The issue of machine safety is critical to manufacturers who have automated machinery, robots, presses, and packaging machines. The machines increase efficiency, but there may be dangers for the operator due to their moving parts.
Light curtains are one of the solutions that are used to enhance safety. A Schmersal Light Curtain forms an invisible protective zone around the hazardous areas of the machinery and helps in detecting the presence of a person within the protected area.
Light curtains should be considered as a tool for enhancing safety for manufacturers who seek to increase workplace safety without complicating daily operations.
What Is A Schmersal Light Curtain?
A safety light curtain makes use of aligned light beams from a transmitter to the receiver to define a protective zone. In case anything or anybody obstructs the light beam, there is feedback sent back to the safety control system.
In the event that the feedback satisfies the set safety criteria, then the dangerous operation of the machine can be halted.
As an instance, one may take into account the case of a metal stamping machine where the operator must constantly load parts onto the machine. The right choice of safety light curtain may facilitate this without necessitating the opening and closing of the physical barrier.
The real protection is dependent on proper choice of products, installation, controls, and design of the machine.
Common Applications Of Safety Light Curtains
Light curtains are an effective way to safeguard people in various industrial operations where people have to interact with machines but need to be safe from their hazardous movement.
- Presses and metal working machines
These can help in protecting operators who use machines that have dangerous moving parts. It is important to select a proper light curtain for the required stopping distance of the machine.
- Automated production lines
Light curtains are used to safeguard the approach points of machinery including robots, conveyor belts, and automatic workstations.
- Packaging and material handling
Most packaging machines need loading and unloading of products. An appropriate light curtain can help in protecting operators and material handling in this operation.
- Industrial assembly stations
Light curtains can protect people in assembly operations where access points are many and physical guarding is not a proper solution.
Every operation needs a proper risk assessment for determining suitability and installation of light curtains.
Key Benefits For Manufacturers
If an appropriate Schmersal Light Curtain is chosen, there are various advantages that can be realized.
Enhanced operator safety: It will help sense the presence of an individual in the area and initiate the required safety function.
Improved machine accessibility: If used appropriately, an operator can operate near machinery without having to open the physical guard again and again.
Contribution to efficiency: Properly designed safety systems can save time by ensuring that unnecessary delays do not occur while at the same time ensuring that the required level of safety is maintained.
Use with automation: Safety light curtains can be used together with other safety relays and safety controllers for machine safety systems.
But light curtains are not ideal for all machinery.
How To Choose The Right Light Curtain
Before deciding on a particular product, it is necessary to take into consideration such factors as type of machine, hazard level, necessary detection capacity, distance of installation, and machine stopping time.
The light curtain needs to be installed at such a distance from the danger zone that there would be enough time for the machine to stop itself before anyone could get close to the hazardous location. Resolution and environmental requirements also matter.
In case you are looking for a reputable light curtain supplier, try finding a vendor who knows the ins and outs of your operation, not just selling a cheap product.
At Shikhar Automation, we assist manufacturers in determining their needs when it comes to machine safety and choosing proper light curtains from Schmersal India.
Conclusion
Machine safety needs the proper use of technology, planning, and installation. The Schmersal Light Curtain is a possible option for machine safety if contactless monitoring of the machine operation is suitable.
By taking into account the machine hazard, operating condition, and safety need, the manufacturer can make a decision that is helpful in machine safety as well as productivity.
Need a suitable light curtain for your industrial process? Contact Shikhar Automation for discussion on your machine safety needs and Schmersal India solutions for your factory.
