Packaging
Rockwell Automation Expands Safety Light Curtain Line With High-Performance Options
Friday 12. June 2009 - New Guardmaster GuardShield light curtains extend application versatility and provide reliable, cost-efficient performance
Rockwell Automation has expanded its Allen-Bradley Guardmaster GuardShield safety light curtain line with the addition of three cost-effective options. Designed to provide end users with improved functionality, configuration flexibility and installation, the new safety light curtains include the GuardShield Safe 4 with an integrated laser alignment system, the GuardShield Cascadeable Micro 400, and the GuardShield Safe 4 PAC.
“Todays users are seeking flexible, cost-effective guarding solutions to accommodate a wide variety of applications without sacrificing performance and functionality,” said Ed Tillinghast, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “Offering the same reliable, rugged performance as the standard GuardShield product, these new light curtain additions are designed to meet the growing demand for improved application versatility, greater ease of use, and an expanded array of product choices.”
The new GuardShield Safe 4 safety light curtain is equipped with an integrated laser alignment system, allowing for simplified setup and installation. Users can activate or deactivate two visible laser elements located at the top and bottom of the GuardShield Safe 4 safety light curtain by touching the transmitting element, allowing for faster and easier light curtain alignment. The GuardShield Safe 4 safety light curtain is a self-contained, optically synchronized, transmitter and receiver safety pair. Available in both 14 mm and 30 mm resolutions, the GuardShield Safe 4 safety light curtain is offered in a number of protective heights ranging from 120 mm up to 1920 mm, in increments of 120 mm.
The GuardShield Cascadeable Micro 400 safety light curtain is a Type 4, “three-box” safety light curtain designed for small assembly machines in ambient operating environments where mounting space is limited. Offered in 14 mm and 30 mm resolutions, this SIL 3-rated safety system offers expanded functionality through the required MSR42 multifunction safety module. In this configuration, the Micro 400 safety light curtain improves flexibility for applications requiring multiple light curtains or other safety devices, such as safety laser scanners, E-Stops or safety switches.
The GuardShield Safe 4 PAC light curtain is a self-contained, optically synchronized, “two-box” safety light curtain offering an expanded operating range. Unlike the standard GuardShield Safe 4 safety light curtain, the GuardShield Safe 4 PAC is available as a two-segment or three-segment system with an operating range of 30 meters. Available in a two-segment pair with a 600 mm protected height or a three-segment pair with a 840 mm protected height, these PAC light curtains can be used as an opto-electronic fence or for access guarding at the entry or exit end of a machine process. Like the standard unit, the GuardShield Safe 4 PAC safety light curtain also includes an integrated laser alignment system and can be connected to the MSR42 multifunction safety relay for improved functionality.