International. Axis Communications confirmed its plans to develop its own explosion-protected cameras and surveillance devices across axis' product portfolio through a new subsidiary: Axis Ex AB.
Having been audited the new company's quality management system and proven to meet the relevant international standards, Axis can manufacture and sell its own explosion-protected equipment certified to ATEX, IECEx, METLabs and other global certifications. Axis' first explosion-protected camera models will be available in summer 2021.
Axis has provided its portfolio of explosion-protected network cameras since 2015. With the growth in the market and the benefits of explosion-protected cameras being recognized in numerous sectors and industrial environments, the move represents a significant step in the brand's capabilities to create explosion-protected devices across its product portfolio. By manufacturing its own explosion-protected devices, the company can take full responsibility for product design and quality, from the drawing board to delivery, service and support.
Commenting on the plans, Jesper Olavi, Global Product Manager and responsible for explosion-protected cameras at Axis, said: "Since entering the explosion-protected market, we have had significant commercial success and learned a lot. Given the rigorous nature of the certifications required for any manufacturer of such devices, the decision to take full responsibility for the design and manufacture of explosion-protected devices represents an important strategic step for Axis. The benefits for our customers will be substantial, both in our ability to add explosion protection to a wide range of devices and in the efficiency to bring them to market."
Once the company's quality management system is audited and determined to comply with ISO9001 and ISO 80079-34 standards, Axis products will be certified for use anywhere in the world, unlike some explosion-protected devices that are only certified for use in specific regions. By manufacturing its own products, Axis can also offer customers a 5-year warranty, an unusually long warranty period in the explosion-protected camera market.
As Jesper Olavi explains, plans for Axis explosion-protected devices go beyond network surveillance cameras: "While Axis network cameras are central to our offering and deliver great value to customers across all industries and environments, we continue to innovate and expand our range of connected devices. Many of these will also benefit from explosion protection."
