Keeping human operators safe is of paramount importance when working on man-machine-integrated workflows. Safety light curtains detect intruding hands and switch off machinery before an injury to health results.

In the case of the SLC4, TE Connectivity implements the concept as shown in the figure.

TE's offering has outstanding physical attributes. The minimal cross-section of just 28×30 mm and the start-up time of less than two seconds ensure that integrating the curtains into existing machine workflows requires minimal effort.

In addition, the parts support wide temperature ranges. The unit with a 12 m range boasts an operating temperature range of -30 to 55 degrees C, while the H model provides a 20 m range and a 40 mm resolution at a temperature range of -30 to 55 degrees C.

Wide range of certifications available

Choosing security light curtains off the shelf is always a good idea, as these need to be certified to ensure operator and machine-provider security. In the case of the SLC4 family, TE Connectivity offers certification to the standards shown in the figure.

Integration is greatly simplified by TE Connectivity's consistent use of the M12 connector: a 5-pole cable is used on the emitter. The figure shows its pinout.

On the receiver side, eight contacts are required on the M12 connector.

TE Connectivity provides various ecosystem components that aid machine integration. For example, the SRS4-2NO safety interface module handles sensor output and transforms it to machine stop information.

Furthermore, parts such as the SLC-FMC-CG11 enable positioning on the floor. In many cases, their use means existing machinery does not need to be modified when installing light curtains.

Finally, the SLC-SLC-MP family also deserves mention. Its deflecting mirror permits the devices to see around corners.

Conclusion and Outlook

Compliance with various standards is paramount when selecting security light curtains to achieve maximum protection for operators and machine vendors. In the case of the SLC4, TE Connectivity's experience ensures safety on all fronts—a recommendation for everyone seeking to make machines standard-compliant.