Curtains offer a choice of safety functions

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 22, 2005

The range of Sick C4000 light curtains has been extended to offer users a clear choice between a simple machine guarding solution and more advanced systems.

The range of Sick C4000 light curtains has been extended to offer users a clear choice between a simple machine guarding solution and more advanced systems combining complex blanking and control functions with safety bus compatibility.

The C4000 Basic is a new entry-level light curtain that offers the highest levels of both operator safety and value for money.

Providing maximum Type 4 point-of-operation finger and hand protection certified to IEC/EN61496 parts 1 and 2, the C4000 Basic can also be integrated into a machine control system in accordance with Category 4 of EN954.

With dual channel output, external device monitoring, automatic reset and protective heights ranging from 300 to 1800mm, the C4000 Basic suitable for most machine tool guarding applications including presses, punches and shears.

For more complex systems requiring the same high safety standards, the C4000 Advanced includes a range of new functions to help improve productivity of machinery in specific applications.

For example, users of presses can retrofit the C4000 Advanced and take advantage of the stroke initiation feature to automatically start the machine as soon as the operator is clear of the danger area.

This avoids the need for the operator to manually restart the machine, preventing repetitive stress injuries and increasing efficiency when work pieces have to be frequently inserted and removed.

Single break or double break mode is selected using a simple key switch.

The C4000 Advanced offers additional advanced features to improve the performance of press brake machines.

These include reduced resolution for applications where machine setup may vary according to production, muting of the entire light curtain in a nonhazardous part of the cycle to allow access to the machine and fixed or floating blanking to enable objects such as automatic feeders to pass through a "window" in the light curtain.

A unique multimode selection system allows the user to create up to six preset modes, each of which can include any combination of the C4000 Advanced's configurable functions.

This is especially useful for applications using batch processes, multiple tools and combined manual and automatic operations.

Interlock switches from mechanical guards such as removable safety fences can be connected direct to the C4000 Advanced, significantly reducing the wiring and control panel space required.

The C4000 Basic and Advanced are certified to EN61508 SIL3 and can be linked to both AS-I Safety at Work and Profisafe safety networks via Sick's range of UE4000 bus nodes.

Sick offers a complete range of Type 2 and Type 4 machine guarding solutions to suit any industrial application, and provides services including design, inspection and documentation of safety systems in accordance with legal and insurance requirements.