Advanced Light Curtain System Improves Flexibility and Safety

Rockwell Automation

 

September 13, 2018

The rise of robots has ushered in an increased demand for light curtains that provide a safe work environment between the robotic work cells and the rest of the plant. The 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.

“Users will see significant advantages throughout the lifecycle of the new light curtain system, but especially during installation and operation,” said Manfred Stein, global product manager, Safety Light Curtains, Rockwell Automation.

The Integrated Laser Alignment System (ILAS) of the new GuardShield 450L-E reduces installation time by providing multiple visible laser points that optimize setup with a simple touch of the ILAS symbol on the front window of the stick. Plus, the compact design and full-length protective field make it easy to integrate a GuardShield 450L-E system in hand and finger protection applications from 150 mm (5.9 inches) up to 1950 mm (76.7 inches) in increments of 150 mm (0.5 foot).

After start-up, users can leverage advanced features and functionality, including cascading, built-in muting and blanking, to enhance flexibility while maintaining the highest level of safety.

The advanced muting and blanking functions of the GuardShield 450L-E light curtain are easily set up through DIP switches located on the dedicated plug-in modules. Common muting set ups like 4-sensor or 2-sensor with L- and T-configuration and override function can be selected as well as reduced resolution or teach in fixed blanking. A cascading plug-in can also be installed for series connection of additional GuardShield 450L Safety Light Curtain systems, enabling multi-sided machine guarding. 
All these special functions combined with the inherent flexibility of the GuardShield 450L transceiver design help to simplify engineering logistics and minimize the stock required to address the full range of applications.

For more information https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en_NA/overview.page

 

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Shore-Side Electricity and Data Monitoring Take Hold in the Cruise Industry

    Shore-Side Electricity and Data Monitoring Take Hold in the Cruise Industry

    April 15, 2024 On July 7, 2023, the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its participating maritime countries set their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions strategy to achieve net zero “by or around” 2050. As a result, the shipping industry, including cruise lines, is adopting various strategies to achieve this ambitious goal, including new fuels,… Read More…

  • Project Spotlight: Sainte-Thérèse High School Lighting Upgrade

    Project Spotlight: Sainte-Thérèse High School Lighting Upgrade

    Built in 1980, the building that houses Sainte-Thérèse high school, in Quebec Canada, was looking a little worse for the wear. Renovation work began with two major projects: introducing a multidisciplinary sports centre, as well as redesigning the parking lots.  The employee and visitor parking lots were completely reconfigured during phase 1 of the renovation… Read More…

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 10 – Grounding and Bonding

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 10 – Grounding and Bonding

    April 8, 2024 By William (Bill) Burr[i] The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes, it can seem daunting to quickly find the information you need.  This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B, or the… Read More…

  • Investment in the Residential Sector Declines in January 2024

    Investment in the Residential Sector Declines in January 2024

    April 8, 2024 Investment in building construction declined 0.9% to $19.7 billion in January. The residential sector declined 1.4% to $13.6 billion, while investment in the non-residential sector edged up 0.2% to $6.1 billion. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction fell 0.9% to $12.1 billion in January. Investment in the residential sector declines Investment in residential building construction declined… Read More…


Changing Scene