Discrete machine safety components are getting smarter
Studies by IMS Research indicate machine builders and end users are starting to use intelligent safety interlocks that are touchless.
End users and machine builders are increasingly looking for better diagnostic and networking capabilities in discrete machine safety components, according to a new user survey carried out by IMS Research.
“A good example of this is the projected increase in the use of touchless (magnetic and electronic) interlock switches, which often provide diagnostic and networking capabilities” comments IMS Research market analyst Graham Brown. Brown continues, “Survey responses show that more than twice as many respondents currently use traditional types of interlock switches. However, by 2014 more respondents intend to use touchless interlock switches.”
These results are supported by a separate market study published by IMS Research at the beginning of 2011. This study, “Discrete Machine Safety Components – World – 2011” forecasts that revenues for touchless switches are set to grow by an average of nearly 20% per year, leading to total revenues of $128 million by 2014. Revenues of traditional (mechanical and solenoid) switches are forecast to grow by only 1% annually.
Although implementing ‘intelligent’ safety systems does present higher initial costs, it offers some significant benefits to users. Improving diagnostics allows faults to be identified early and parts to be replaced before a major failure occurs. Implementing networking allows these early warning signals to be delivered to a central monitoring station allowing further potential time savings. These improvements should reduce both down-time and operator injuries.
Ever increasing numbers of end users and machine builders are switching to the more intelligent discrete machine safety component options. This will not only help to increase revenues for safety component suppliers, but will also improve productivity while ensuring the safety of operatives on the factory floor, according to IMS Research.
Did you see the machine safety blog?
http://www.controleng.com/blogs/machine-safety.html
- Related News:
Research on regenerative drives and low harmonic solutions - 19.07.2011 18:22- Industrial automation electronics equipment market set to surpass pre-recession levels in 2011 - 21.06.2011 14:20
- Integrated motor designs create new opportunities within packaging machinery - 10.06.2011 12:23
- Which Industry will Fuel the Chinese Motion Controls Market? - 18.02.2011 10:54
Case Study Database
Get more exposure for your case study by uploading it to the Plant Engineering case study database, where end-users can identify relevant solutions and explore what the experts are doing to effectively implement a variety of technology and productivity related projects.
These case studies provide examples of how knowledgeable solution providers have used technology, processes and people to create effective and successful implementations in real-world situations. Case studies can be completed by filling out a simple online form where you can outline the project title, abstract, and full story in 1500 words or less; upload photos, videos and a logo.
Click here to visit the Case Study Database and upload your case study.
2012 Salary Survey
In a year when manufacturing continued to lead the economic rebound, it makes sense that plant manager bonuses rebounded. Plant Engineering’s annual Salary Survey shows both wages and bonuses rose in 2012 after a retreat the year before.
Average salary across all job titles for plant floor management rose 3.5% to $95,446, and bonus compensation jumped to $15,162, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 level and double the 2011 total, which showed a sharp drop in bonus.