Optoelectronic protective devices
Optoelectronic protective devices create contactless protective fields around machine access points, operating areas and material transfer zones. Safety light grids and light curtains detect interruptions and initiate a safety signal without requiring a physical barrier, supporting access, area and point-of-operation guarding. Select the device type by required resolution, protected height, range, response time, muting or blanking functions, environmental conditions, safety level and integration with the safety controller.
RELIABLE PROTECTION FOR YOUR INDUSTRIAL REQUIREMENTS:
OPTOELECTRONIC PROTECTIVE DEVICES
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF
OPTOELECTRONIC PROTECTIVE DEVICES?
Optoelectronic protective devices offer several advantages over other protective devices:
FLEXIBILITY
These protective devices are extremely flexible and can be adapted to different applications. They are particularly suitable for monitoring access to machine entrances and exits as well as large hazardous areas.
FAST RESPONSE TIME
Optoelectronic protective devices detect interruptions in the protective field area in fractions of a second. This enables a very fast response to minimise hazards.
PRECISE RECOGNITION
They offer precise detection of objects and people so that security measures are only triggered if there is an actual danger.
WITHOUT BARRIERS
In contrast to physical barriers such as fences or protective covers, optoelectronic protective devices do not require any structural changes to the machine or workplace. This makes installation and maintenance easier.
EXPANDABILITY
They can be used in combination with other safety sensors, such as emergency stop buttons, and safety controls to provide comprehensive protection for man and machine.
SAFETY STANDARDS
They meet international safety standards and contribute to compliance with legal regulations.
OPTOELECTRONIC PROTECTIVE DEVICES AT A GLANCE
There are different types of optoelectronic protective devices that can be selected depending on the application and the specific requirements. A thorough risk assessment and collaboration with security experts are crucial to making the right choice:
SAFETY LIGHT GRID
- A light grid consists of a series of light beams that are transmitted between a transmitter module and a receiver module.
- The generated beams form an invisible barrier that is constantly monitored. If this barrier is breached, this immediately triggers a safety signal that brings the machine or system to an immediate standstill.
- Light grids are often used to cover larger areas where visibility may be limited.
- In particular, they are used for access protection to prevent people, objects or vehicles from entering the protected area.
SAFETY LIGHT CURTAINS
- A light curtain consists of a vertical or horizontal arrangement of light beams, similar to a curtain of light.
- As with a light grid, a safety signal is triggered if the light beams are interrupted.
- Light curtains are particularly suitable for protection against fingers or hands reaching in.
- They are often used to protect hazardous areas where quick and regular access for operators is required without compromising safety.
SECURITY APPLICATIONS
Effective solutions start with comprehensive knowledge of requirements. Thanks to our specific application know-how and many years of experience in our focus industries, we offer a unique perspective on safety-related applications.
OUR APPLICATION KNOW-HOW FOR SAFE OPERATING PROCESSES
MUTING
Products used: Light grid with muting function and muting sensors
FLEXIBLE PROTECTION
Muting is a safety function that is used to prevent safety signals from being triggered when objects temporarily enter the protective field of the safety light grid/safety light curtain. Special muting sensors are used in combination with a light grid/light curtain. Muting makes it possible to transport material into and out of the danger zone of a system without stopping the machine and restricting the safety functions.
PROVEN EXPERTISE IN OUR KEY INDUSTRY
A STRONG PARTNER FOR MACHINE AND PLANT MANUFACTURERS
Our expertise in the field of functional safety makes us a reliable partner for machine and plant manufacturers. With comprehensive know-how and first-class solutions in the development and integration of safety systems, we help to ensure that your machines meet the highest safety standards.
MAKING MACHINES SAFER -
FOR 20 YEARS
Our long-standing presence with machine manufacturers and operators underlines our commitment to the highest safety standards. We not only offer innovative safety systems, but also comprehensive services to ensure the CE conformity of your machines.
APPLICATION AREAS OF OPTOELECTRONIC PROTECTIVE DEVICES
Optoelectronic protective devices are used in a wide range of industrial and machine applications, especially in applications where the safety of people and machines is the top priority. Some common areas of application are listed below:
✅ LOGISTICS AND MATERIAL HANDLING:
In warehouses, distribution centers and conveyor systems, optoelectronic protective devices are used to ensure the safe transport of goods and materials. They can help to prevent collisions or accidents with forklift trucks, conveyor belts and robots.
✅ AUTOMATED PRODUCTION LINES:
In factories and production facilities, optoelectronic protective devices are used to monitor access to dangerous machine components or areas. They ensure that machines stop or are put into a safe state as soon as a person enters the danger zone.
✅ MACHINE TOOLS:
In the metalworking industry and in workshops where machine tools such as presses and milling machines are used, optoelectronic protective devices ensure the safety of operators by monitoring hazardous areas.
✅ PACKAGING MACHINES:
For machines that package or wrap products, these protective devices are used to ensure that workers do not come into contact with moving parts and injuries are avoided.
SECURITY SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE LEVEL
OPTIMALLY PROTECTED IN EVERY SITUATION
A thorough security analysis is essential for meeting specific performance level requirements in various scenarios. The precise selection and integration of these safety devices are crucial to making your project safe and compliant with the applicable safety standards. Our product range offers versatile combination options for our optoelectronic protective devices that are suitable for all requirements and performance levels:
SAFETY CONTROLS
Safety controls are central elements in functional safety. They monitor and control safety functions such as light grids, light curtains and emergency stop systems to ensure that they function properly and react appropriately in the event of danger.
SAFE RELAY
Safety relays monitor safety functions such as the status of light grids and light curtains. They enable circuits to be opened or closed safely in order to minimize hazards.
EMERGENCY STOP SYSTEMS
Emergency stop buttons and switches are crucial safety components that can be used in combination with light grids and light curtains. If a hazard is detected, the emergency stop system can stop the machines or systems immediately, regardless of whether the light barriers are interrupted or not.
THE OPTIMUM COMBINATION
OF SAFETY ELEMENTS FOR YOUR REQUIREMENTS
The selection of suitable safety precautions depends on various influencing factors, such as the type of machine, specific hazards, the parties involved and applicable regulations. A thorough analysis and the consideration of several key criteria simplify the decision-making process:
TO THE PERFECT PRODUCT SELECTION WITH OUR ADVICE
The seamless integration of our security products enables the creation of customized security solutions that precisely meet the requirements of your application. Our experts will be happy to advise you on this.
THE MAIN THING IS SAFETY
- WHAT CAN WE DO FOR YOU?
SAFETY-SERVICE
Optoelectronic protective devices and CE conformity:
Concentrate on your core competence while we accompany you through the entire life cycle of your machines - from safety consulting to CE marking.
SAFETY-ENGINEERING
Optoelectronic protective devices for existing systems:
We support you with safety retrofitting. Discover how we can help you make your installations safer and comply with the applicable regulations.
SAFETY TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
FOR THE USE OF OPTOELECTRONIC PROTECTIVE DEVICES
TESTING OF OPTOELECTRONIC PROTECTIVE DEVICES
Our experienced trainers teach the legal and normative principles for the design and correct testing of electro-sensitive protective equipment (ESPE) in the machine safety training course "Testing optoelectronic protective devices". This compact training course on machine safetynot only provides you with in-depth theoretical knowledge, but also gives you the opportunity to practice the initial and recurring testing and assessment of the functional safety of optoelectronic protective devices.
IMPLEMENTING OPTOELECTRONIC PROTECTIVE DEVICES (OPD) IN CONFORMITY WITH STANDARDS
Our recent webinar on the effective and compliant implementation of optoelectronic protective devices (OPD) is now available on demand. Gain valuable insights into the latest technologies and best practices for enhancing workplace safety in the industry at your convenience. Learn about the new SLC4 and SLG4 series and access detailed instructions on proper assembly and function testing. Additionally, the webinar covers the importance of over travel measurement and the necessary documentation.
SAFETY STANDARDS & LEGISLATION
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
OPTOELECTRONIC PROTECTIVE DEVICES
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| EN ISO 13849-1 | This standard describes the safety requirements for the design and integration of safety-related parts of control systems, including the development of software. |
| EN 62061 | This standard specifies requirements for the design, integration and validation of safety-related electronic, electrical and programmable control systems. It is often used as an alternative to EN ISO 13849-1. |
| EN 61496-1 and EN 61496-2 | These standards cover safety requirements and test methods for electrically operated safety light curtains and light grids used to prevent unauthorized access to hazardous areas of machinery. |
| IEC 61508 | This standard deals with the functional safety of electrical, electronic and programmable electronic safety systems. |
| EN 62046 | This standard describes the general requirements for safety light curtains and light grids. |
| EN ISO 13855 | This standard deals with the arrangement of protective devices with regard to the approach speeds of human body parts. |
ADVICE ON SAFETY STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
If you require detailed information on global safety standards and regulations, we will be happy to assist you. Contact us for comprehensive advice.
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In a nutshell:
- Standard-compliant integration of electro-sensitive protective equipment (safety light grids and safety light curtains)
- Ensure personal protection in various applications: Single or multi-sided guarding with finger to body detection and monitoring of material airlocks using muting functions
- However, areas monitored by ESPE are only safe if they are correctly installed and regularly checked by manufacturers and operators
- You are on the safe side with the following information
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