Z-axes
Vertical and gantry axes
Loading and unloading gantries, palletisers, milling machines, robot axes and lifting devices — machines whose Z-axis will fall if the brake is not held.
ConfirmConfirm axis orientation, load and brake type.
Safe brake control
PNOZ s50
On a gravity-loaded axis the brake is the safety function, not an accessory to it. A de-energised drive does not hold a suspended load — the brake does. PNOZ s50 controls and monitors that brake as a distinct safety function, including the case where two brakes must be held together.
Safe brake controlGravity-loaded and Z-axesTwo 2-pin safe outputs24 V DC, 4.5 A per outputRotary knob and display
4.5 APer safe output
24 V DCOutput voltage
2 × 2-pinSafe digital outputs
PNOZ s50Typical gravity-loaded axis application
2 outputsSafe electronic digital
4.5 AEach output at 24 V DC
Dual brakeTwo brakes without contacts
Z-axesGravity-loaded applications
Why it is specified
Safe brake control addresses
The manufacturer states that applications with safety brakes and holding brakes require reliable brake monitoring, eliminating hazards for the user even when the drive is in a de-energised state.
The brake as a safety function
Reliable brake monitoring removes the hazard that remains when the drive is de-energised but the load is still suspended.
Two brakes, no contacts
In stage technology, winches are operated with a dual brake; PNOZ s50 can control two powerful brakes safely without the use of contacts.
Faster cycles
Reduced cycle times through temporary overexcitation with subsequent voltage reduction.
Configured on the device
Simple menu navigation using a rotary knob, with parameters and diagnostic messages shown on the display.
Applications
PNOZ s50 is used
The manufacturer lists stage technology, machine tools, press brakes, packaging machines, test stand technology, materials handling, and energy and environmental technology.
Stage technology
Winches with dual brakes
Where a second brake must be safeguarded alongside the holding brake, both can be controlled safely without contacts.
ConfirmConfirm the number of brakes and their ratings.
Lifting
Scissor tables
Scissor tables are lifting devices with gravity-loaded axes, where holding the load is the safety-relevant function.
ConfirmConfirm load, travel and holding requirement.
Technical data
Selection parameters that matter
These are the values that decide whether the relay suits the brake. Brake current, voltage and switching behaviour must be confirmed against the actual brake.
The device is a stand-alone safety relay: it does not require a safety controller to perform the brake control function, though it sits within the machine safety architecture.
| Function | Safe brake control for applications with safety brakes and holding brakes |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Reliable brake monitoring, removing hazards even when the drive is de-energised |
| Outputs | Two 2-pin, safe electronic digital outputs for 24 V DC |
| Output rating | 4.5 A per output |
| Dual brake capability | Can control two powerful brakes safely without the use of contacts |
| Cycle time | Reduced through temporary overexcitation with subsequent voltage reduction |
| Configuration | Simple menu navigation using a rotary knob |
| Diagnostics | Setting parameters and diagnostic messages shown on the display |
| Typical sectors | Stage technology, machine tools, press brakes, packaging machines, test stand technology, materials handling, energy and environmental technology |
Brake control is one part of holding a load safely. Brake condition over life, the mechanical holding capability and the required testing regime must be addressed alongside the electrical control.
Models
Application configurations
The device is configured on the machine, so the decisions concern the brake arrangement rather than device variants.
Single brake
One holding brake
The common case: one brake on a gravity-loaded axis, controlled and monitored as the safety function.
- Outputs used
- 1
- Rating
- 4.5 A
Dual brake
Two brakes held together
Stage technology winches operated with a dual brake; both controlled safely without contacts.
- Outputs used
- 2
- Contacts
- None required
Performance
Overexcitation
Temporary overexcitation with subsequent voltage reduction shortens the cycle time.
- Effect
- Faster release
- Then
- Voltage reduced
Operation
Rotary knob menu
Parameters are set on the device using the rotary knob, with diagnostics on the display.
- Input
- Rotary knob
- Feedback
- Display
Accessories
Brakes, feedback and interlocks
The relay controls the brake; what surrounds it determines whether the load is genuinely held.
Brake
Safety or holding brake
Brake voltage, current and holding torque must match the axis load and the output rating of the relay.
ConfirmConfirm brake data and the suspended load.
Motion
PNOZ s30 standstill monitoring
Brake control is frequently paired with standstill monitoring, so the brake is applied against a proven state.
Typical pairingPNOZ s30 speed and standstill monitor.
Access
Guard locking
On axes that can fall, guard release should follow both standstill and a held brake rather than either alone.
Typical pairingPSENmlock guard locking.
Before quotation
Application review
Brake applications are specified from the load and the brake data. These are the points that decide feasibility.
Axis and load
- Axis orientation and whether it is gravity loaded
- Suspended load and the consequence of a fall
- Travel and whether the axis can be lowered safely
- Whether one or two brakes must be held
Brake data
- Brake voltage and current draw
- Holding torque and its margin against the load
- Whether the brake is a safety brake or a holding brake
- Expected duty cycle and wear behaviour
Safety function
- What the brake must achieve, and in which modes
- Whether standstill monitoring is also required
- Required performance or integrity level, if determined
- Testing regime for brake condition over life
Integration
- Existing safety controller and how the brake interlocks with it
- Guard release arrangement
- Panel space and supply
- Quantity and delivery timeline
Related technologies
PNOZ s50 sits in the architecture
On a gravity-loaded axis, stopping and holding are separate problems. The drive stops the movement; the brake holds the load, and the brake needs its own safe control.
PNOZ s30 for standstill monitoring
PSENmlock released once safe
Enabling device for setup work
Safety controller for the wider function
Brake condition testing regime
Mechanical holding capability verified