Smarter Motion Safety with Omron's 1SA Servo System
Enhance productivity without compromising operator safety
When it comes to automation, safety and productivity often feel like opposing forces. The Omron 1SA Servo System proves they don’t have to be.
Ramco's Applications Engineer, Darin Acup, demonstrates how Omron’s latest servo drive technology combines flexible safety control with high-performance motion, giving manufacturers more options when responding to process anomalies, without bringing production to a halt.
Why It Matters
Historically, servo systems have responded to emergency stops or safety interruptions by cutting torque and stopping motion completely. While safe, this approach often introduces unnecessary downtime, especially when the situation doesn’t require a full system shutdown. The Omron 1SA system changes that by offering eight advanced motion safety modes, allowing operations to continue under controlled conditions tailored to the specific issue.
Key Safety Modes in the 1SA Servo System
- Safe Torque Off (STO): Removes power from the motor immediately for complete shutdown scenarios.
- Safe Direction: Restricts motion to only one direction which is perfect for fixing a jammed product like a misaligned bottle on a filler line.
- Safe Limited Speed: Enables continued operation at a reduced, controlled speed for safe human-machine interaction.
- Safe Stop with Holding Torque: Brings equipment to a halt while maintaining motor torque to hold position for certain processes.
- Dynamic Safety Switching: Operators can switch between safety modes based on real-time needs: e.g., using STO for light curtain trips, but Safe Limited Speed for door access.
Real World Example
Darin’s demo highlights a common challenge: a bottle falls on a filler line. With older systems, the servo would stop completely, halting the entire production line. With the 1SA system, the servo can enter Safe Direction mode, allowing movement in only one direction while the issue is resolved. Once cleared, normal operation resumes. No full stop required, no productivity loss.
Designed for Modern Manufacturing
The Omron 1SA Series is engineered for advanced safety integration. Using Sysmac Studio automation software, teams can design and simulate standard and safety control sequences in one environment. This unified approach supports better system design, reduced downtime, and faster changeovers, improving your Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Ready to Upgrade Your Motion Safety?
Ramco’s automation experts can help you determine if the Omron 1SA Servo System is right for your application. Whether you're retrofitting existing equipment or building from scratch, our team will guide you through selection, programming, and integration.
