The new Machinery Directive coming into force at end of 2009 will require that new equipment meets new standards, particularly where safety is concerned. The new standards are already met by the new light curtain range from IFM Electronic.
If you are looking for Safety Integrity Levels to IEC 61508 and Performance Levels to ISO 13849-1, the OY series light curtains and grids are available as Type 2 or Type 4 to IEC 61496 (EN 61496) in heights from 160mm to 1510mm covering distances up to 12m. One thing they all have in common is a very slim housing, only 28x30mm. Furthermore, the light beams are installed right up to the end of the housing, allowing units to be fitted adjacent to each other with no deadband between them.
Available resolutions cover 30mm, 40mm, 50mm and 90mm in the light curtains, while the grids come with two, three or four beams. Simple mounting and a range of accessories including mirrors, relays for muting, and vibration dampers round off the range.
Connection is made via standard and well-proven M12 connectors.
Follow the link for a safety light curtain selection chart.