In a modern factory environment, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are integral to day-to-day operations. During the course of operations, PLCs allow factory systems to operate reliably, while also maintaining a level of flexibility necessary to add additional models. Furthermore, PLCs can work to facilitate the troubleshooting of faulty components and also provide in-depth insight into machine health and performance. However, with the increasing complexity of industrial machinery and machine tasks, some companies are finding that PLCs cannot always satisfy their needs for high-speed data acquisition and database interaction. Because of this, modern alternatives to PLCs are being offered by a handful of companies. Below, we’ll discuss a Michigan tech company’s alternative to PLCs and how they are already utilizing their product to help various businesses around the country.

Laser scanners serve as a safeguarding mechanism in places where normal devices such as emergency plungers and pushbuttons aren’t viable. The technology used within laser scanners is called “time-of-flight”, which involves the scanner calculating the position of the object based on the time taken by the laser to travel back.

 Safety Light Curtains are an essential part of any plant floor utilizing robotics
and automation equipment, protecting personnel from injury while reducing
downtime due to associated faults.

Safety relays are control devices that sit between safety equipment and machines, activated either forcefully through a signal or by setting a physical parameter threshold. In industrial environments, safety is key to a productive plant floor. Devices such as safety relays allow activities to continue without the risk of injury or incidents.

Banner Engineering maintains a comprehensive portfolio of Safety Relays built for every situation, condition, and requirement. No matter what the application, Banner Engineering has the right safety relay for your shop.

While the industrial world is making regular breakthroughs in the field of intelligence and automation, it still relies heavily on human workforce for day-to-day operations. Several repetitive tasks have already been delegated to robots, which come in a range of sizes, the larger greatly adding to the risk of injury in the workplace. It is therefore vital to have sufficient emergency controls throughout the plant floor to neutralize or minimize damage to human life.

Banner Engineering offers a number of stop devices with respect to this that can greatly reduce workplace accidents and ensure workers' peace of mind.

In industrial plants, safety is an important factor for any plant floor. Thus, Banner Engineering offers a wide range of Safety Limit and Interlock Switches to keep accidents from occurring.

Safety interlock switches can be used to control personnel access, shut off power, and prevent machines from starting when the position of a gate or mechanical shutter changes. These switches are perfect for protecting personnel and equipment that lie within hazardous areas, especially where high inertia rotating machines are involved.

Banner Engineering has much to offer in this area, with controller products including:

The RSL 400 is an outstanding laser scanner from Leuze Electronic, and is underlined by its wide scanning range, reliable operation and robust build. Featuring operating ranges up to 8.25 meters, scanning angle of 270 degrees and ability to track four protective fields simultaneously makes it a perfect one-in-all replacement for multiple scanners.

The Meltric Decontactor series of switch-rated plugs hold a high degree of competitive edge and offer a whole range of benefits that are almost non-existent or too minimal in conventional plugs & receptacles in the market.

Electrical construction, maintenance and repair work all involve a great deal of attention towards safe work practices. Industry electrical publications regularly highlight the various safety issues & their remedies, including the use of tools & equipment for energized & deenergized environments, as well as utilizing the correct personal protective equipment according to the situation.