INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Safety Light Curtain

Safety light curtain for automated beverage container testing systems - non-contact safety device using infrared beams to detect intrusions into hazardous machine areas.

Component Specifications

Definition
A safety light curtain is an optoelectronic safety device consisting of a transmitter and receiver that creates an invisible curtain of infrared light beams. When any beam is interrupted by an object (such as a hand or tool), the device sends a stop signal to the machine's safety controller, immediately halting hazardous motion. In automated beverage container integrity testing systems, it protects operators from moving parts during container handling, positioning, and testing operations.
Working Principle
The transmitter emits parallel infrared light beams to the receiver. The receiver continuously monitors beam integrity. When any beam is broken, the safety relay de-energizes, sending a stop signal to the machine's safety-rated controller. The system uses coded light patterns and cross-checking to prevent false triggering from ambient light or interference.
Materials
Aluminum alloy housing (typically 6061-T6), polycarbonate or tempered glass protective windows, infrared LEDs (wavelength 880-950 nm), phototransistor receivers, silicone gaskets for IP65/IP67 protection, anodized or powder-coated finish.
Technical Parameters
  • Output 2 safety-rated OSSD outputs
  • Voltage 24 VDC ±10%
  • Beam Count 16-128 beams
  • Resolution 14-40 mm beam spacing
  • Response Time < 20 ms
  • Muting Function Configurable for automated material handling
  • Safety Category Category 4, PL e (ISO 13849-1)
  • Protection Height 300-2000 mm
  • Protection Rating IP65/IP67
  • Operating Distance 0.3-20 m
  • Safety Integrity Level SIL 3 (IEC 62061)
Standards
ISO 13855, ISO 13849-1, IEC 61496-1, IEC 62061, ANSI B11.19

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Safety Light Curtain.

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Electrical interference causing false trips
  • Misalignment reducing effectiveness
  • Dirt accumulation on optical surfaces
  • Inadequate response time for high-speed machinery
  • Improper installation bypassing safety functions
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Dirt or condensation on optical surfaces
Failure: Reduced light transmission causing false beam breaks
Mitigation: Regular cleaning schedule, heated optical windows, IP67 sealing
Trigger: Vibration-induced misalignment
Failure: Beam misalignment reducing detection capability
Mitigation: Rigid mounting brackets, vibration dampeners, regular alignment checks
Trigger: Power supply fluctuations
Failure: Intermittent operation or safety function loss
Mitigation: Dedicated regulated power supply, voltage monitoring, redundant power circuits

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
Beam alignment tolerance: ±2.5° angular, ±5 mm positional at maximum operating distance. Response time tolerance: +0 ms / -5 ms from specified value.
Test Method
Functional testing using test rod of specified diameter, response time measurement with oscilloscope, alignment verification with alignment tools, safety function validation per ISO 13849-2.

Buyer Feedback

★★★★☆ 4.7 / 5.0 (13 reviews)

"The technical documentation for this Safety Light Curtain is very thorough, especially regarding technical reliability."

"Reliable performance in harsh Beverage Manufacturing environments. No issues with the Safety Light Curtain so far."

"Testing the Safety Light Curtain now; the technical reliability results are within 1% of the laboratory datasheet."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Type 2 and Type 4 safety light curtains?

Type 2 (according to IEC 61496) uses simple pulse modulation and is suitable for lower risk applications. Type 4 uses coded light patterns with cross-checking and redundancy, providing higher safety integrity (Category 4, PL e) required for hazardous machinery like automated beverage testing systems.

How often should safety light curtains be tested?

Daily functional testing is recommended, with comprehensive safety validation at least annually. Testing should verify all beams are functional, response time meets specifications, and the stop signal properly halts machine motion.

Can safety light curtains be used in wet environments?

Yes, with appropriate IP rating (IP65 for water jets, IP67 for temporary immersion). For beverage testing systems with potential liquid exposure, IP67-rated units with proper sealing are recommended.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

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