SICK’s newest safety laser scanner, the microScan3 Pro I/O, features an everything-in-one design for seamless, versatile use, its maker said. Universal I/O integration works with any safety controls, and the intelligent host/guest functionality makes it possible to connect up to three guest scanners to the microScan3 Pro I/O.
Additionally, the microScan3 Pro I/O does the work of four standard safety laser scanners with four pairs of OSSD outputs. It also stands out in the microScan3 portfolio with two encoder inputs directly in the safety laser scanner for speed-based case switching.
The Pro I/O variant has a 9-meter protective field range, safeHDDM scanning technology, 275° scanning angle, and Ethernet connectivity. The addition of I/O connectivity with Ethernet provides universal and versatile use, noted SICK, while Ethernet allows for full digitalization functions, like configuration, diagnostics, and measurement data.
The scanning angle of 275° provides four-sided protection when two scanners are mounted on diagonal corners of a vehicle. Four-sided protection with two scanners reduces the associated installation and integration costs, as most operations with four-sided protection require four scanners.
As for the direct encoder inputs, the encoders tell the scanner what speed the vehicle is going; when it’s going faster, the scanner can look out further to detect any obstacles. As the vehicle slows down, it can bring the protective fields in closer to reduce the chance of false trips.
Furthermore, the connection of four pairs of OSSDs means that three pairs can initiate the slowing down of the vehicle while the remaining pair initiates the stopping of the vehicle, added SICK. This is just one of many combinations in which the four OSSDs can be used, however; no matter the number of outputs designated to the different movements of the vehicle, the ability to slow down, stop, and go maximizes flexibility and productivity, as opposed to just having the ability to just stop and go.
Lastly, having an Ethernet connection on board provides a central access point for configuration and diagnostics of multiple scanners. It also provides measurement data that can enable localization and navigation, said its maker.
Industrial-robot applications across the automotive industry also benefit from the scanner’s four pairs of OSSDs, per SICK. With the Pro I/O variant, up to four of the simultaneously monitored fields can have their own dedicated safety output, helping to increase productivity because of the ability to incrementally slow down a robot rather than just stop or go.
