• Scientific Technologies Inc

Safety Light Curtain Offers Compact Design

Scientific Technologies Inc (STI) has introduced the new MicroSafe safety light curtain. Designed for machine guarding applications, the company claims the MicroSafe is the most compact system available. The new design challenges an industry preconception that safety light curtains must be large and heavy in order to perform their function. The MicroSafe features transmitter and receiver heads that measure only 25 mm wide by 32 mm deep. Its small size allows the MicroSafe to be easily and quickly integrated with the framing used on many modem industrial machines, and the design is ideal for use in tight locations and on machinery where space is limited. The transmitter and receiver units are constructed of aircraft-grade aluminium and then powder painted with polyester paint; once the electronics have been installed, they are sealed to IP65 (NEMA 4,12). STIs safety light curtains use harmless, pulsed infrared light to establish precise guard zones around a work cell. Penetration into this zone results in the interruption of one or more light beams, sending a stop signal to the guarded machine. Zone protection spans heights from 203 mm to 1,220 mm in 102 mm increments. The MicroSafe delivers exceptional power and range (up to 9 metres), and is highly immune to weld flash, strobe lights, ambient light, EMI, and RFI. Innovative MicroSafe features include Exact Channel Select, an easy-to-program feature that allows a work fixture/machine component to remain in the sensing field; and Floating Blanking, which allows feed stock or work pieces up to two beams wide to pass through the sensing field. In an patented feature unique to STI, the MicroSafe also incorporates Individual Beam Indicator lights, located next to each infrared beam, for instantaneous reporting of beam status. The beam indicators are useful as an alignment aid and for beam status indication during Channel Select and Floating Blanking operation. With beam spacing on 0.5"centres, and internal lenses for added range, the MicroSafe provides object resolution of 20.3 mm for increased safety performance. Other features include a multi-adjustable mounting bracket that allows quick, easy positioning and alignment of the transmitter and receiver heads; vertical, horizontal and rotational alignment are facilitated, as is mounting behind a transmitter/receiver in applications where space is limited. MicroSafe models using MC42D-BS controllers are certified to meet BS6491 Requirements. MC42E controllers are designed in accordance with prEN50100. All controllers are designed to meet UL508 and CSA electrical requirements.