Posted to News on 1st Jul 2007, 13:53
Low-cost light curtain for palletisers and wrappers
Smartscan is promoting a simple, low-cost system for safeguarding both the perimeter and the conveyor entry/exit zones of palletisers and other automatic end-of-line packaging machines. This complements the 8000 series light curtains that provide an integrated, easy-to-install safety system at an extremely low price.
The two-part palletiser safeguarding system includes a mirror assembly and transceiver unit that would usually be positioned in front of a machine to prevent personnel from gaining access to the dangerous moving parts. With its scanning range of up to 10m, the system is suitable for most end-of-line machine applications.
Smartscan's 8000 transceiver system is waterproof and, therefore, can be used within food processing plants, breweries and dairies, where the equipment is regularly cleaned with pressure sprayed water.
Integral control functions
The internal control unit provides a multiplicity of control functions that, in combination, are said to suit just about every packaging machine application. One innovative feature incorporated in the Smartscan 8000 is provision to switch the muting configuration between cross-beam and parallel-beam modes when the light curtain is used for safeguarding conveyor entry/exit zones. A further notable feature is an integral mute beacon that is mounted on top of the transceiver, giving a full 360 degrees of visibility. The beacons can be stacked to show other control function indications as required.
Smartscan says that connecting the system could not be easier; only one cable is required for connecting the transceiver to the machine's electrical control system, which helps to reduce installation time to an absolute minimum.
A Handbook describing the 8000 product range for end-of-line packaging machines is currently available from Smartscan. This provides comprehensive product information on the 8000 system and details packaging machine safety methodology and some solutions to commonly encountered packaging machine safety problems.
