In today’s fast-paced packaging industry, prioritizing safety and security is more important than ever. The Packaging Automation Market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated valuation of US$ 74.52 billion in 2024. This market is anticipated to reach US$ 104.81 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.06% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2029. Companies are increasingly tailoring packaging solutions to meet customer demands. As automation and advanced machinery become standard, so do the risks associated with high-speed operations. Workers face potential hazards from sharp tools, heavy equipment, and fast-moving machinery, making it essential to adopt comprehensive safety protocols. Efficient, economical packaging processes require a high level of automation. At the same time, there are basic requirements for functional safety that must be observed. In practice, safety, modularity and automation must go hand in hand.
Particularly with packaging automation in primary packaging, a so-called critical infrastructure, there are very high requirements for the robustness of the products used and protection against manipulation. Primary packaging machines make direct contact with the products and, therefore, require not only safety but also a high level of hygiene. Avoiding unnecessary downtimes is critical for packaging machines in secondary packaging and requires solutions with the highest degree of flexibility for maximized machine availability. Optimizing the economy of the plant is a crucial aspect. End-of-line packaging, for instance, palletizing, requires the maximum efficient plant. In the event of maintenance or a malfunction, it must be possible to quickly put the machine back into operation. Thus, if we take an overview, the safety and security of humans, machines, and products, should be taken care of in the packaging Industry, at every stage of packaging.
The comprehensive portfolio of products and solutions for safe automation by Pilz includes safe sensor and control technology, professional operator and visualization systems, drive technology, and a large selection of appropriate accessories. Pilz offers several combinations of safe sensors, control technology and control units, so providing flexibility for individual applications. Safety relays PNOZ and configurable control system PNOZmulti 2, which is modular and expandable for several safety functions are the standard in the packaging industry and are a perfect choice for combining with several sensor technology products. For example, the stainless-steel safety switch PSENmag, which is particularly suited for use in areas with a high cleaning demand, is extremely resistant to heat and cold and is distinguished by its vibration and shock resistance. In secondary packaging, PNOZmulti-safe small controllers can be connected to several higher-level controllers. When decentralized modules like PDP67 are used, safe sensors can be connected directly in the field.
To ensure operation with as few failures as possible, access and user rights at specific sections of the plant should be clearly and explicitly regulated. The modular access permission system covers both safety and security requirements, allowing it to offer employee, liability and data protection at those locations where regular access is regulated, and it is necessary to switch back and forth between operating modes. For requirements about operating mode selection and identity and access management, PITmode combines safety and security functions in one system and enables functionally safe operating mode selection as well as control of access permissions on plant and machinery. This helps you protect your staff from danger and your machinery from unauthorized access. Intelligent safety solutions minimize the possibility of access to a danger zone. The optical detection of the cardboard boxes in the tray formers prevents an operator from reaching through an empty material infeed opening into the machine. The Pilz solution comprises the safe small controller PNOZmulti 2 – or the modular safety relay myPNOZ – as well as two photoelectric intelligent safety solutions to minimize the possibility of access to a danger zone. The optical detection of the cardboard boxes in the tray formers prevents an operator from reaching through an empty material infeed opening into the machine. The Pilz solution comprises the safe small controller PNOZmulti 2 as well as two photoelectric sensors. If the number of cardboard boxes in the magazine falls below the defined minimum, this will be detected by two photoelectric sensors, which shut down the outputs via the safe small controller or the modular safety relay. If the number of cardboard boxes in the magazine falls below the defined minimum, this will be detected by two photoelectric sensors, which shut down the outputs via the safe small controller or the modular safety relay. In end-of-line packaging, the modular safety gate system is suitable for every safety gate application and can be flexibly tailored to industrial needs and individually assembled. PITgatebox, PSENcode, PSENmlock mini and PSENslock2 offer the perfect solutions to safeguard your safety gates. The use of SDD (safety device diagnostics) enables a one-cable solution for the safe sensors PSENcode and PSENmlock. Diagnostic and status information increases plant availability, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership.
Safety must be guaranteed when humans and machines interact. And thus, meeting all the specifications of the new machinery regulation in each industry is of the utmost importance. Pilz focuses on the implementation of the specifications of the new regulation in terms of risk analysis, instructions for use and technical documentation, as well as conformity assessment and declaration of conformity with subsequent CE marking process. As a solution supplier, Pilz helps to apply optimum safety strategies that comply with specifications. Our services ensure maximum safety for humans and machines worldwide. Following careful technical risk evaluations of machinery, we develop safety concepts and solutions to minimise the risk for employees while considering productivity.
