SICK, a manufacturer of sensors, safety systems, machine vision, encoders and automatic identification solutions for factory, logistics, and process automation, announces the launch of the deTec4 safety light curtain.

 The deTec4 is a new generation of safety light curtains. With protective heights of 300 millimeters to 2,100 millimeters and an IP65, IP67, and IP69K enclosure rating, the deTec4 is proven for use in harsh environments. The safety light curtains have variants with cured glass for use in environment that use coolants and lubricants, and variants for explosion hazardous areas.

 Comprehensive diagnostics are possible with IO-Link, providing data that can be used directly in other process steps. For example, a subsequent step could apply the provided height measurement data while simultaneously executing a safety function, without the need for additional equipment components. This saves cost on extra hardware, eliminates wiring of other devices and minimizes commissioning time.

 The deTec4 is able to differentiate between people and materials thanks to two-sensor muting integration. Using an innovative muting adapter, muting sensors can integrate directly to the light curtain in the field, saving the time needed to wire the muting sensors back to the cabinet.

 Using intelligent evaluation algorithms, reduced resolution ignores small unimportant objects, such as thin sheets, chips, or insects but will trigger a machine shut off for larger objects, such as hands. With intelligent algorithms and reduced resolution deTec4 prevents unwanted shutoffs, unnecessary downtime, and therefore increases productivity.