Improving flexibility and workplace safety

Rockwell Automation has introduced the new Allen-Bradley GuardShield 450L safety light curtain system, which, unlike traditional safety lights based on the pre-defined transmitter and receiver units, features a patented transceiver design that employs plug-in modules to establish each unit’s function as a transmitter or receiver.

Once powered up, the transceiver learns its functionality from the plug-in module. Additionally, the active sensing field and compact design allows customers to install the GuardShield 450L inside a machine frame, as opposed to outside or on the machine.

The system is ideal for hand and finger detection and is offered in a wide range of protective heights. The light curtain system is equipped with an active protective field that senses the entire length of the transceiver. This feature reduces the inactive sensing areas that generally appear at the top and bottom of other light curtains.

“When light curtain systems are developed on the traditional transmitter/receiver architecture, customers need to buy multiple light curtain models to accommodate different features,” says Christo Buys, business manager for control systems at Rockwell Automation sub-Saharan Africa. “Now, they can also purchase identical GuardShield 450L sticks and customise the features with different plug-ins,” he adds.

The five-pin plugins are available for basic on/off functionality, while eight-pin plugins provide manual and auto restart with external device monitoring (EDM). To simplify setup, the advanced function settings are configured through dual in-line package (DIP) switches located on the plug-in module.

The new safety light is a flexible, cost-effective solution that enhances safety, while improving productivity through innovative transceiver technology. The flexible mounting kits and built-in alignment indication allow for quick, trouble-free installation.