Machine Safety - Laser Scanners

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
S30B-3011GB SICK	SAFETY LASER AREA SCANNER	1
S30B-2011GB SICK	SAFETY LASER AREA SCANNER	1
S30B-3011BA SICK	SAFETY LASER AREA SCANNER	2
S32B-3011BA SICK	SAFETY LASER AREA SCANNER	1
S30A-4011BA SICK	SHORT RANGE SENSOR HEAD	2
S30A-6011BA SICK	MEDIUM RANGE SENSOR HEAD	1
S30A-7011BA SICK	LONG RANGE SENSOR HEAD	1
S32B-2011BA SICK	SAFETY LASER AREA SCANNER	1
S32B-2011EA SICK	S300 MINI REMOTE	0
S30B-3011CA SICK	3 M 4 FIELD SETS	0
S30A-7011DA SICK	LONG RANGE SENSOR HEAD	0
S30B-2011DA SICK	S300 PROFESSIONAL	0
S30A-4011 SICK	SHORT RANGE 4.0M RNG MAX	0
S30A-6011DA SICK	MEDIUM RANGE SENSOR HEAD	0
S30A-6011GB SICK	S3000 EXPERT 5.5M RANGE	0
S30A-6011 SICK	5.5M SCANNING RANGE MAX	0
S30A-7011CA SICK	LONG RANGE SENSOR HEAD	0
S30A-7011GB SICK	S3000 EXPERT 7M RANGE	0
S30B-3011DA SICK	3 M 8 FIELD SETS	0
TIM320-1031000 SICK	LASER AREA SCANNER	0

Machine Safety - Laser Scanners

1. Overview

Laser scanners are optoelectronic devices used for non-contact detection and measurement in industrial safety systems. They project laser beams to detect objects, monitor zones, and prevent hazards by triggering protective actions. As critical components in Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, they enable real-time spatial awareness, ensuring personnel and equipment safety while optimizing productivity.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Features	Application Examples
2D Area Protection Scanners	Single-plane detection with programmable warning and safety zones	Robot workcells, palletizing systems
3D Multi-layer Scanners	Three-dimensional space mapping with elevation detection	Autonomous vehicle navigation, complex machinery envelopes
Fixed-mount Positioning Scanners	High-precision target tracking with 1mm accuracy	Conveyor alignment, CNC machine tool monitoring
Mobile Scanners	Compact designs for AGVs and mobile robots with slip-ring interfaces	Warehouse logistics, automated guided vehicles

3. Structure and Components

Typical laser scanners consist of:

Rugged IP65/67-rated housing with optical window
Class 1 or 2 laser diodes (650-905nm wavelengths)
High-speed rotating polygon mirrors
Dual-redundant photodetectors with time-of-flight circuits
Embedded DSP for real-time signal processing
Communication interfaces (Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, CANopen)

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value Range	Importance
Scanning Range	0.05-10m (2D), 0.1-4m (3D)	Determines protected area dimensions
Angular Resolution	0.1 -1.0	Affects object detection accuracy
Scan Frequency	10-50Hz	Impacts motion detection responsiveness
Protection Class	IP65, IP67	Environmental durability
Safety Rating	SIL2, PLd, Category 3	Compliance with ISO 13849-1
Operating Temperature	-20 C to +55 C	Industrial environmental adaptability

5. Application Fields

Primary industries include:

Automotive manufacturing (robotic welding cells)
Logistics automation (AGV collision avoidance)
Metalworking (press machine safeguarding)
Food processing (hygienic zone monitoring)
Pharmaceutical packaging (high-speed line clearance)

Actual case: A automotive plant in Germany uses SICK safety scanners to monitor 18 robotic arms in real-time, reducing unplanned downtime by 37%.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
SICK AG	s3000 Safety Scanner	3D detection, PLd, 5m range
Omron	F3SG-SR Series	Dual-beam verification, 0.1s response
Honeywell	NanoScan3	Pocket-sized 2D scanner, IP67
Keyence	SR-1000 Series	Multi-format code reading + safety

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations:

Required detection range vs. machine envelope size
Resolution needs for smallest detectable object
Environmental factors (dust, ambient light, temperature)
Mounting orientation (horizontal, vertical, angled)
Communication protocol compatibility
Safety certification requirements (CE, UL, ISO 13849-1)
Total cost of ownership (installation + maintenance)

8. Industry Trends

Emerging developments include:

Integration of AI algorithms for predictive safety analytics
Advancements in 3D Time-of-Flight technology for volumetric sensing
Wireless laser scanning nodes for modular machine safety
Multi-spectral laser systems for improved material detection
Standardization of safety communication over TSN networks