Banner Expands Safety Light Curtains To Include More Lengths

The safety light curtain is a device used in factory automation for applications where an operator must temporarily enter a hazardous area. When the light curtain detects an object, the safety system suspends all energy in that area, allowing an operator to work without injury.

Recently, Banner Engineering expanded its S4B safety light curtains to include additional lengths for its 14 mm resolution variants. The new additions include lengths of 1,350 mm, 1,500 mm, 1,650 mm, and 1,800 mm.

The 14 mm resolution S4B safety light curtains now include 1,350 mm, 1,500 mm, 1,650 mm, and 1,800 mm models. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering

S4B Safety Light Curtains

Banner’s S4B safety light curtain is a Type 4 safety-rated device that offers a reliable machine guarding option. The device has indicators for both beam strength and zone, which helps reduce commissioning and setup time. Two resolution options are available for each S4B length: 14 mm or 30 mm, depending on whether an application requires detecting fingers or hands/arms. 

Each S4B version can be configured for muting and fixed blanking for applications that require interrupting the light beam without stopping the machine. An optional fixed blanking remote can be purchased that allows users to set the blanking or muting configuration with the turn of a key. The S4B can be mounted using end-cap or center-mount brackets, providing a range of installation options to accommodate different applications.

To support multiple light curtains used on the same equipment, the S4B can be connected in a cascade configuration. This configuration allows each light curtain to connect to the previous one, so only one cable is required to connect to the controller. Simply use the integrated cordset, along with gender-specific connections, to connect the next light curtain. This topology reduces wiring and troubleshooting time. 

A look at the S4B safety light curtains, available in 14 mm and 30 mm resolutions. Video used courtesy of Banner Engineering

Light Curtain Resolution

Light curtains are typically offered in different resolutions. The resolution is the measurement between each beam of light. A higher resolution allows small objects to pass through the beams without stopping the machine, while a lower resolution catches smaller objects trying to pass through the curtain.

The correct resolution for your applications depends on the hazard you are trying to keep people away from. If your machine has fast-moving tooling, the light curtain must be located a considerable distance from the hazard. You can reduce this distance by using a smaller resolution light curtain. You can also use larger resolution curtains for applications where you might want to allow a broom handle to enter the space, but not a person.

Choosing the correct resolution light curtain will help prevent unplanned downtime and accidental machine interruptions.

S4B light curtains being used to guard a robot cell. Image used courtesy of Banner Engineering

Flexible Machine Guarding

With models now ranging from 300 mm to 1800 mm, multiple mounting options, and the optional cascading feature, the S4B safety light curtains can be configured to work in virtually any machine guarding application.