FANUC Introduces EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function with CIP Safety

FANUC America Corporation, the leader in CNCs and robots in the Americas, announces CIP Safety functionality with the new EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function for the FANUC Series 3xi-B CNCs that enables safety communication with Rockwell Automation controller (Logix PAC) systems.

The new EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function with CIP Safety is an enhancement to the current dual check safety function. The EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function makes it possible to handle safety signals on the EtherNet/IP Adapter function, transferring safety signals between a master safety controller and CNC. It communicates digital input/output signals across Ethernet with high reliability to further simplify the hardware and connections needed.

Dual check safety on the FANUC Series 3xi-B CNC supports an integrated safety function over a single cable. Using built-in redundancy, a special processor monitors safety-related parameters and guarantees the integrity and safety of the system by tracking the actual position and speed of the servomotors, spindle motors and I/O interfaces.
 
Using the CIP Safety functionality of the new EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function with dual check safety, the sending side device cross-checks the safety signals, adds the inspection data, and then transmits both data sets to the receiving side device. The receiving side device ensures integrity and safety by confirming the inspection data and cross-checking the safety signals.
 
The initial release of EtherNet/IP connectivity allowed for open interconnectivity of FANUC CNCs to factory automation solutions. The use of EtherNet/IP network architecture allows customers to leverage common tools and technology for device configuration and maintenance across CNC, robot and Logix PAC cell environments. Benefits of this include: a simplified, lower cost architecture, improved productivity and actionable information across the entire manufacturing enterprise.
 
With CIP Safety functionality in the new release of EtherNet/IP Adapter Safety function, end-users and machine tool builders will additionally benefit from the added integrated safety communication between CNC and Logix PAC control environments as well as further simplification of the hardware and connections.
 
This new function was specifically designed to communicate between a safety controller and CNC with safety signals for automotive transfer lines. The FANUC and Rockwell Automation integrated automotive architecture, demonstrated at Automation Fair 2014, Booth #151, shows the complete benefits to customers including; simplified architectures, faster startups, improved synchronization between platforms, lower maintenance, integrated safety signal communication, improved productivity and transparent data access across the entire connected manufacturing enterprise.
 
Automation Fair is a trademark of Rockwell Automation Inc.
 
About FANUC CORPORATION 
FANUC CORPORATION, headquartered at the foot of Mt. Fuji, Japan, is the global leader and the most innovative manufacturer of Factory Automation, Robots and ROBOMACHINEs in the world. With over 230 offices in 45 countries, FANUC provides world-class service and support to customers globally. Since its inception in 1956, FANUC has contributed to the automation of machine tools as a pioneer in the development of computer numerical control equipment. FANUC technology has been a leading force in a worldwide manufacturing revolution, which evolved from the automation of a single machine to the automation of entire production lines.  

About FANUC America Corporation
FANUC America Corporation is headquartered at 3900 W. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, and is a subsidiary of FANUC CORPORATION in Japan. FANUC America provides innovative automation solutions in the Americas including industry-leading CNC systems, robotics and factory automation solutions with 43 locations supporting customers throughout North and South America.