SafeZone laser scanner has ability to quickly configure and safeguard large and irregular shaped work zones

Citation

(2004), "SafeZone laser scanner has ability to quickly configure and safeguard large and irregular shaped work zones", Assembly Automation, Vol. 24 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2004.03324dad.001

SafeZone laser scanner has ability to quickly configure and safeguard large and irregular shaped work zones

SafeZone laser scanner has ability to quickly configure and safeguard large and irregular shaped work zones

Keywords: Laser scanning, Safety

Allen Bradley Guardmaster's SafeZone safety laser scanner is a fast, highly effective and convenient method of providing safeguarding for industrial personnel in stationary and mobile applications over large work areas up to 6 m in radius. The SafeZone enables users to configure and protect even the most irregular shaped warning and safety zones, simply and quickly, using Windows-based click and drag software (Plate 1).

The SafeZone provides a two-dimensional detection zone over a 300° angular range, detecting the access of personnel into dangerous areas and immediately stopping hazardous movement of machinery. A safety category Type 3 device (to EN61496-1), can be used in stationary applications for horizontal detection in a defined protection zone, in vertical applications for whole body access and on mobile safeguarding applications – typically automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

Plate 1 The Allen Bradley Guardmaster's SafeZone safety laser scanner

The SafeZone offers the user advantage of two zones, a Safety Zone (6 m radius) and a Warning Zone (7.5 m radius), both of which are created within the maximum scanning range of the SafeZone using Alien Bradley Guardmaster's safety configuration and diagnostics (SCD) Windows-based software. The zones are easily configured using a PC mouse to simply click and drag points along the perimeter of the zone to match any particular contours.

The benefit of the Warning Zone is in preventing unnecessary machine stoppages and lost production. If a person enters the warning field, the SafeZone switches a relay contact at its signal output, which can be used to provide acoustical or optical warnings. These warnings indicate that the hazardous area is to be vacated immediately, before the protective field is activated and the SafeZone unit issues a machine stop signal.

In the event that a person or object enters the protection zone, the SafeZone scanner switches two independent relay contacts, which results in an immediate switch off of the machine or machines within that zone.

Designed to provide high levels of reliability in operation, the SafeZone is mounted in a robust IP65 rated housing and is tested against both vibration and shock. The unit is also completely eye safe, conforming to IEC 60825 Laser Class 1.

For further information, please contact: Marketing Department, EJA Ltd, Hindley Green Industrial Estate, Wigan, Lancs. WN2 4HR. Tel: 01942-255166; Fax: 01942-523259; Web site: www.ejaltd.com