Product category:
Machine Safety Components
News Release from: LVD (UK) | Subject: Lazer Safe press brake guard
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 13 February 2001
Lasers give totally safe press brake
guarding
A totally new concept in press brake guarding is being introduced to the UK by LVD using laser beam technology that enables bending times to be reduced while providing a safe working environment
A totally new concept in press brake guarding is introduced to the UK by LVD using laser beam technology that enables bending times to be reduced, improves access and operation of the machine while providing a totally safe working environment In operation, the new guarding system monitors and controls itself by consistently measuring and analysing all movements of the press brake upper beam
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 21 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Should a potential obstruction be detected the system immediately signals an alert which automatically puts the press brake into 'safety' mode.
Lazer Safe, now available for all LVD multi-axis press brakes from LVD (UK) of Marlow provides a patented and CE approved alternative to the more traditional light curtain guarding.
It is very quick and simple to adjust and operate and is able to provide savings in machine operational times by as much as 25 per cent.
Based on 'fail to safe' operation, the system is built into the press brake using three parallel, low-power laser beams 2 mm deep which are set to permanently cover the working zone at a distance of 9 mm below the punch tool tip.
With the inclusion of an incremental encoder, the system is used to control the stopping distance, position of the upper beam and mute point.
Any interruption of the beam during the cycle of the machine immediately stops the beam within a maximum distance of 2 mm.
In operation, if one of the laser beams is interrupted, the upper beam stops automatically.
However, if the other two laser beams are still 'active' the machine cycle can be continued at approach speed by depressing the control pedal.
But, should two or more sensors be interrupted, movement of the upper beam can only be progressed at slow speed.
Higher productivity from the use of Lazer Safe as against traditional light curtain guards is confirmed, for example, in the production of complex box components requiring bends to be formed in both directions.
Here, the operators task is made easier with less movement required which contributes to much shorter cycle times of some 25 per cent.
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