Perimeter, access guard; light curtains; connecting system
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Pico-Guard Point from Banner Engineering operates with light and uses no electricity at the point of detection so can be used in explosive environments. |
Several guarding and other safety devices were introduced recently for machine safety applications. These include a safety perimeter guard for manufacturing cells, multiple light beam safety device, and module that allows sequential connections for up to three light curtains. Manufacturers are Banner Engineering , Sick , and Scientific Technologies Inc .
Think of a one-beam light curtain, and that’s the non-contact fiber-optic safety element from Banner Engineering. Compact, rugged Pico-Guard Point, designed for use with the Pico-Guard fiber-optic controller for personnel safety applications can provide perimeter- and access-guarding. Multiple emitter- and receiver-points can be arranged to customize optical safety grids that meet Safety Category-4 requirements. Made of impact-resistant polycarbonate or stainless steel, it can guard distances up to 28.7 m and resist damage from moisture and debris. It comes with 12- or 30-mm barrel and is rated IP67.
Access guarding device offers maximum availability for work cells. M4000-Standard multiple light-beam safety device from Sick offers mounting flexibility, with a three-groove housing and swivel-mount end caps. It protects a perimeter up to 70 m with beam spacing of 300, 400, 450, 500, and 600 mm. M4000 is ideal for guarding robot cells, manufacturing cells, a fence opening, and other areas.
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Use of STI’s RM-5 Resource Module can eliminate the need to press cycle-start switches and motion injuries caused by reaching for and pressing start switches. |
Connect up to three sets of safety light curtains. Scientific Technologies Inc. introduces the RM-5 Resource Module, a microprocessor-controlled, multifunction relay, allowing up to three light curtains to be connected in sequence. It provides 2-NO and 1-NC force-guided safety contacts. Muting for conveyor applications and presence sensing device initiation (PSDI) are also a function of this resource module. PSDI is used to initiate the cycle of a machine by counting the number of “breaks,” or obstructions, of a presence-sensing device (light curtain). Operating a machine in PSDI mode allows for increased productivity because “non-value added” movements to cycle machines are eliminated. This multi-function resource module is CE approved and UL listed.
—Edited by Mark T. Hoske, editor-in-chief, Control Engineering
MHoske@cfemedia.com
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