Safety light curtains usually detect people and initiate safety measures if necessary, while automation light curtains detect objects and control corresponding subsequent processes. With its technology portfolio, Sick can ensure both effectiveness and safety by integrating measuring and safeguarding functions in just one product; the solutions optimize automated logistics processes and guarantee a high level of machine safety. Sick distinguishes between "safety light curtains" and "automation light curtains" depending on the function. The term "light curtain" is used as a superordinate category in this text. The individual beams of such a light curtain are arranged at certain distances, which define the minimum detectable object and the MDO (Minimum Detectable Object) parameter or resolution. The beams are evaluated cyclically to ensure reliable detection. Depending on the cycle time and number of individual beams, this results in a response time, which is an important safety-related parameter and is also crucial for the automation of downstream processes.

For greater productivity, the Detec4 safety light curtain is equipped with integrated pattern recognition of objects with a rectangular contour and reliably distinguishes between materials and people. The function analyzes individual beam data - as is typically the case with automation light curtains - and enables the results to be used for the purposes of machine safety. Unnecessary downtimes are avoided and a high level of safety is guaranteed. Smart Box Detection, which requires neither external signals nor additional sensors to distinguish people from material, offers further advantages. The protective field remains active above a passing object and offers additional safety against intrusion. This enables a flexible machine design. The availability of conveyor technology and machines depends on the distances between products remaining exactly the same during transportation and handling. Light curtains detect the front and rear edges of passing objects. The SLG-2 automation light curtains are equipped with multiple cross-beam technology; this increases the resolution in the detection field and precisely detects even small, flat or irregularly shaped objects, such as polybags. Another productive function is the transparent mode of the MLG-2 measuring automation light grids, which can even detect and measure transparent objects. Both light curtain and safety applications are equipped with IO-Link so that all data can be used to control downstream processes.

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