Laser safety curtains restrict laser beams to a confined area. They offer a great amount of protection against external temperatures and stray beams. Laser curtains are used in various industries, from medical facilities to manufacturing.
Here are a few applications of laser beam curtains.
- Surgery rooms and operation rooms
- Military Testing
- Laser Control Rooms
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Laser Window Treatments
- Dental Operating Facilities
- Electronics Manufacturing Facilities
Since the industrial and technological sectors are growing exponentially, the demand for laser curtains has increased. Laser curtains have led to the reduction of hazards.
The main purpose of installing a Laser Safety Curtain is to create a protective barrier and ensure a safe environment. Laser safety curtains are made from materials that can withstand direct as well as scattered laser light. It is also essential to note that using laser safety curtains does not mean that there is no need to wear appropriate laser safety eyewear within the barrier’s walls while laser light is in use. It is essential to have proper eyewear near the entrance for individuals who might need to enter the enclosure.
As a buyer, you should understand and know the maximum irradiance level of protection required, as it is a key factor in determining which curtain material is ideal for a laser application.
We have enlisted a few factors that you should consider before purchasing a laser safety curtain:
What Certification Does the Laser Curtain Have?
For any safety product, some basic regulations should be taken into consideration. This includes standards such as IEC 62061, ISO 13849-1, and IEC 61508. These standards emphasize diagnostic capabilities, control reliability, and safety systems architecture.
When it comes to light curtains, a consumer must also look for extra safety information, such as how much Performance level is offered by the safety curtains. If possible, check the safety certification from a reliable third party who will help you verify whether or not the requirements were fulfilled.
What is the Detection Capability of the Laser Curtain?
The detection or resolution capability of light curtains is the distance or separation between the laser beams. When it comes to laser safety curtains, there are a plethora of resolution options. For instance, a resolution of 14mm is ideal for finger detection. This resolution is especially used when the position of the curtain is in close proximity to the source of dangerous motion.
What’s the Minimum Safety Distance?
As per ISO 13855, one must calculate the minimum safety distance to determine where exactly the laser curtain must be installed. Thus, the machine will automatically stop operating once an individual activates the laser safety curtain by passing the detection area. The machine will resume only when the individual is not near the hazardous area.
Several parameters, like the machine’s stopping time, detection capabilities of the safety curtain, and a few characteristics specific to the installation of the safety curtain, have to be considered to calculate the minimum safety distance.
Whether the Safety Curtain is Rugged or Not?
The manufacturing units pose various environmental challenges, such as excess humidity and moisture, temperatures, and other factors that can contribute to damage to equipment. The light curtains that you decide to purchase should be resistant enough to withstand such pressures. Many light curtains have a wide operating temperature and perform well in food processing and metalworking applications.
What’s the Control Architecture?
Laser light curtains are a preventative measure designed for the machine’s safety. However, they are just a small part of the safety system that surrounds any machine. In order to create a solution, it is imperative to connect safety control equipment to the light curtains. Safety controllers and safety relays that meet the given requirements must be installed.
Laser curtains are an effective solution for enclosing laser areas. You will find various standard models in the market for different power classes. Different sizes are made from a single piece or multiple modules based on the material you need. Customization options are also available nowadays. Hence, before making a purchase consider your specific requirements and align them with the specifications of the laser safety curtains.
Different laser curtains are made with different sets of safety measures. Safety measures are important to safeguard the workers as well as the environment.
You will always know your workplace better than any laser curtain expert. Try to find a curtain manufacturer that doesn’t ask for any changes in your facility. Select the one who will configure and make tailored curtains that suit the requirements of your facility.