Safety light curtain / area sensor

Types of safety light curtain

Safety light curtains are sensors that protect workers by stopping machines when an object, such as a body part, interrupts a light beam between the sender and receiver. They are used in industrial environments to protect workers from machines. There are different types of safety light curtains.

• Basic Light Curtains

  Basic safety light curtains are sensors that provide protection for areas with lower risks. They use a simple system of light beams and sensors to detect objects and stop machines. Basic safety light curtains are used in industrial environments to protect workers from machines. They are activated when an object, like a body part, interrupts a light beam between the sender and receiver.

• Muting Light Curtains

  Muting light curtain sensors allow machines to continue working when a non-hazardous object passes through the light beam. This is useful when it is necessary for non-hazardous objects to move freely in the protected area. The sensor system will ignore the non-hazardous object but still stop the machine if a person or hazardous object interrupts the beam.

• Short-Curtains

  Short-curtains are safety sensors designed for small machines or areas. They protect smaller spaces but are just as important for safety as larger models. They come in various lengths to fit different machines or openings. Despite their compact size, they still provide essential worker protection in industrial settings.

• Standard Light Curtains

  Standard safety light curtains are widely used safety devices in industrial settings. They consist of a sender and receiver arranged in pairs. The sender transmits infrared light beams, which the receiver detects. When an object, like a person’s hand, interrupts the light beams, the receiver sends a stop signal to the machine, preventing accidents.

• Wireless Light Curtain

  Wireless light curtain sensors protect industrial machines and workers without needing cables. They use radio waves to transmit information between the sender and receiver. This makes installation easier, especially in places where wires would be difficult to set up. Like other light curtain sensors, they stop machines if an object interrupts the light beam.

Functions and Features of Safety Light Curtain

Safety light curtains have various features that provide functions essential for industrial applications. Some of them include:

• Non-Contact Protection

  Safety light curtains provide non-contact protection to machinery operators. The light beams create an invisible barrier around the hazardous machine parts. This barrier detects the presence of people or objects in the danger zone. When an object or person interrupts the light beams, the safety curtain senses it and sends a stop signal to the machine. This automatically halts operation, preventing potential injuries to workers. Non-contact protection minimizes the need for physical guards or sensors directly interacting with people or objects in the hazardous area. It reduces risks and enhances workplace safety.

• Muting Function

  The muting function allows normal operation of machines under specific conditions. It temporarily disables the safety light curtain response to prevent unwanted machine stops. This is useful when certain parts of the machine or products need to pass through the safety light beam to complete production cycles. For example, a conveyor belt carrying parts for assembly may need to pass through the safety light curtain area. In this case, the muting function can be activated so that the conveyor belt and its contents do not cause continuous machine stoppages. The muting function enhances workflow by balancing safety with operational efficiency.

• Multiple Beam Configuration

  Safety light curtains are equipped with up to 271 beams. This feature enhances the detection of small objects or gaps in protection zones. Multiple beam configurations create more detection points within the monitored area. It increases the chances of interrupting a beam even if a person or object has a small size. This is particularly important in environments where there are small parts or tools that can be exposed to risks. Machines with multiple beam configurations have improved safety since they can detect potential hazards more quickly. They prevent injuries or damage caused by objects or persons passing through the safety zone undetected.

• IP65/67 Protection

  IP65/67 indicates the safety light curtain's resistance to dust and water. Light curtains with this protection can be installed in challenging conditions without compromising functionality. The IP65/67 rating ensures the safety curtains are durable and suitable for installation in various industrial environments. These may include environments with high humidity or water splashes and those with dust particles. The protection rating enhances the reliability of safety light curtains. It also makes them a preferred choice for manufacturers since they require minimal maintenance and are long-lasting.

Scenarios of safety light curtain

Safety light curtains are commonly used in various industries and applications to protect workers and machinery from hazardous situations. Here are some common usage scenarios:

• Industrial Machinery

  Safety light curtains are often installed near the moving parts of machines like stamping presses, shearing machines, and robotic arms. They create an invisible barrier around the machine; if a person or object interrupts the beam, the machine will stop moving to prevent injury.

• Manufacturing Plants

  Manufacturing plants that work with heavy equipment and automation use safety light curtains to protect workers from potential injuries caused by moving machinery, especially in assembly lines and material handling areas.

• Press Brakes and Shears

  These machines, commonly used in metalworking, can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Safety light curtains can be placed in front of the machine's cutting or bending area to ensure that no body parts are within the danger zone when the machine is operating.

• Robotic Work Cells

  In environments where robots perform tasks such as welding, painting, or assembly, safety light curtains can be used to create safe zones around the robots. This allows humans to work in proximity to the robots without the risk of being struck by the robot's movements.

• Forklifts and Material Handling Equipment

  Safety light curtains can be used to protect pedestrians in areas where forklifts or other material handling equipment operate. By installing light curtains at key locations, such as doorways or near intersections, the equipment operators can be alerted if a person enters a dangerous area.

• Injection Molding Machines

  These machines used in plastic manufacturing can pose a risk to operators. Safety light curtains can be placed around the mold closing area to ensure that operators maintain a safe distance during the molding process.

• Presses and Punching Machines

  Safety light curtains are frequently used to protect workers' hands and bodies from the hazardous areas of these machines during operation. They can also be used to control the access of personnel to dangerous zones in other punching or stamping operations.

• Textile and Fabric Cutting Machines

  These machines can have sharp blades or cutting elements that pose a risk to operators. Safety light curtains can be installed to create a safe working zone and stop the machine's operation if any part enters the cutting area.

How to Choose safety light curtain

When choosing an area sensor for sale, buyers should consider these factors to ensure they choose light curtains that will meet their customers' needs.

• Determine the Application and Hazard

  Buyers should select safety light curtains based on the application and hazards of the machines. For complex applications and small hazards, buyers should choose coded light curtains. On the other hand, for simple applications and large hazards, safety light curtains are a suitable choice.

• Choose the Required Protection Level

  Buyers should choose safety light curtains with a protection level that meets their customer's requirements. Higher levels provide more protection, making them suitable for applications in environments with more risks.

• Consider the Length and Coverage

  The length of the safety curtain light beam should be enough to cover the height or width of the hazardous area. Buyers should ensure the beams are long enough to prevent gaps that can expose workers to dangers. Some models are adjustable, giving flexibility in fitting different coverage areas.

• Check the Resolution

  Buyers should check the resolution of the light curtain. Higher resolution sensors are suitable for applications that require the detection of small objects. These can distinguish between objects in close proximity. Some models have adjustable resolutions, making them suitable for various applications.

• Evaluate the Environment

  Buyers should consider the working environment where they will install the safety light curtain sensors. They should choose models that can withstand the working conditions. For instance, in harsh environments with high temperatures, they should choose curtains built with strong materials that won't get damaged easily. In environments with more dust and dirt, safety light curtains with IP ratings that show they are dust and water resistant would be suitable.

• Installation and Maintenance

  Buyers should choose safety light curtains that are easy to install and maintain. They should select models that are compatible with the existing setup to reduce installation costs and time. Also, light curtains that require minimal maintenance would reduce the overall cost of ownership.

Safety light curtain / area sensor Q & A

Q: What are safety light curtains?

A: They are non-contact safety devices. They use an array of infrared light beams to form a protective field. This field detects objects or people within it. If an object or person interrupts the beam, the safety curtains send a stop signal to the machine. This prevents potential injuries.

Q: What are the types of safety light curtains?

A: There are two major types of safety curtains. These are:

• Muting light curtains: These are special safety curtains. They allow for the temporary interruption of the light beams. This is useful in automated processes where objects need to pass through the safety area. Muting is achieved by using additional sensors to identify and validate the object passing through the area.
• Override light curtains: These are standard safety curtains. They do not allow interruption of the light beams. Override curtains prioritize safety above all else. Even the slightest interruption in the beam triggers an immediate stop signal to the machine.

Q: What are area sensors?

A: Area sensors are safety devices. They use infrared or laser technologies. They create a protective area. This is done by emitting continuous or pulsed beams of light. Unlike light curtains, these sensors have a single or multiple detection zones. When an object or person enters the defined zone, area sensors send a stop signal to the machine. This prevents potential injuries.

Q: What are the advantages of safety light curtains and area sensors?

A: Safety light curtains and area sensors have numerous advantages. For starters, they are non-contact safety devices. This means they do not require physical contact with the machine to stop it. As a result, they help prevent injuries. They also enhance operational efficiency. Most importantly, they do not wear out. This enhances their reliability.