Light beam/light curtain/scanner
A light beam/light curtain is a production friendly safety component that do not physically impact on the actions of the machine operator. Light barrier protection is also a good safety component for use when goods are to be passed in and out of a risk area.
How does a light beam/light curtain work?
Both light grids and light curtains utilise optical transmitter and receiver units. From the transmitters beams of infrared light are sent to the receiver. When a light beam is interrupted a dual stop signal is given to the dangerous machines inside the light beam/curtain protected area.
What is the difference between a light curtain and a light beam?
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. Then the resolution is 14 mm. Light curtain beams are at their widest spacing when used for thigh detection (90mm resolution). For light grids the beams are normally placed at a relative distance of 300 to 500 mm. The choice between light grid or light curtain is often a question of available safety distance, reach and price. Light curtains are often chosen for short safety distances. Light grids are chosen for long distances, up to 50 m, and for a low price.