Rockwell Automation have launched slimline compact safety light curtains. These curtains have a 15mm by 20mm housing profile. Allen-Bradley Guardmaster GuardShield Micro 400 is a small, Type 4 safety light curtain. Available in standard or cascadeable configurations, the GuardShield Micro400 light curtain is a presence-sensing safety device, suitable for a variety of space-constrained industrial applications with hazardous machinery.
According to Rockwell Automation, a slim profile housing allows the GuardShield Micro400 light curtain to fit into applications where space is important. It is suitable for applications utilising small assembly machines or industries such as pharmaceuticals, where the scale is small and a big curtain is not needed.
In addition to a slim profile, the GuardShield Micro400 light curtain features expanded functionality through the MSR42 controller. The MSR42 controller is a multi-function safety module with hard-wired or software-configurable operating modes and solid state safety outputs. If safety relay outputs are required, up to three safety-relay expansion modules (MSR45E) may be connected to the controller.
Accepting additional inputs such as E-stops or other machine safety devices, the MSR42 controller features advanced diagnostic capability by facilitating an optical diagnostic and configuration interface tool. This allows the user to configure the controller for different applications and to quickly check the status of inputs and outputs for diagnostic purposes.
The cascadeable model of the GuardShield Micro400 light curtain offers easy installation and configuration, where multiple light curtains are required. Rockwell Automation note that the cascade feature enables connection of curtain segments together on a single cable and configured to a single controller. This means the user does not have to run a cable from each light curtain segment, reducing the amount of cabling.
The GuardShield Micro400 light curtain comes in 14mm and 30mm resolutions in regular or cascadeable configurations, for finger or hand detection. Both resolutions are now available in heights from 150 to 1200mm.