Porta Westfalica/Ganderkesee, November 2024
ATLAS GmbH, a leading developer and manufacturer of excavators and loader cranes, has integrated the SIB inductive sensors from BERNSTEIN AG into its machines in order to meet the growing demands for safety and efficiency.
With around 500 employees, ATLAS is focused on developing commercial vehicles that meet both the highest technical demands and stricter safety requirements.
Application areas of sensors on loader cranes
The use of sensors has become indispensable in modern loader cranes. They precisely monitor the outriggers, record the angle of the slewing ring and the inclination of the entire vehicle or the angle of the outriggers. The utilisation of any existing cable winch is also precisely recorded. These sensors are not only responsible for safety, but also increase the efficiency of the machines through precise position measurements, making them an essential component of intelligent mobile cranes.
Background: Stricter standards require new solutions
Following a revision of the current DIN EN 12999:2020 standard, BERNSTEIN has developed the SIB inductive sensors, which are now used in ATLAS loader cranes. EN 12999 is a uniform standard for truck-mounted loader cranes, the safety requirements of which have been significantly tightened, making the use of safe sensors mandatory.
The SIB sensors from BERNSTEIN work with two antivalent output signals (normally open and normally closed), which are monitored by a safety controller. If deviations occur, the system immediately recognises the fault and switches off safely. ATLAS installs four of these sensors per loading crane. These are located on the sides of the loading crane‘s outriggers to ensure that they are fully extended. A sensor on the top of each support also checks whether the support leg is securely and stably positioned.
Summary
By implementing the SIB sensors, ATLAS is responding to the tightening of the standard and at the same time strengthening the safety of its machines. The sensors from BERNSTEIN offer a TÜV-certified solution. The technology also reduces wiring costs and acquisition costs.
About BERNSTEIN
BERNSTEIN AG currently employs around 600 people in 10 countries and, as an internationally active family business, is now managed by the third generation of the Bernstein family, Achim and Nicole Bernstein. The product portfolio ranges from switches, sensors and enclosures, suspension systems and operating terminals to system solutions for operating and safeguarding entire machines and systems.
About ATLAS
ATLAS GmbH is based in Ganderkesee in northern Germany and is a manufacturer for the development, assembly and sale of excavators and cranes that meet the highest quality standards. With over 100 years of experience, robust perfection, high-quality details and sophisticated functionality, ATLAS is constantly setting new standards to inspire its customers. Starting with the production of agricultural equipment in 1919, the product range has developed steadily over the last hundred years. The ATLAS GmbH portfolio now includes mobile excavators, material handlers, road-rail excavators, crawler excavators and loader cranes as well as attachments for cranes and excavators. In addition, ATLAS offers a wide range of customized, individual special solutions for special applications.