Machine Safety - Light Curtains

Image	Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity	Rfq
	XC40E-1201A0A0CAB0 SICK	1200/14MM RCVR EXT TOP	0
	C4C-EA21030A10000 SICK	CORE RECEIVER 2100MM/30MM	0
	XC40S-1603A0A00BA0 SICK	1650/30MM SNDR EXT BOTTOM	0
	XC40S-0901A0A00BA0 SICK	900/14MM SNDR EXT BOTTOM	0
	XC40E-1201A0A0CBA0 SICK	1200/14MM RCVR EXT BOTTOM	0
	XC40S-0303A0A00BA0 SICK	300/30MM SNDR EXT BOTTOM	0
	XC40E-0603A0A0CAB0 SICK	600/30MM RCVR EXT TOP	0
	XC40S-0703A0A00AA0 SICK	750MM/30MM SENDER	0
	XC40E-1001A0A0AAC0 SICK	1050/14MM RCVR LED TOP	0
	XC40E-1503A0A0AAA0 SELECT SICK	1500MM/30MM RECEIVER	0
	XC40E-1503A0A0CBC0 SICK	1500/30MM REC LED EXT BTM	0
	XC40E-1501A0A0AAA0 SICK	1500MM/14MM RECEIVER	0
	C4C-SA18010A10000 SICK	CORE SENDER 1800MM/14MM	0
	C4C-SA07530A10000 SICK	CORE SENDER 750MM/30MM	0
	XC40E-1203A0A0AAA0 SELECT SICK	1200MM/30MM RECEIVER	0
	XC40S-1501A0A00AA0 SICK	1500MM/14MM SENDER	0
	C4C-EA19510A10000 SICK	CORE RECEIVER 1950MM/14MM	0
	XC40E-0701A0A0AAC0 SICK	750/14MM RCVR LED TOP	0
	XC40E-1001A0A0AAA0 SICK	1050MM/14MM RECEIVER	0
	XC40E-0303A0A0CBA0 SICK	300/30MM RCVR EXT BOTTOM	0

Machine Safety - Light Curtains

1. Overview

Light curtains are photoelectric sensing devices used to protect personnel and equipment in industrial automation systems. They consist of transmitters and receivers that project and detect light beams to create a protective field. When an object interrupts the beam, the system triggers a safety response (e.g., stopping machinery). These devices are critical in modern manufacturing for compliance with safety standards (e.g., ISO 13849-1) and reducing workplace injuries.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Opposed Mode	Separate transmitter and receiver units	Large machinery (e.g., stamping presses)
Reflective Mode	Single unit with reflector; cost-effective	Conveyor systems
Multi-beam	Multiple parallel beams for high-resolution detection	Robot workcells
Single-beam	Simple on/off detection	Entryway guarding

3. Structure and Components

Typical components include:

Transmitter: Emits modulated infrared or visible light
Receiver: Detects beams using photodiodes
Controller: Processes signals and triggers safety outputs
Enclosure: IP-rated housing for environmental protection

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Description	Importance
Detection Distance	0.3-30 meters	Determines application range
Resolution	10-50 mm	Object size detection capability
Response Time	2-20 ms	Speed of safety reaction
Protection Class	IP65-IP69K	Environmental durability
Safety Category	Cat. 2/PLc to Cat. 4/PLd	Compliance with safety standards

5. Application Fields

Key industries and equipment:

Automotive manufacturing (robotic arms)
Metalworking machinery (lathes, presses)
Food processing equipment
Packaging machines
Assembly lines

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Features
SICK AG	OT/OS32C series	Up to 30m detection range, IP69K
Banner Engineering	QS30/TL70	High-temperature resistance, wireless options
Omron	F3SG-RA series	Multi-beam with self-diagnosis
Keyence	CV-L3 series	High-speed detection for robotics

7. Selection Recommendations

Key considerations:

Determine required safety category (ISO 13849-1)
Assess detection distance vs. resolution needs
Environmental factors (dust, temperature, vibration)
Integration with existing safety systems
Mounting options (fixed vs. adjustable brackets)

Industry Trends Analysis

Emerging trends include:

Integration with IIoT for predictive maintenance
AI-enhanced beam algorithms for reduced false triggers
Miniaturization for collaborative robot applications
Wireless safety protocols (e.g., Safety over EtherCAT)
Increased adoption in AGV obstacle detection

Real-world Application Case

In automotive assembly, SICK's OT series light curtains were implemented at a German plant to protect robotic welding cells. The system reduced unplanned downtime by 40% while maintaining SIL-3 safety compliance.