NEW: tGard with IO-Link Safety
We are excited to announce a significant upgrade to the connectivity capabilities of our popular tGard range of configurable access and control solutions, which is now compatible with IO-Link Safety.
This development offers enhanced connectivity, faster integration, and even more versatility in industrial applications, and brings new possibilities for those seeking efficient, cost-effective safety solutions while maintaining the high standards of safety and reliability that tGard is known for.
Key Benefits of tGard with IO-Link Safety
• Reduced Cabling and Installation Cost: A single M12 connector, for both data and power, results in fewer cables and faster setup, making it easier to integrate tGard devices into both new and existing systems.
• Reduced Downtime: If a replacement is needed, the new device is immediately recognised, and the previous configuration is restored. This plug-and-play feature reduces downtime and ensures the system is back up and running as quickly as possible.
• Increased Data Availability and Accuracy: IO-Link provides real-time access to process data, diagnostic data, and device information. This capability now built into tGard allows users to monitor their systems more efficiently, gaining valuable insights into device performance, operating times, and potential issues. Users can access device parameters, operating data, and diagnostic information from the PLC level, facilitating the quick identification of faulty devices.
• Integration of Safety Devices on IO-Link: Functional safety devices like tGard communicate directly with the IO-Link Safety Master.
What is tGard?
tGard is a compact metal bodied range of interlocks and electrical operator controls. Designed, tested and third-party certified for use up to PLd/Cat. 3 or SIL 2, tGard products come in a 40mm metal housing and are suitable for a variety of manufacturing and industrial automation applications.
Configurable at purchase, tGard solutions can be quickly selected from a wide range of elements to meet your application requirements. Fortress offers ergonomic actuator and handle options alongside escape release elements and trapped keys.
tGard also includes emergency stops, pushbuttons, lamps and selector switches, which can be part of a configurable interlock solution (with or without guard locking) or as a standalone control station.
Key benefits
Fully configurable
3rd party approved to meet PLd/Cat.3
Easy to install
Why choose tGard?
Why choose tGard?
Explore tGard
With eight different body types, tGard stacks can accommodate up to 10 modules. A range of hinging, sliding and ergonomic actuators where the head can easily rotate for flexibility on site.
Having interlocks, controls, e-stop and more in one device can save downtime, as well as reducing installation costs and time.
See some example below:
1. Actuator + Head. The head can be rotated onsite
2. Escape Release. Extensions also available
3. Safety Lock. Laser engraved legend plates can be placed above or below any element
4. Solenoid, safety switches also available
6. Green Indicator Lamp. Lamps can be laser engraved with text or symbols
7. Blue Pushbutton. Buttons can be laser engraved as well
9. Selector Switch. The rim can be laser engraved
10. High Level Coded RFID option
11. Quick Disconnect, also available with AS-Interface
Are You Looking to Build a Solution from the Medium Duty Range?
Check out some common configurations of the tGard range to get some inspiration for the kind of interlocks you can create with this customisable medium duty interlock range.
Click on our “Product Tools” button to design your product today. If you need help or guidance, visit our “How to Buy tGard” page.
Explore our product videos
tGard - Configurable access & control for machine guarding
Fortress tGard is the machine guarding solution that can be quickly specified from a range of catalogue elements to meet your requirements. The extensive range of emergency stops, pushbuttons, lamps and selector switches can be built as a standalone pushbutton enclosure or a part of a guard interlock solution (with or without guard locking).
Explore our product videos
tGard High-Level-Coded
The team at Fortress have developed tGard High-Level-Coded (HLC), an RFID solution which integrates into the medium duty range of operator controls and guard locking.
Explore our product videos
Prebuilt Pushbutton Control Stations for Machine Automation
This video explain our control station products in the tGard range.
Need help?
Our team of experts is always available. Simply click on the button below to get in touch.
Visit these pages to learn more
- Create a unique medium duty interlock with all your control functionality within one streamlined device here.
- Use our Datasheets / drawing generators to create technical files, datasheets, and CAD for your selected product.
- Convert your unique ITM number into a Fortress part number using our Reference tool
- Calculate the performance level of your unique safety system using our SISTEMA library
- Click here for more Fortress Product tools
All downloadable assets
To have access to the tGard technical informations, please login to
EN - tGard Brochure
DE - tGard Brochure
tGard IO-Link Safety Brochure
Drawings & 3D CAD Files
- Create a unique medium duty interlock with all your control functionality within one streamlined device here.
- Use our Datasheets / drawing generators to create technical files, datasheets, and CAD for your selected product.
- Convert your unique ITM number into a Fortress part number using our Reference tool
- Calculate the performance level of your unique safety system using our SISTEMA library
- Click here for more Fortress Product tools
Downloads & Technical Info
EN - tGard Brochure
DE - tGard Brochure
