Application Case | Improving Safety with Access Guarding for Punching Machines and Laser-Cutting Machines
Access Guarding for Enhanced Safety in Punching and Laser-Cutting Machinery
Punching machines and laser-cutting machines are essential equipment in industrial production, each playing a crucial role in metal processing and manufacturing. However, operating these machines involves certain safety risks. For example, the rapid punching action of a punching machine can cause finger injuries or more severe harm, while the high-energy laser beams of a laser-cutting machine pose potential risks of visual damage and fire.
To ensure comprehensive employee safety, the innovative technology of "safety light curtains" has been widely adopted in modern industrial production. Safety light curtains, also known as optoelectronic protective devices, consist of multiple sets of infrared emitters and receivers. They are installed around hazardous areas to form an invisible safety barrier. When this barrier is interrupted by any object (such as a part of the human body), the infrared signal emitted by the transmitter is blocked. The receiver immediately detects this change and quickly sends a signal to the control system, triggering an emergency stop or other safety measures, thereby effectively preventing accidental injuries.
In the application of punching and laser-cutting machines, sensor solutions reliably and flexibly protect hazardous areas. This maximizes personnel protection while minimizing the impact on workflow. By continuously monitoring and responding to potential danger in real-time, safety light curtains provide an instant safety light barrier for employees, reducing safety incidents caused by human error or negligence. At the same time, they enhance the overall production efficiency and safety management level of enterprises. Therefore, the installation and proper use of safety light curtains have become an indispensable measure to ensure employee safety in modern industrial production.
Access guarding, multiple sides
Requirement:
When the machine is running, it is necessary to protect the passageways entering the working area. To facilitate the entry and exit of materials, it must be possible to easily access the machine from multiple sides.
Solution:
The QSA series multiple light beam safety devices ensure safe access to the machine from multiple sides within a range of up to 15 meters. The integrated laser alignment aid makes installation quick and easy.
Access guarding, two sides
Requirement:
It is necessary to protect the hazardous area of the machine or system to ensure safety. Additionally, the machine must be easily accessible from one side to allow the entry and exit of materials.
Solution:
The QSA series multiple light beam safety devices provide an economical solution for passageway protection. With a maximum single-side protection range of up to 45 meters, they are suitable for machines requiring wide-area guarding and are particularly easy to install.
Recommended Safety Light Grids
This safety light grid employs retro-reflective mirror technology to establish a network of infrared protection adaptable to different work environments. Surface-mount technology enhances shock resistance, ensuring stable operation in various vibration conditions. With optional protection ranges from 1 to 4 sides, and a maximum single-sided protection distance of up to 45 meters, it is suitable for hazardous areas requiring regional enclosed protection, such as turret punch presses, assembly stations, packaging equipment, stackers, and robot work zones.
Related Safety Light Grids
Beam spacing: 80mm
Number of optical axes: 10
Protection height: 720mm
Safety Curtain outputs (OSSD):2 PNP
Beam spacing：20mm
Number of optical axes: 40
Protection height: 780mm
Safety sensors for machines output (OSSD):2 PNP
Beam spacing: 2.5mm
Number of optical axes: 20
Protection height: 1520mm
Beam spacing：40mm
Number of optical axes: 30
Protection height: 1160mm
Safety Curtain outputs (OSSD):2 PNP
