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Edward Lowton
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Home> | Health, Safety & Welfare | >Plant and machinery safety | >MZERO: 'A stitch in time' |
MZERO: 'A stitch in time'
02 May 2025
A MANUFACTURER of thread stitchers and industrial bookbinding machines looked for a Machine Safety Controller that was flexible and capable enough to manage the safety requirements of their various machines.

A manufacturer of thread stitchers and industrial bookbinding machines looked for a Machine Safety Controller that was flexible and capable enough to manage the safety requirements of their various machines. ReeR Safety’s low-cost, highly capable, MZERO units, proved to be perfect, being capable of ‘stitching’ together and managing all the safety devices installed along their production line.
CUSTOMER APPLICATION
Automatic thread stitchers and industrial bookbinding machines for the offset and digital printing industry tend to be clustered together to form an automated production line which collates and binds the book or document.
An example module consists of picker/collater machines connected to three stitching units. One or two operators run a system of up to 8 modules.
CUSTOMER SOLUTION
Each module is equipped with a ReeR Safety MZERO safety controller that monitors 4 RFID safety sensors attached to the movable guards, plus an emergency button.
Each MZERO safety controller communicates with others using the module’s local PLC via a coded digital output of the MZERO itself. The MZEROs communicate with each other, and with the local MZEROs being connected to the individual safety devices, there is less interconnection wiring or power supply cables to apply a safety solution to the entire line.
Configuration and use:
- Each module of the Multiplex harvester is equipped with a MZERO controller.
- The system can be configured up to 8 modules.
- For each module, 4 RFID safety sensors are connected for guards and an emergency button.
Communication and diagnostics:
- Diagnostics between MZERO and the module’s local PLC is via a coded digital output of the MZERO.
- This allows the safety status of the module to be monitored accurately and effectively.
MAIN FEATURES - MZERO
- 16 digital inputs for safety device management
- 4 inputs for EDM and restart functions
- 4 pairs of safety OSSD outputs (PNP 400 mA) up to SIL3 PLe with integrated protection
- 4 status outputs (PNP 100 mA) SIL1 for system monitoring
- 4 test outputs to check for short circuits on electromechanical devices
- 64 logic operators for customisable configuration
- Dedicated MZD software for fast and intuitive programming
The advantages of MZERO
- Reduced number of components and wiring, one device means better wiring management, fewer power sources needed and no physical connections between the main unit and its expansion.
- Quick and easy installation, ideal for upgrading existing systems
- Compatibility with a wide range of safety devices, including light curtains, emergency buttons and RFID switches
- Safety certifications up to SIL 3, SILCL 3, PL e, Category 4 to ensure maximum reliability
- Built-in simulation for safety logic control and verification
- Real-time monitoring with LED signalling and dedicated software
MZERO is the perfect solution for those who need to manage several safety devices while having limitations in the control cabinet. It is especially advantageous for those who need to manage up to 20 inputs*, offering a cheaper alternative with less wiring.
Click here to download the ReeR Safety’s MZERO Machine Safety Controller brochure
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