Machine Safety Light Guards: Advanced Protection for Your Equipment
Comprehensive Range of Light Guards for Superior Machine Safety
Safety light curtains, also referred to as light guards, are crucial safety devices that establish a virtual protective barrier around machinery hazards. These devices adhere to the most stringent safety standards, including Type 4, SIL3, Category 4, and PLe. They offer seamless integration with a minimal footprint, sturdy housing, and options for streamlined wiring. Each model boasts an impressive IP65/IP67 enclosure rating.
The Role of Light Guards
Light guards play a pivotal role in ensuring machine safety, especially in scenarios where traditional guarding methods may not be feasible. Essentially, light guards deactivate machinery when triggered. For instance, a light guard can be strategically positioned near a machine and disable it when the light beam is interrupted. Unlike safety interlock switches, light guards are ideal for machinery such as press brakes, where physical guards are impractical, yet access during operation poses a safety risk. It’s important to note that light guards are suitable for situations where the risk of hazardous emissions or ejected parts from the machine is minimal.
Engineered for Robustness
Procter Machine Safety conducted extensive research to enhance the robustness of light curtains. They identified that the most common cause of damage to light curtains is impact on the lens surface, leading to scratches, cracks, or breakage due to tool or part contact. In some instances, users have retrofitted light curtains with makeshift protective covers or housing to prevent such damage.
Based on this research, Procter Machine Safety has designed a light curtain with a structure that prevents damage from parts or tools by narrowing the exposed lens area and recessing it in an impact-resistant housing.*
- The narrowest lens surface aperture in the industry, according to research as of March 2012.
As a result of this research, KEYENCE has designed a light curtain with a structure that prevents damage from parts or tools by narrowing the exposed lens area and recessing it in an impact resistant housing.*
* The narrowest lens surface aperture in the industry, according to KEYENCE research as of March, 2012
Electrical interface work
If light curtains are part of a machine guard installation, our certified electricians can seamlessly connect them to the machine’s safety-related control system. Additionally, we can supply and install trunking or cable ducting as needed. Our electrical installations strictly comply with the requirements outlined in BS EN ISO 13849-1 or BS EN 62061. Our electrical installation team members are also certified to the latest IEE 17th edition regulations. We can provide risk assessments and method statements covering the electrical installation work upon request.
Strong
Built-in guarding and the narrowest exposed lens surface in the industry.
With its narrow (9 mm wide) and recessed lens surface, the GL-R Series is protected against impact and resultant damage from parts, tools or operators without the need for any additional guards or covers. Additionally, the GL-R Series is protected from water and washdown environments due to its IP65/67 enclosure ratings.
Strong
Our GL-R Series sets the standard for robustness. With its narrow (9 mm wide) and recessed lens surface, it’s protected against impact and resultant damage from parts, tools, or operators, eliminating the need for additional guards or covers. Additionally, the GL-R Series is safeguarded against water and washdown environments, thanks to its IP65/67 enclosure ratings.
Smart
The GL-R Series boasts intelligent features:
- No Dead Zone: The first beam is emitted 10 mm* from each end, allowing the light curtain to be flush-mounted inside equipment, eliminating the need for additional guarding or external mounting.
- 7-Segment Display: In case of an error, the 7-segment display provides a code indicating the cause, significantly reducing corrective action time.
- One-Line System: Simplify wiring with as few as 5 wires using this system, eliminating transmitter wiring completely.
Simple
Our light curtains are designed for easy installation. The introduction of the one-line system and optical synchronization simplifies connections to as few as 5 wires. Mounting brackets come pre-assembled, providing straightforward, one-step installation.
Innovative Safety Solutions for Any Situation
If safety is a concern in your factory, we have the expertise to assist. Our unparalleled industry knowledge and deep understanding of safety standards enable us to design, manufacture, and install safety systems tailored to your operational requirements.
