Single-beam safety switches light the way

The new family of single-beam safety switches from SICK are equipped with the company’s ‘BluePilot’ alignment and IO-Link for smart, real-time communication, said to ensure maximum machine uptime, while protecting personnel from hazardous machinery.

With a long scanning range up to 50 metres, the SICK L25 and L26 are Type 2 devices available in visible red light and infra-red (IR) versions for wide versatility in safety applications up to PL c (SIL 1). The IR and red-light versions could also be used together to avoid the potential for signal interference and introduce redundancy for applications requiring a higher level of safety. 

Rugged and robust, the SICK L25 and L26 single-beam safety sensors are described as ideal for collision- or access protection of barriers, gates, doors or racking systems, including over multiple access points at longer scanning distances. With the ability to cascade up to four pairs of sensors, the versatile L25 and L26 can also be combined to achieve effective perimeter guarding of machines or access protection to robot cells or machine-tending areas, including the option to use instead of a light curtain in space-limited machine designs.

“SICK’s new generation of smart safety switches are set to become the reliable workhorses of many common protective applications, even in the most challenging industrial environments,” states Dr Martin Kidman, safety specialist with SICK UK. “The newly-incorporated IO-Link connection means operators can know the condition of each single safety sensor in real-time, so productivity is not compromised by unplanned stoppages. Timely alerts are sent, if safe operation is at risk – for example, due to contamination on the sensor or vibration. Equally importantly, the reasons for any safety stops can be quickly identified, so that production is resumed without delay.”

The SICK L25 has a scanning range up to 20m and the L26 up to 50 metres. Both use SICK’s PinPoint LED technology to achieve an accurate, intense, eye-safe light-spot, which makes set-up and commissioning of the sensor straightforward, states the company. With added guidance, SICK’s BluePilot on-sensor alignment, sensors and reflectors can be set up quickly and precisely, and time-consuming adjustments are avoided.

With an ultra-rugged, IP66, IP67 and IP69K-rated VISTAL housing, the SICK L25 and L26 sensors have an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +60 °. Capable of withstanding even extreme chemical, thermal and mechanical conditions, the safety sensors offer the assurance of maximum availability and a reliable, long service life.

The SICK L25 and L26 smart safety sensors are easily incorporated into common protective applications, adds SICK, supported by a standardised range of flexible mounting options, reflectors and M12, 4-pin connectors. “An easy-to-fit adaptor is available for customers wishing to upgrade from SICK’s L27 L28 safety switches.”