Pilz Expands PSENmgate Safety Gate System With New Variants

Automated equipment used on the factory floor typically requires a safety gate, fence, and/or door to protect operators, maintenance staff, and even people just walking by. Just like the door to your house or apartment, there needs to be a way to lock and request entry to access the equipment inside. 

Pilz, a global supplier of machine safety devices, has recently added additional features to its existing PSENmgate, a customizable gate control box system wired using a standard M12 connector.

The PSENmgate lineup now includes variants with more functions, simplified wiring, and switch door compatibility. Image used courtesy of Pilz

PSENmgate Safety System

A common control in safety gate systems is push buttons; multiple buttons are often installed in an electrical control box with indicator lights. Each button may have a different function, such as “request to enter,” “lock doors,” and “power on,”; emergency stop buttons are often installed as well. All these buttons require wiring and troubleshooting, and if you are a machine builder, you will likely use the same control box on every machine.

Not all machines are created equal; some machines need to have special features due to the process or just a customer request. For those who use the PSENmgate safety system, there are now more options. The original PSENmgate models have two pushbuttons and are integrated with PSENmlock from Pilz. New variants now have space for up to four push buttons or key switches, along with the ability to add an emergency stop button. The button can be configured to be illuminated or standard, and all the inputs are pre-wired to industry safety standards.

The PSENsgate and PSENmgate combined to create a gate entry system. Image used courtesy of Pilz

Sliding Gates and Swing Gates

The overall footprint typically defines how operators will access the equipment. Some situations call for sliding gates, while the standard swing gate is often very popular. The additions to the PSENmgate allow for two different styles of handles; the new style is geared toward swing gates and comes in two different styles.

Faster and Simpler Installation

New versions of the PSENmgate also allow installation within existing equipment, thanks to the addition of upward cable routing. This feature, along with the pre-wired input controls, is intended to save integrators time during commissioning. When features are not working, users only need to troubleshoot at the cable end.

The PSENmgate safety system simultaneously keeps equipment accessible and workers safe. Image used courtesy of Pilz

Saving Time By Design

With machine building, it is important to try and save time wherever possible, and a common technique is to use pre-built systems, and safety systems are often very similar from machine to machine. The newest PSENmgate variants offer machine builders and maintenance staff the ability to add additional features to their new or existing safety system, thus providing customers with a safer and easier-to-use machine.