Posted to News on 9th Oct 2010, 10:18
miniTwin 2 safety light curtain is compact and economical
Sick (UK) is launching the miniTwin 2 safety light curtain that meets performance level level 'd' (PL d) and SIL2 safety requirements. This new and cost-effective addition to the miniTwin family incorporates transmitter and receiver elements in a single miniature housing for continuous end-to-end field coverage.
Sick (UK) safety specialist, Seb Strutt, comments: "The miniTwin 2 provides a unique solution where traditional light curtains would be too big and awkward to install. It means that light curtain protection can be extended to a wide range of new applications and configurations, at a competitive price point."
The new modular Sick miniTwin 2 units are 120 to 1200mm long and can be cascaded or daisy-chained end-to-end to a maximum length of 3600mm without any blind spots. Rapid response times permit safety monitoring with reduced reach distances for operators and, therefore, smaller machine footprints. Field coverage is continuous between adjacent units without any loss of resolution or the need for special mountings or physical protection between curtains.
Sick miniTwin 2 units may be configured to protect L shapes, V shapes or even U shapes, combining easy access to workpieces or to change tooling or jigs, while offering complete protection. They are suitable for use where all-round accessibility and visibility are required. Variable field lengths are possible to suit different locations.
No separate control unit
Each miniTwin 2 unit includes both send and receive functions, and the inbuilt controls and LED status indication mean any two identical units can operate as a light curtain, without any requirement for an extra control unit. This is claimed to be a unique feature for this size of light curtain and enables spares to be stocked as single units rather than in transmitter/receiver pairs.
The range of the miniTwin 2 (up to 4m), slim 15 x 32mm cross-section and choice of three object resolutions (from 14 to 34mm) makes this a very versatile product.
Configuration and alignment of the miniTwin 2 are automatic and built-in, with full status and diagnostic LED displays. The universal fixing brackets ensure rapid secure installation and the rotating connector, with standard M12 5-pin plug, accommodates any orientation.
The miniTwin 2 is designed to meet performance level PL 'd' according to BS EN ISO 13849-1 or, alternatively SIL2 in compliance with IEC 61508 or the machinery sector standard BS EN 62061 (IEC 62061).
For more information on the Sick miniTwin 2 contact Ann Attridge [email protected] or Andrea Hornby [email protected] on +44 (0)1727 831121.
