New certification gives machine builders more options to utilize Bosch Rexroth’s drive-integrated SafeMotion functionality, even with third-party PLC platforms using different automation bus interfaces.

Bosch Rexroth’s drive-integrated SafeMotion machine safety platform has received the ODVA’s CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP certification, adding to the company’s capabilities to support major safety automation buses, including CIP Safety on Sercos, PROFIsafe on PROFINET and FailSafe over EtherCAT.

SafeMotion technology is available on Bosch Rexroth IndraDrive intelligent servo drives.

With this latest certification, SafeMotion can now be integrated into almost any new or existing machine automation architecture, giving machine builders and end-users more options in machine safety functionality. Adding safety capabilities in the drive can alleviate additional hardware and components.

SafeMotion can be used to monitor up to 20 safe and certified motion functions, such as Safe Torque Off, Safe Brake Control, Safe Direction and Safe Stop. It provides the maximum level of safety (Cat 4, PL e, SIL 3) for all functions. 

Bosch Rexroth supports all major safety automation buses through a multi-Ethernet port on the drive, making it easy to specify one drive platform with a variety of options, regardless of the PLC. Using one bus system for both standard and safety communication also simplifies system architecture and reduces cabling and installation efforts for the machine builder. 

With easy system integration, engineering staff aren't required to manage additional hardware and software applications. The Bosch Rexroth drive and SafeMotion functionality work right out of the box, requiring no additional tuning. Base parameters typically work for all applications, saving installation time. Software, firmware, configuration, setup and features are identical across the entire Rexroth IndraDrive platform.

In addition, Bosch Rexroth integrates several free tools into their servo drives to help save time and costs with safety validation and required technical documentation, even across series machines. These tools include the machine acceptance test which validates the SafeMotion functions, as well as the ability to create screen clips and plot velocity, position, monitoring and thresholds. 

Ideal for applications in the machine tool, packaging, printing, testing, marine, material handling and other industries, Bosch Rexroth’s certified SafeMotion functionality is available throughout the entire Rexroth IndraDrive series, from 100 W up to the large 4 mW drives.