Safe living, Safe working
Safe living, Safe working Safety technology I Automation I Lift technology
Schmersal facts The Schmersal Group develops and produces a range of about 20,000 different switchgear and control devices. The Schmersal Group therefore is one of the largest supplier of safety switching devices in the world.
Our programme ranges from micro-switches and sensor technology-based solutions to safety-related electronic components and heavy-duty switching devices. About 1,200 employees (ca. 130 Mill € turnover) from 17 countries are developing safety and technological solutions in close collaboration with our customers, thus contributing to a safer world.
Contents
Foreword
4-5
Schmersal chronicle
6-7
Schmersal Group
8-9
Production sites
10-17
Business field Safety technology
18-19
Business field Automation
20-21
Business field Lift technology
22-23
Company vision
24-25
Product overview
26-27
3
high goals
Only when you pursue high goals, will you achieve much. We have set forth our strategy for the next years: we want to grow faster than the market does. In our three key fields of activity, we will develop innovative solutions for the growing needs of the demanding market.
4
Innovations for increased safety Live safely, work safely: technolo-
As an owner-managed company
gy never has been more safe than
and holding with worldwide subsi-
today. The products and system
diaries, the Schmersal Group can
solutions of the Schmersal Group
deal with the needs and wishes
are used to minimize risks and
of its customers in a flexible way.
dangers on machinery, public trans-
Many of our products have been
portation and lifts, i.e. wherever
developed in close collaboration
contact is established between
with our customers. Throughout
man and machine.
the years we have acquired the
We develop and produce switch-
necessary know-how to pursue an
gear and control systems to pro-
advanced innovative policy for a
tect man and machine. Therefore,
safer work-place.
our products have to meet high re-
As manufacturer of safety compo-
quirements and quality standards.
nents and systems, we are affilia-
The Schmersal
ted to European and international
Group is one
standardization bodies, where our
of the world
know-how and practical experien-
market leaders
ce contribute to a safer life and a
in the area
safer workplace.
of electrical and electronic safety switchgear and control systems. We do not just want to retain this position, but to build on it.
Heinz Schmersal Managing director and owner
5
Safety guard lock with innovative sensor technology
today
AZM
Electronic safety relay combination
nineties
SRB
Safety interlock
eighties
AZ 16
Proximity switch
seventies
IFL
Door contact lift technology
sixties
AZ 01
6
Programme controller
fifties
Waffel iron
forties
Tomorrow’s technology is based on yesterday’s experience In September 1945, immediately
In 1980-81, the AZ 15/AZ 16 safe-
after the Second World War, Ernst
ty switch series was introduced.
and Kurt Andreas Schmersal foun-
This milestone in Schmersal’s
ded a company which initially built
extensive range meanwhile has
electrical home appliances. With
become the ”standard” in many
the start of the economical revival
fields.
in the early fifties, the young com-
Our highly varying programme is
pany concentrated on the produc-
continuously extended. Every new
tion of industrial switchgear, e. g.
product generation integrates our
heavy-duty limit switches for con-
extensive experiences and the
struction site machinery.
requirements both from the market
As machinery became more and
and the customers. We are an inno-
more automated, new series of
vative, flexible and customer-
limit switches were developed.
oriented company and therefore new technologies, such as non-contact safety systems, are being continuously developed, updated and implemented into our products. We offer our customers custom-made, practical
Some forty years ago, the first
system solutions with a high safety
magnetic switches were produced,
level whilst still allowing excellent
thus showing the way for the mar-
productivity. This guarantees a
ket of non-contact switchgear. The
safer workplace as well as a safer
development of lift switchgear
life for the operator.
components was another logical step, taking into account that the grandfather founded a lift company in Wuppertal as early as 1925.
7
Schmersal Group International
Associated companies abroad: AVS-Schmersal Vertriebs GmbH Wuppertal Germany
Wien / Austria
K.A. Schmersal GmbH Schmersal Belgium NV / SA Aarschot / Belgium
since 1945 Headquarters
Schmersal Schweiz AG
Production site
Zürich / Schwitzerland
Schmersal Nordiska AB Mölnlycke / Sweden
Schmersal Nordiske
Wettenberg Germany
Oslo / Norway
Elan Schaltelemente GmbH & Co KG
Schmersal Denmark A/S Charlottenlund / Denmark
Schmersal UK Ltd. Malvern / Great Britian
since 1997 Boituva Brazil
Production site
ACE Schmersal Eletroeletrônica
Schmersal France
Industrial Ltda.
Grenoble / France since 1974 Schmersal Ibérica
Production site
Barcelona / Spain and Portugal
Shanghai China Schmersal Industrial Switchgear Co.Ltd.
Schmersal Italia s.r.l. Borgosatollo / Italy since 1999 Production site
Schmersal Inc. New York / USA
Schmersal Canada LTD Ontario / Canada
Schmersal Japan Branch Office Tokyo / Japan
8
Independent distributors
The key to our success: customer-orientation, diversity The world is our market. Our cus-
We have to adapt the ideas and
tomers are amongst the world
viewpoints of our customers and
leaders in machine building and lift
integrate them into the technical
construction. Schmersal safety
requirements and conditions of
switchgear is used all over the
use for our switchgear and control
world to protect man and machine:
systems. And it goes beyond that
from Shanghai apartment buil-
– we also have to take the cultural
dings, American printing presses
habits and the local customs of
and packaging machines, German
the different markets into account.
construction machinery, Argen-
A good comprehension of other
tinean busses, Austrian cable-lifts
cultures is an essential condition
to Japanese machine tools.
for worldwide success as well as
We offer worldwide solutions for
an enrichment for all employees
our customers’ individual needs,
dealing with other nations. We are proud that the Schmersal Group sets people from seventeen different nations to work and we encourage the exchange of our employees across national and linguistic frontiers. This open and positive atmosphere also is a benefit to our customers.
regardless of their industrial activities. We know that customer-orientation is not just a matter of organization and global presence.
9
Wuppertal site Founding year: 1945 Headquarters of the Schmersal Group Competencies: development and manufacturing of switchgear and control systems for safety technology, automation and lift technology Employees: 520
10
520
2004
532
2002
516
2000
389
1990
340 14,6
1980
1970
322 7,5
34,0
52,6
57,3
62,0
Sales turnover: ca. 62,0 Mill €
Employees Turnover in Mill €
Company headquarters at the site of origin: K.A. Schmersal GmbH in Wuppertal The registered office and the key
All new developments are subjec-
functions of the Schmersal Group,
ted to wide-ranging type tests in a
i.e. Research and Development,
well-equipped test department.
Purchasing, Product Management,
The Schmersal laboratory has been
Marketing and Sales, are located
accredited as a competent ALPHA
in Wuppertal, the place where
testing laboratory, which means
the company was
that the Schmersal laboratory can,
founded. Here,
under its own responsibility, test
hundreds of thou-
low voltage switchgear according
sands of products
to the requirements of internation-
are produced in
ally applicable standards. For the
a great variety of
development process, Schmersal
types in accordance
works together with universities
to the highest
and responsible notified bodies
quality standards.
such as BG, UL, CSA, TÜV and
The programme ranges from batch
BGIA. The Product Management
production on automated assem-
maintains close connections with
bly lines with integral test appa-
several standardization bodies and
ratus to high-tech switchgear,
international experts in machinery
which is completely assembled
safety.
by a single highly qualified person
At Wuppertal, Schmersal employs
at an individual station. All manu-
around 520 people. In 2006, the
facturing subsidiary companies
headquarters will be enlarged by
in the Schmersal Group, both at
an extensive training centre.
home and abroad, work on the basis of a quality management system, which is certified to the requirements of DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000. Our design and development staff has advanced planning, development and analysing systems at its disposal.
11
Wettenberg site Founding year: 1952 (since 1997 in the Schmersal Group) Competencies: development and manufacturing of switchgear for control and monitoring, safety relay combinations, safety interlocks and safety relevant control systems Employees: 170
12
20,6
2004
170
18,7
2003
170
17,3 166
2002
177
2001
2000
161
19,6
19,7
Sales turnover: ca. 20,6 Mill €
Employees Turnover in Mill €
The successful German subsidiary: Elan Schaltelemente GmbH & Co. KG in Wettenberg Elan Schaltelemente GmbH & Co.
The ESALAN Safety Controller
KG was founded in 1952. Since
followed in 1999 as application-
1997 Elan, whose focal business
specific development. This is a
emphasis is also placed on safety
special safety electronic controller
technology, i.e. safety switchgear
for robotics, handling technology
and control systems to protect
and complex multi-axis machines
man and machine, has belongs to
with axis-specific and Cartesian
the Schmersal Group. Since its
monitoring functions.
establishment, Elan has seen itself
Within the Schmersal Group, Elan
rather as a specialist in the market
is the competence centre for con-
for industrial low-voltage switch-
trol and monitoring switchgear,
gear with human protection func-
safety relay modules for safety
tion.
related parts of control systems, programmable electronic systems with safety function and wireless safety-related technology. In 2001, Elan moved to a new production and administrative building and employs around 170 people.
In 1999, Elan was one of the first companies to offer a certified safety field bus system on the market. As a pioneering development in this area, the ESALAN system was a foundation on which a test principle was prepared for the new technology of safety-orientated bus systems.
13
Boituva site Founding year: 1974 Competencies: manufacturing of electromechanical and electrical switchgear Employees: 276
14
9,4 276
2004
2003
268
7,6
9,9 265
2002
263
2001
2000
247
8,8
10,6
Sales turnover: 9,6 Mill €
Employees Turnover in Mill €
Worldwide presence: ACE Schmersal Eletroeletrônica Industrial Ltda. in São Paulo/Brazil Schmersal products are used in many international machinery, engineering automotive plants and in the lift industry. Apart from developing a worldwide network of subsidiaries and commercial partners, we also started up our own production plants outside Europe. In
ACE Schmersal furthermore pro-
Brazil, Schmersal founded a subsi-
duces Man Machine Interfaces
diary company as early as 1974.
equipped with customer-specific
ACE Schmersal in Boituva near
command devices and indicator
São Paulo has about 276 employ-
lights, as well as a programme for the lift industry. The manufacturing process is based on a quality management system certified to DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000, thus guaranteeing that the products meet exactly the same high quality standards as in the German production plants.
ees producing a large range of
On the whole American continent,
electro-mechanical and electronic
the Schmersal Group has a com-
switchgear such as safety switch-
plex network of subsidiaries to
gear, command devices and indi-
provide the customers with the
cator lights, foot switches and
required consultancy and service.
proximity switches for the LatinAmerican and, in part, the NorthAmerican market.
15
Shanghai site Founding year: 1999 Competencies: development and manufactoring of switchgear for safety technology, automation and lift technology for the Asian market Employees: 100
16
64
2004
2003
44
2002
35
2001
2000
28 0,5
0,8
1,3
100
2,5
3,3
Sales turnover: ca. 3,3 Mill €
Employees Turnover in Mill €
The Far East: the market of the future Schmersal Industrial Switchgear Co. Ltd. in Shanghai/China In 1999, after an intensive prepara-
Therefore, safety switchgear is in
tion, a production plant was foun-
great demand. In the last years,
ded in the future market China.
Schmersal Industrial Switchgear
Near Shanghai, about 100 employ-
has recorded annual sales growth
ees produce and assemble – to the
of more than 100%.
same quality standards and with
As the Chinese market is booming,
the same machinery, devices and
further expansion of our Shanghai
tools as in the European factories -
subsidiary is planned. The plant
position and safety switches as
has a DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000 cer-
well as lift switchgear.
tified manufacturing department,
In 1997, a sales
where customer-specific applica-
network was
tions can also be developed.
founded in
The production capacity will be
China. Today,
increased, in order to fully exploit
there are six
the benefits of the Asian procure-
offices in the
ment market. Furthermore, the
main industrial
Shanghai plant will become an
regions.
important player for the further
Schmersal has
development of the activities of
acquired a good reputation on the
the Schmersal Group in Asia.
Chinese market, especially because of its substantial technical consultancy and the intensive marketing activities. Due to the global trade relations, Chinese machinery and plants must comply with the same safety standards as in other industrial markets.
17
Even though life today is safer than it was in the past, safety never is a self-evident matter. Safety switchgear and control devices from Schmersal produce safety in production lines, at mobile units, in public vehicles and in lifts and elevators.
18
Safety technology: Safe switching and monitoring On many automated production
It goes without saying that all the
and assembly lines, Schmersal
products from our safety techno-
switchgear and safety circuits are
logy programme meet the highest
protecting man and machine, for
requirements of the harmonized
instance by stopping the machine
international directives and stand-
when the guard door is opened or
ards as well as the national stipu-
by keeping the door locked until
lations of our major markets, for
the dangerous movements have
example the European standards
come to standstill.
and directives, the German BG
Our portfolio of safety switchgear
principles, the Chinese CCC certi-
and safety switching devices for
fication and the North-American
the protection of man and machine
UL/CSA codes. Our safety switch-
is the largest in the world. As well
gear provides for safety all over
as the ”conventional” electrome-
the world, simultaneously allowing
chanical systems for guard door
for an optimal integration into pro-
monitoring, our programme also
duction cycles. We strongly believe
includes optoelectronic and tactile
that safety and productivity are no
systems as well as two-hand con-
longer mutually exclusive.
trols. We also develop customer-specific solutions for the machinery, plant and lift industries. For highly critical applications such as the cable monitoring of cable cars, we offer custom-made solutions.
Safety guard lock
Safety sensor
Safety interlock
19
A fully automated production process, in which intervention of man is no longer required, was yesterday’s vision. Today, this thought has been revised. As many fields require the automated production processes to be flexible as well, man and machine must work together – in a safe and productive manner.
20
Automation technology: Reliable switching and positioning The automation technology from
Apart from switches for automated
Schmersal always ensures safe and
movements, we also offer practi-
reliable commands, for instance
cal solutions for the ”man-machine
an automated conveyor must stop
interface” like, for example,
at a certain position, a handling
hygienic signalling and command
tool must pick up parts or a pallet
devices.
must be accurately positioned in
We are particularly proud of the
an automatic warehouse.
long life and the reliability of our
Our switchgear detects the position
products. A customer having to
of tools, goods or machine com-
replace his Schmersal switchgear
ponents in a reliable and accurate
for the first time after 30 years,
manner, even in unfavourable con-
even it has been working under
ditions. Our programme ranges
the roughest conditions, is not
from position switches with a wide
unusual. Moreover, it proves the
range of actuators to gear switches
effectiveness of our extremely high
and micro switches, proximity
quality requirements.
switches and non-contact magnetic switches. Many of these products initially were customer-specific developments – e. g. fully electronic hoist limit switches for mobile cranes, contributing to the safe hoisting and unloading of heavy loads. We also developed special position switches for the automated entrance steps on busses and trains.
Command device
Proximity switch
Position switch
21
To the top with lift switchgear from Schmersal: our lift switchgear is used all over the world – for instance in this luxury hotel in Venezuela.
22
Lift technology: Accurate, fast, safe Lifts and elevators are the safest
The field of application of our lift
means of transport in the world.
switchgear ranges from passenger
Our Lift Technology Department is
lifts in luxury hotels in Rio de
developing and producing switch-
Janeiro or Stockholm, Shanghai
ing components and switchgear
skyscrapers or Zurich apartment
for the lift industry in accordance
blocks to hoists and service
with the harmonized requirements
elevators in the cement industry
of the worldwide applicable direc-
and in power plants.
tives and standards. Our lift switch-
Our lift switchgear has the same
gear lock and monitor the lift doors,
degree of reliability and the same
they detect cabin position and
long life as our safety and auto-
monitor the speed as well as the
mation technology products and
end position of the cabin.
solutions. In lift technology,
This switchgear is developed and
Schmersal switchgear has be-
produced using approved techno-
come a byword for quality and
logies and new operating princi-
long life. We consider it as a chal-
ples, thus offering many technical
lenge to establish new standards
and economic advantages. Our
and to keep a lead over the com-
latest lift positioning system, USP
petition by offering our customers
is used in many thousand of lifts all
actual and practical advantages.
over the world. It can be installed next to no time and requires no maintenance, which means a considerable gain of time and money both for the lift manufacturer or operator and his customers. We are working in close collaboration with the global players on the lift industry market as well as with many small manufacturers from all over the world.
Absolute positioning system
23
How will man and machine work together in tomorrow’s production processes? What will tomorrow’s safety systems look like? These issues are the keynote for our development engineers.
24
The future of safety technology The development engineers of the
Guard doors will no longer be re-
Schmersal Group are continuously
quired, as non-contact guard
producing new devices and sys-
devices will assume this task in
tems for all sorts of application
combination with systems for
situations. In the past, we often set
image processing and ”intelligent”
new standards of safety and we
safety controls. The safety-relevant
intend to do the same in the future
signals will be transmitted through
as well.
safe wireless transmission paths.
Our aim, becoming technological
These technologies will enable
leader in our three business fields.
a completely new interaction be-
It arose out of our concern to offer
tween man and machine.
our customers products, systems
Motivated by the vision of a safe working environment, our development engineers are producing tomorrow’s products and solutions. New safety concepts require new system solutions and innovative principles of operation, new regional markets require new fields of application. Our ambitious corpo-
and technologies generating a
rate objectives have been defined
higher productivity, an increased
to work towards a higher goal: to
return and safer machinery, plant
work and to live safer – with safety
and means of transport to give
technology from Schmersal.
them a competitive lead. A technological leader must anticipate – for instance as far as safety technology is regarded. In tomorrow’s factories, the workplace of man and machine will be no longer separated by conventional protective measures.
25
Product Overview 1. Safe switching and monitoring
Safety guard monitoring
Command devices with safety function
Tactile safety devices
Optoelectronic safety devices
Safety control and bus systems
26
2. Automation technology
Position detection
Position detection
Command and signalling devices
3. Elevator technology
Comprehensive details of our products can be found in our product catalogues or under www.schmersal.com
27
www.schmersal.com
Schmersal facts The Schmersal Group develops and produces a range of about 20,000 different switchgear and control devices. The Schmersal Group therefore is one of the largest supplier of safety switching devices in the world.
Our programme ranges from micro-switches and sensor technology-based solutions to safety-related electronic components and heavy-duty switching devices. About 1,200 employees (ca. 130 Mill € turnover) from 17 countries are developing safety and technological solutions in close collaboration with our customers, thus contributing to a safer world.
Contents
Foreword
4-5
Schmersal chronicle
6-7
Schmersal Group
8-9
Production sites
10-17
Business field Safety technology
18-19
Business field Automation
20-21
Business field Lift technology
22-23
Company vision
24-25
Product overview
26-27
3
high goals
Only when you pursue high goals, will you achieve much. We have set forth our strategy for the next years: we want to grow faster than the market does. In our three key fields of activity, we will develop innovative solutions for the growing needs of the demanding market.
4
Innovations for increased safety Live safely, work safely: technolo-
As an owner-managed company
gy never has been more safe than
and holding with worldwide subsi-
today. The products and system
diaries, the Schmersal Group can
solutions of the Schmersal Group
deal with the needs and wishes
are used to minimize risks and
of its customers in a flexible way.
dangers on machinery, public trans-
Many of our products have been
portation and lifts, i.e. wherever
developed in close collaboration
contact is established between
with our customers. Throughout
man and machine.
the years we have acquired the
We develop and produce switch-
necessary know-how to pursue an
gear and control systems to pro-
advanced innovative policy for a
tect man and machine. Therefore,
safer work-place.
our products have to meet high re-
As manufacturer of safety compo-
quirements and quality standards.
nents and systems, we are affilia-
The Schmersal
ted to European and international
Group is one
standardization bodies, where our
of the world
know-how and practical experien-
market leaders
ce contribute to a safer life and a
in the area
safer workplace.
of electrical and electronic safety switchgear and control systems. We do not just want to retain this position, but to build on it.
Heinz Schmersal Managing director and owner
5
Safety guard lock with innovative sensor technology
today
AZM
Electronic safety relay combination
nineties
SRB
Safety interlock
eighties
AZ 16
Proximity switch
seventies
IFL
Door contact lift technology
sixties
AZ 01
6
Programme controller
fifties
Waffel iron
forties
Tomorrow’s technology is based on yesterday’s experience In September 1945, immediately
In 1980-81, the AZ 15/AZ 16 safe-
after the Second World War, Ernst
ty switch series was introduced.
and Kurt Andreas Schmersal foun-
This milestone in Schmersal’s
ded a company which initially built
extensive range meanwhile has
electrical home appliances. With
become the ”standard” in many
the start of the economical revival
fields.
in the early fifties, the young com-
Our highly varying programme is
pany concentrated on the produc-
continuously extended. Every new
tion of industrial switchgear, e. g.
product generation integrates our
heavy-duty limit switches for con-
extensive experiences and the
struction site machinery.
requirements both from the market
As machinery became more and
and the customers. We are an inno-
more automated, new series of
vative, flexible and customer-
limit switches were developed.
oriented company and therefore new technologies, such as non-contact safety systems, are being continuously developed, updated and implemented into our products. We offer our customers custom-made, practical
Some forty years ago, the first
system solutions with a high safety
magnetic switches were produced,
level whilst still allowing excellent
thus showing the way for the mar-
productivity. This guarantees a
ket of non-contact switchgear. The
safer workplace as well as a safer
development of lift switchgear
life for the operator.
components was another logical step, taking into account that the grandfather founded a lift company in Wuppertal as early as 1925.
7
Schmersal Group International
Associated companies abroad: AVS-Schmersal Vertriebs GmbH Wuppertal Germany
Wien / Austria
K.A. Schmersal GmbH Schmersal Belgium NV / SA Aarschot / Belgium
since 1945 Headquarters
Schmersal Schweiz AG
Production site
Zürich / Schwitzerland
Schmersal Nordiska AB Mölnlycke / Sweden
Schmersal Nordiske
Wettenberg Germany
Oslo / Norway
Elan Schaltelemente GmbH & Co KG
Schmersal Denmark A/S Charlottenlund / Denmark
Schmersal UK Ltd. Malvern / Great Britian
since 1997 Boituva Brazil
Production site
ACE Schmersal Eletroeletrônica
Schmersal France
Industrial Ltda.
Grenoble / France since 1974 Schmersal Ibérica
Production site
Barcelona / Spain and Portugal
Shanghai China Schmersal Industrial Switchgear Co.Ltd.
Schmersal Italia s.r.l. Borgosatollo / Italy since 1999 Production site
Schmersal Inc. New York / USA
Schmersal Canada LTD Ontario / Canada
Schmersal Japan Branch Office Tokyo / Japan
8
Independent distributors
The key to our success: customer-orientation, diversity The world is our market. Our cus-
We have to adapt the ideas and
tomers are amongst the world
viewpoints of our customers and
leaders in machine building and lift
integrate them into the technical
construction. Schmersal safety
requirements and conditions of
switchgear is used all over the
use for our switchgear and control
world to protect man and machine:
systems. And it goes beyond that
from Shanghai apartment buil-
– we also have to take the cultural
dings, American printing presses
habits and the local customs of
and packaging machines, German
the different markets into account.
construction machinery, Argen-
A good comprehension of other
tinean busses, Austrian cable-lifts
cultures is an essential condition
to Japanese machine tools.
for worldwide success as well as
We offer worldwide solutions for
an enrichment for all employees
our customers’ individual needs,
dealing with other nations. We are proud that the Schmersal Group sets people from seventeen different nations to work and we encourage the exchange of our employees across national and linguistic frontiers. This open and positive atmosphere also is a benefit to our customers.
regardless of their industrial activities. We know that customer-orientation is not just a matter of organization and global presence.
9
Wuppertal site Founding year: 1945 Headquarters of the Schmersal Group Competencies: development and manufacturing of switchgear and control systems for safety technology, automation and lift technology Employees: 520
10
520
2004
532
2002
516
2000
389
1990
340 14,6
1980
1970
322 7,5
34,0
52,6
57,3
62,0
Sales turnover: ca. 62,0 Mill €
Employees Turnover in Mill €
Company headquarters at the site of origin: K.A. Schmersal GmbH in Wuppertal The registered office and the key
All new developments are subjec-
functions of the Schmersal Group,
ted to wide-ranging type tests in a
i.e. Research and Development,
well-equipped test department.
Purchasing, Product Management,
The Schmersal laboratory has been
Marketing and Sales, are located
accredited as a competent ALPHA
in Wuppertal, the place where
testing laboratory, which means
the company was
that the Schmersal laboratory can,
founded. Here,
under its own responsibility, test
hundreds of thou-
low voltage switchgear according
sands of products
to the requirements of internation-
are produced in
ally applicable standards. For the
a great variety of
development process, Schmersal
types in accordance
works together with universities
to the highest
and responsible notified bodies
quality standards.
such as BG, UL, CSA, TÜV and
The programme ranges from batch
BGIA. The Product Management
production on automated assem-
maintains close connections with
bly lines with integral test appa-
several standardization bodies and
ratus to high-tech switchgear,
international experts in machinery
which is completely assembled
safety.
by a single highly qualified person
At Wuppertal, Schmersal employs
at an individual station. All manu-
around 520 people. In 2006, the
facturing subsidiary companies
headquarters will be enlarged by
in the Schmersal Group, both at
an extensive training centre.
home and abroad, work on the basis of a quality management system, which is certified to the requirements of DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000. Our design and development staff has advanced planning, development and analysing systems at its disposal.
11
Wettenberg site Founding year: 1952 (since 1997 in the Schmersal Group) Competencies: development and manufacturing of switchgear for control and monitoring, safety relay combinations, safety interlocks and safety relevant control systems Employees: 170
12
20,6
2004
170
18,7
2003
170
17,3 166
2002
177
2001
2000
161
19,6
19,7
Sales turnover: ca. 20,6 Mill €
Employees Turnover in Mill €
The successful German subsidiary: Elan Schaltelemente GmbH & Co. KG in Wettenberg Elan Schaltelemente GmbH & Co.
The ESALAN Safety Controller
KG was founded in 1952. Since
followed in 1999 as application-
1997 Elan, whose focal business
specific development. This is a
emphasis is also placed on safety
special safety electronic controller
technology, i.e. safety switchgear
for robotics, handling technology
and control systems to protect
and complex multi-axis machines
man and machine, has belongs to
with axis-specific and Cartesian
the Schmersal Group. Since its
monitoring functions.
establishment, Elan has seen itself
Within the Schmersal Group, Elan
rather as a specialist in the market
is the competence centre for con-
for industrial low-voltage switch-
trol and monitoring switchgear,
gear with human protection func-
safety relay modules for safety
tion.
related parts of control systems, programmable electronic systems with safety function and wireless safety-related technology. In 2001, Elan moved to a new production and administrative building and employs around 170 people.
In 1999, Elan was one of the first companies to offer a certified safety field bus system on the market. As a pioneering development in this area, the ESALAN system was a foundation on which a test principle was prepared for the new technology of safety-orientated bus systems.
13
Boituva site Founding year: 1974 Competencies: manufacturing of electromechanical and electrical switchgear Employees: 276
14
9,4 276
2004
2003
268
7,6
9,9 265
2002
263
2001
2000
247
8,8
10,6
Sales turnover: 9,6 Mill €
Employees Turnover in Mill €
Worldwide presence: ACE Schmersal Eletroeletrônica Industrial Ltda. in São Paulo/Brazil Schmersal products are used in many international machinery, engineering automotive plants and in the lift industry. Apart from developing a worldwide network of subsidiaries and commercial partners, we also started up our own production plants outside Europe. In
ACE Schmersal furthermore pro-
Brazil, Schmersal founded a subsi-
duces Man Machine Interfaces
diary company as early as 1974.
equipped with customer-specific
ACE Schmersal in Boituva near
command devices and indicator
São Paulo has about 276 employ-
lights, as well as a programme for the lift industry. The manufacturing process is based on a quality management system certified to DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000, thus guaranteeing that the products meet exactly the same high quality standards as in the German production plants.
ees producing a large range of
On the whole American continent,
electro-mechanical and electronic
the Schmersal Group has a com-
switchgear such as safety switch-
plex network of subsidiaries to
gear, command devices and indi-
provide the customers with the
cator lights, foot switches and
required consultancy and service.
proximity switches for the LatinAmerican and, in part, the NorthAmerican market.
15
Shanghai site Founding year: 1999 Competencies: development and manufactoring of switchgear for safety technology, automation and lift technology for the Asian market Employees: 100
16
64
2004
2003
44
2002
35
2001
2000
28 0,5
0,8
1,3
100
2,5
3,3
Sales turnover: ca. 3,3 Mill €
Employees Turnover in Mill €
The Far East: the market of the future Schmersal Industrial Switchgear Co. Ltd. in Shanghai/China In 1999, after an intensive prepara-
Therefore, safety switchgear is in
tion, a production plant was foun-
great demand. In the last years,
ded in the future market China.
Schmersal Industrial Switchgear
Near Shanghai, about 100 employ-
has recorded annual sales growth
ees produce and assemble – to the
of more than 100%.
same quality standards and with
As the Chinese market is booming,
the same machinery, devices and
further expansion of our Shanghai
tools as in the European factories -
subsidiary is planned. The plant
position and safety switches as
has a DIN EN ISO 9001: 2000 cer-
well as lift switchgear.
tified manufacturing department,
In 1997, a sales
where customer-specific applica-
network was
tions can also be developed.
founded in
The production capacity will be
China. Today,
increased, in order to fully exploit
there are six
the benefits of the Asian procure-
offices in the
ment market. Furthermore, the
main industrial
Shanghai plant will become an
regions.
important player for the further
Schmersal has
development of the activities of
acquired a good reputation on the
the Schmersal Group in Asia.
Chinese market, especially because of its substantial technical consultancy and the intensive marketing activities. Due to the global trade relations, Chinese machinery and plants must comply with the same safety standards as in other industrial markets.
17
Even though life today is safer than it was in the past, safety never is a self-evident matter. Safety switchgear and control devices from Schmersal produce safety in production lines, at mobile units, in public vehicles and in lifts and elevators.
18
Safety technology: Safe switching and monitoring On many automated production
It goes without saying that all the
and assembly lines, Schmersal
products from our safety techno-
switchgear and safety circuits are
logy programme meet the highest
protecting man and machine, for
requirements of the harmonized
instance by stopping the machine
international directives and stand-
when the guard door is opened or
ards as well as the national stipu-
by keeping the door locked until
lations of our major markets, for
the dangerous movements have
example the European standards
come to standstill.
and directives, the German BG
Our portfolio of safety switchgear
principles, the Chinese CCC certi-
and safety switching devices for
fication and the North-American
the protection of man and machine
UL/CSA codes. Our safety switch-
is the largest in the world. As well
gear provides for safety all over
as the ”conventional” electrome-
the world, simultaneously allowing
chanical systems for guard door
for an optimal integration into pro-
monitoring, our programme also
duction cycles. We strongly believe
includes optoelectronic and tactile
that safety and productivity are no
systems as well as two-hand con-
longer mutually exclusive.
trols. We also develop customer-specific solutions for the machinery, plant and lift industries. For highly critical applications such as the cable monitoring of cable cars, we offer custom-made solutions.
Safety guard lock
Safety sensor
Safety interlock
19
A fully automated production process, in which intervention of man is no longer required, was yesterday’s vision. Today, this thought has been revised. As many fields require the automated production processes to be flexible as well, man and machine must work together – in a safe and productive manner.
20
Automation technology: Reliable switching and positioning The automation technology from
Apart from switches for automated
Schmersal always ensures safe and
movements, we also offer practi-
reliable commands, for instance
cal solutions for the ”man-machine
an automated conveyor must stop
interface” like, for example,
at a certain position, a handling
hygienic signalling and command
tool must pick up parts or a pallet
devices.
must be accurately positioned in
We are particularly proud of the
an automatic warehouse.
long life and the reliability of our
Our switchgear detects the position
products. A customer having to
of tools, goods or machine com-
replace his Schmersal switchgear
ponents in a reliable and accurate
for the first time after 30 years,
manner, even in unfavourable con-
even it has been working under
ditions. Our programme ranges
the roughest conditions, is not
from position switches with a wide
unusual. Moreover, it proves the
range of actuators to gear switches
effectiveness of our extremely high
and micro switches, proximity
quality requirements.
switches and non-contact magnetic switches. Many of these products initially were customer-specific developments – e. g. fully electronic hoist limit switches for mobile cranes, contributing to the safe hoisting and unloading of heavy loads. We also developed special position switches for the automated entrance steps on busses and trains.
Command device
Proximity switch
Position switch
21
To the top with lift switchgear from Schmersal: our lift switchgear is used all over the world – for instance in this luxury hotel in Venezuela.
22
Lift technology: Accurate, fast, safe Lifts and elevators are the safest
The field of application of our lift
means of transport in the world.
switchgear ranges from passenger
Our Lift Technology Department is
lifts in luxury hotels in Rio de
developing and producing switch-
Janeiro or Stockholm, Shanghai
ing components and switchgear
skyscrapers or Zurich apartment
for the lift industry in accordance
blocks to hoists and service
with the harmonized requirements
elevators in the cement industry
of the worldwide applicable direc-
and in power plants.
tives and standards. Our lift switch-
Our lift switchgear has the same
gear lock and monitor the lift doors,
degree of reliability and the same
they detect cabin position and
long life as our safety and auto-
monitor the speed as well as the
mation technology products and
end position of the cabin.
solutions. In lift technology,
This switchgear is developed and
Schmersal switchgear has be-
produced using approved techno-
come a byword for quality and
logies and new operating princi-
long life. We consider it as a chal-
ples, thus offering many technical
lenge to establish new standards
and economic advantages. Our
and to keep a lead over the com-
latest lift positioning system, USP
petition by offering our customers
is used in many thousand of lifts all
actual and practical advantages.
over the world. It can be installed next to no time and requires no maintenance, which means a considerable gain of time and money both for the lift manufacturer or operator and his customers. We are working in close collaboration with the global players on the lift industry market as well as with many small manufacturers from all over the world.
Absolute positioning system
23
How will man and machine work together in tomorrow’s production processes? What will tomorrow’s safety systems look like? These issues are the keynote for our development engineers.
24
The future of safety technology The development engineers of the
Guard doors will no longer be re-
Schmersal Group are continuously
quired, as non-contact guard
producing new devices and sys-
devices will assume this task in
tems for all sorts of application
combination with systems for
situations. In the past, we often set
image processing and ”intelligent”
new standards of safety and we
safety controls. The safety-relevant
intend to do the same in the future
signals will be transmitted through
as well.
safe wireless transmission paths.
Our aim, becoming technological
These technologies will enable
leader in our three business fields.
a completely new interaction be-
It arose out of our concern to offer
tween man and machine.
our customers products, systems
Motivated by the vision of a safe working environment, our development engineers are producing tomorrow’s products and solutions. New safety concepts require new system solutions and innovative principles of operation, new regional markets require new fields of application. Our ambitious corpo-
and technologies generating a
rate objectives have been defined
higher productivity, an increased
to work towards a higher goal: to
return and safer machinery, plant
work and to live safer – with safety
and means of transport to give
technology from Schmersal.
them a competitive lead. A technological leader must anticipate – for instance as far as safety technology is regarded. In tomorrow’s factories, the workplace of man and machine will be no longer separated by conventional protective measures.
25
Product Overview 1. Safe switching and monitoring
Safety guard monitoring
Command devices with safety function
Tactile safety devices
Optoelectronic safety devices
Safety control and bus systems
26
2. Automation technology
Position detection
Position detection
Command and signalling devices
3. Elevator technology
Comprehensive details of our products can be found in our product catalogues or under www.schmersal.com
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www.schmersal.com
