Light curtains and scanners are essential safety devices used in industrial environments to prevent accidents and protect personnel. Both technologies detect unauthorized access or object…
Light curtains and scanners are essential safety devices used in industrial environments to prevent accidents and protect personnel. Both technologies detect unauthorized access or object intrusion in hazardous areas but function in different ways to suit various applications.
Light Curtains:
Light curtains create an invisible, protective barrier using a series of synchronized infrared beams transmitted between an emitter and a receiver. When any beam is interrupted, the system signals the machinery to stop operation immediately.
Key Features:
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- High Detection Resolution: Detects fingers, hands, or bodies, depending on the type.
- Muting and Blanking: Allows authorized material flow without triggering a stop.
- Quick Response Time: Ensures fast machine shutdown upon detection of intrusion.
- Rugged Construction: Designed for industrial use, with IP-rated housings for durability.
Common Applications:
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- Guarding entry points of machinery
- Conveyor systems in packaging and logistics
- Robotic workstations and welding areas
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Scanners:
Safety laser scanners use rotating laser beams to create a 2D protective field, detecting objects or people within defined safety zones. These zones can be customized to suit the specific area being monitored.
Key Features:
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- Customizable Safety Zones: Configurable warning and protective zones.
- Wide Angle of Detection: Covers up to 270° or more for large area monitoring.
- Non-Intrusive Monitoring: Provides safety without physical barriers.
- Environmental Adaptability: Functions in dynamic areas with moving machinery and variable workflows.
Common Applications:
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- Mobile robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
- Perimeter safeguarding for large machinery
- Collision avoidance in material handling systems
Key Benefits:
- Enhanced Safety: Both devices stop hazardous operations when an intrusion is detected, protecting workers and equipment.
- Increased Efficiency: Helps maintain smooth workflows by distinguishing between personnel and moving materials.
- Flexibility: Suitable for both fixed installations and mobile systems.
Light curtains are ideal for protecting access points and open machine areas, while safety scanners offer broader coverage for dynamic and irregular workspaces, ensuring comprehensive safety across various industrial applications.
