Why should I use Safety Light Curtains and Safety Light Grids?

FOCUS Light Curtains and Light Grids are a production friendly safety component that does not physically impact on the actions of the machine operator. The operator is able to load and unload work pieces, knowing that he can trust the safety component to stop all dangerous movement. Light Grid protection is also an ideal safety component for use when goods are to be passed in and out of a risk area.

How do Light Curtains and Light Grids work?

Both light curtains and light grids utilize optical transmitter and receiver units. From the transmitters, beams of infrared light - which are pulsed and modulated at a specific frequency - are sent to the receiver. When a light beam is interrupted, a control reliable stop signal is generated by the receiver to the machine controls.

What is the difference between a Light Curtain and a Light Grid?

A light curtain has several beams that are placed closely together, whereas a light grid consists of only one, two, three or four light beams. The beams are closest on a light curtain that is used for finger detection. Light curtain beams are at their widest spacing when used for thigh detection. For light grids the beams are normally placed at a relative distance of 300mm to 500mm.

FOCUS Safety Light Curtain applications for the protection of fingers and hands include mechanical and hydraulic power presses, molding presses, stamping, riveting, eyelet and automated machinery.

FOCUS Safety Light Grids are ideal for perimeter guarding to detect the presence of personnel around robotic cells, conveyors, material handling equipment, welding equipment, printing presses, machining centers and packaging machinery.