As production processes become increasingly automated and robots play a larger role on the production line, manufacturers are looking for more ways to maintain and reinforce a safe work environment.
The new Allen-Bradley GuardShield 450L safety light curtain system from Rockwell Automation is a flexible, cost-effective solution that enhances safety while improving productivity through innovative transceiver technology.
Unlike traditional safety light curtains, based on pre-defined transmitter and receiver units, this next-generation system features a patented transceiver design that employs plug-in modules to establish each unit’s function as a transmitter or receiver. Once powered up, the transceiver learns its functionality from the plug-in module.
“When light curtain systems are developed on the traditional transmitter/receiver architecture, customers need to buy multiple models to accommodate different features,” said Christo Buys, business manager for control systems at Rockwell Automation sub-Saharan Africa. “Now, they can purchase identical GuardShield 450L sticks and customise the features with different plug-ins.”
Functionality and applications
Five-pin plug-ins are available for basic on/off functionality, while eight-pin plug-ins provide manual and auto restart with external device monitoring. To simplify setup, advanced function settings are configured through DIP switches located on the plug-in module.
Ideal for hand and finger detection, and offered in a wide range of protective heights, the light curtain system is also equipped with an active protective field that senses the entire length of the transceiver. This feature reduces the inactive sensing areas that generally appear at the top and bottom of other light curtains.
Unlike traditional light curtain systems, the active sensing field and compact design allow customers to install the GuardShield 450L light curtain system inside a machine frame as opposed to outside or on the machine. Additionally, flexible mounting kits and built-in alignment indication allow for quick, trouble-free installation.
Stopping the sparks from flying
IS & Ex
Whenever electrical equipment is required for use in hazardous environments they must be designed with intrinsic safety in mind. Darren Barratt, product sales manager at alarm and event management specialist, Omniflex outlines the importance and key aspects of intrinsic safety design.
Read more...Control system for deep antenna Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
When a major university in South Korea set out to build a 21-metre deep space antenna, the researchers needed a control system that could track celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy, a level of precision they thought was out of reach. By partnering with Rockwell Automation, they discovered that the right technology and support could turn their vision into reality.
Read more...Control and monitoring with only one device Pepperl+Fuchs
IS & Ex
Pepperl+Fuchs has expanded its portfolio of K-System isolated barriers for DIN rail mounting (power rail) with the KCD2-SCS interface module. As the first 2-channel AI/AO intrinsic safety barrier with dual function, the module can be configured individually for analogue input or output control signals.
Read more...Hazardous area solutions Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
SEW-EURODRIVE is revolutionising industrial automation with advanced gear units, decentralised drives and the energy-efficient MOVIGEAR system.
Read more...Field service regime key for effective PDS/CPS operation
IS & Ex
While their primary objective is to ensure the safety of people, proximity detection system and collision prevention system installations also have a direct bearing on other critical parameters such as equipment availability and productivity.
Read more...World’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21 Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
i.safe MOBILE has launched the world’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21. The intrinsically safe mobile device, which was also developed for use in 5G campus networks, offers companies great flexibility thanks to its wide range of possible applications, especially in the automation sector.
Read more...Secure, digital communication in potentially explosive atmospheres Pepperl+Fuchs
IS & Ex
Consistently digitalised processes in the smart factory are a matter of course today, but not in potentially explosive atmospheres. The systems and devices used in these areas must have optimal protection mechanisms to ensure maximum safety.
Read more...Functional and compatible intrinsically safe loop approvals Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
With all the focus on IS loop approval, it is easy to forget to check that the loop will function correctly to see whether the field device has sufficient power (voltage & current) to operate over the full process range.
printer friendly version