone +90 216 587 7400
info@sick.com.tr
USA
Phone +1 (952) 941 6780
info@sickusa.com
More at www.sick.com
: Standards
S
u
b
s
i
d
i
a
r
i
e
s
SICK AG Erwin-Sick-Str. 1 79183 Waldkirch Germany
Phone +49 7681 202-0 Fax +49 7681 202-38 63
E-mail info@sick.de www.sick.com
Imprint
Publisher: SICK AG Postfach 310 79177 Waldkirch Germany www.sick.com
Phone +49 7681 202-0 Fax +49 7681 202-38 63 info@sick.de
Coordination: Anette Gasche Customer Magazine Project Manager Anette.Gasche@sick.de
Specialist editor: TOP MEDIA Dirk S. Heyden 69469 Weinheim info@topmedia-weinheim.de
Layout: johnson][braun Direktwerbung 76133 Karlsruhe jb@johnsonbraun.de
Translator: Dr. Erwin D. Fink 79106 Freiburg info@transmedia-translations.de
Printing: Druckerei Furtwngler 79211 Denzlingen info@druckerei-furtwaengler.de
Pictures: SICK AG, Auslser Fotodesign, Elmuseet, VisionTools, Audi
Individual contributions may be reproduced after prior consent. Please contact us at:
Phone +49 7681 202-3878 Errors excepted Subject to technical change
Trade fair dates Germany
Trade fair Location Dates 2007/2008
PRODUCTRONICA Munich 13.11. 16.11.2007
SPS/IPC/DRIVES Nuremberg 27.11. 29.11.2007
LogiMAt Stuttgart 19.02. 21.02.2008
EuroShop Dsseldorf 23.02. 27.02.2008
HMI Hanover 21.04. 25.04.2008
Control Stuttgart 22.04. 25.04.2008
interpack Dsseldorf 24.04. 30.04.2008
Cemat Hanover 27.05. 31.05.2008
Trade fair dates Europe
Poleko Pozna, PL 20.11. 23.11.2007
PROTECH Wrocaw, PL 21.11. 22.11.2007
Mocon Zwolle, NL 19.02. 20.02.2008
CFIA Rennes, F 11.03. 13.03.2008
WIN Automation Fair Istanbul, TR 28.02. 02.03.2008
Ampr Praha Prague, CZ 01.04. 04.04.2008
Automaticon Warsaw, PL 01.04. 04.04.2008
Baking Industry Exhibition Birmingham, UK 06.04. 09.04.2008
Empack Den Bosch, NL 09.04. 10.04.2008
Logistik & Transport Gothenburg, S 20.05. 22.05.2008
MSV Nitra Nitra, SK 20.05. 23.05.2008
SIAMS Moutier, CH 20.05. 24.05.2008
BIAS Milan, I 27.05. 30.05.2008
XYLEXPO Milan, I 27.05. 31.05.2008
Trade fair dates worldwide
FABTECH Chicago, USA 11.11. 14.11.2007
NA08 Cleveland, OH, USA 21.04. 24.04.2008
SAFETY IN ACTION Melbourne, AUS 29.04. 01.05.2008
FENAP/WNAP Bahia, BR 07.05. 09.05.2008
MECNICA So Paulo, BR 12.05. 17.05.2008
EMEX Auckland, NZ 13.05. 15.05.2008
National Postal Forum Anaheim, CA, USA 18.05. 21.05.2008
Austech Sidney, AUS 27.05. 30.05.2008
The Vision Show Boston, MA, USA 10.06. 12.06.2008
insightSERVICE
Trade fairs Imprint Contacts

SICK Magazine

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

SICK Magazine

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

02 2007 www.sick.

(highly integrated perfor-

models also in-

positioning drives are suited for numerous industries

Potrebbero piacerti anche