Safety light curtain resolution quantization
Among the various safety light curtain products on the market, resolution is a crucial selection parameter. Resolution is typically quantified in millimeters (mm), such as the common 14mm, 20mm, 30mm, etc. These quantified indicators represent the gap between the sensing functions of the safety light curtain sensors.
Is it an intuitive classification or a misconception?
Depending on the resolution, light curtains are typically categorized into finger, hand, and body protection types to characterize the most suitable application scenarios. However, this intuitive classification method is often misunderstood. Many designers believe that they can directly select the type of light curtain based on the body part that the hazard could cause injury, but this quick-fix approach often fails to meet standard requirements.
Correct selection method for safety light curtains
According to the European standard EN ISO 13855, the minimum distance between a safety light curtain and a hazard source should be calculated by substituting the light curtain's resolution, installation method, and system stop response time into a formula. Vertical, horizontal, and angled installations all use different formulas; only by comprehensively considering the light curtain's resolution, positioning method, stop response time, and distance from the hazard source can the correct method be found that complies with the standard.
For example, some devices select hand protection type for their light curtains based on quick-match methods. Once the distance between the light curtain and the hazard source is limited, or the system's stop response time is too long, the resolution of the light curtain should be increased to meet the requirements of EN ISO 13855.
