Key Application Scenarios for Safety Light Gratings (Safety Light Curtains) in the Hydraulic Press Industry

Safety light curtains (safety light curtains) are primarily used for hazardous area isolation, personnel protection, and equipment interlocking. They ensure a safe distance between operators and moving parts through non-contact detection. The following is a classification and description of key application scenarios compiled by Jianlong Hydraulic Technology for your reference when purchasing!

1. Mold Closure Area Protection (Core Hazard Area)

1.1 Scenario Description: When the upper and lower molds of a hydraulic press close, high pressure (tens to thousands of tons) is generated. Accidental entry of an operator's hands or tools can result in severe crushing injuries.

1.2 Light Grating Function: Vertical or horizontal light curtains are installed around the mold closing area to form a "light wall."

If the light beam is blocked (e.g., by a hand), the hydraulic press is immediately triggered to an emergency stop (slide retraction or power failure).

1.3 Typical Configurations: Resolution: 14mm (finger protection) or 30mm (palm/body protection). 1.4 Installation Location: ≥ Safety Distance from Danger Zone Edge (calculated according to ISO 13855).

2. Feed/Removal Channel Protection

2.1 Scenario Description: Semi-automatic hydraulic presses require manual feeding or removal of parts (e.g., stamping metal parts). During operation, fatigue or misoperation may lead to entry into the danger zone.

2.2 Light Barrier Function: Horizontal light barriers are installed at the feed or discharge port to detect human approach. Interlocked with the two-hand start button, the light barrier must be clear to ensure the next cycle can only be initiated when the light barrier is not blocked.

2.3 Special Requirements: A blocking function is implemented to temporarily block part of the light beam (for ≤ 1 second) when a workpiece passes through, preventing unintended machine stops.

3. Protection of Large Multi-Station Hydraulic Presses

3.1 Scenario Description: Multi-station hydraulic presses (e.g., automotive parts production lines) have multiple hazardous entry points and require full coverage protection.

3.2 Light Barrier Function: Multiple light barriers are used to form a "protective fence" covering the front, back, left, and right operating surfaces. Zone coordination is achieved through logical control (such as a safety PLC). Triggering a blockage at any entrance will cause the machine to shut down. For example, a four-column hydraulic press can be equipped with light barriers on all four sides, combined with safety doors (interlock switches) to provide multiple layers of protection.

4. Human-Robot Collaboration Zones in Automated Production Lines

4.1 Scenario Description: In automated production lines where a hydraulic press is linked to a robot and conveyor, personnel occasionally need to intervene for commissioning or maintenance.

4.2 Light Barrier Function: A programmable light barrier (such as SICK Flexi Soft) is configured to distinguish between human and robot/material signals. In maintenance mode, the light barrier triggers only a speed reduction (e.g., low-speed movement of the slide ≤ 10 mm/s), rather than an emergency stop.

5. Safety Protection in Maintenance and Debugging Modes

5.1 Scenario Description: During equipment maintenance, conventional light barrier protection must be disabled, but accidental activation must be prevented.

5.2 Light Barrier Function: A key/password-enabled muting function is employed. Once activated, the light barrier monitors only specific areas (e.g., retaining the bottom beam to prevent intrusion). Interlocking with the hydraulic press's "maintenance mode" (forcing pressure and speed reduction). 

6. Special Process Scenarios (e.g., High Temperature, Oily Environments)

6.1 Scenario Description: Forging hydraulic presses or oil presses is subject to high temperatures and oil splashes.

6.2 Light Grating Application: Select a metal-enclosed light grating with an IP67 protection rating (e.g., the OMRON F3SG-PG). It should feature an oil-resistant lens design or a periodic automatic cleaning function.

The core application of safety light gratings in the hydraulic press industry is to cover all possible human-machine interaction hazards, balancing safety and efficiency through customized configuration (resolution, mounting method, and logic control). Future trends will place greater emphasis on intelligence (e.g., AI obstacle avoidance) and flexibility (dynamic adjustment of protection zones). For more information on safety light gratings, safety light curtains, and infrared sensors, or if you need to purchase high-quality hydraulic presses, please feel free to contact us (scan the WhatsApp QR code below). Jianlong Hydraulic Technology will provide you with personalized, customized professional solutions and serve you wholeheartedly.