English
A light curtain sensor works by creating an invisible barrier of infrared light beams between a transmitter and a receiver. These beams form a “curtain” of light that monitors a specific area—typically near hazardous machinery or automation zones. When any object, such as a person’s hand, limb, or even a tool, breaks one or more of the beams, the system immediately sends a stop signal to the connected machine, halting its operation to prevent injury.
The transmitter emits a series of synchronized infrared beams, while the receiver detects those beams in real time. If all beams are uninterrupted, the system allows the machine to continue operating normally. But if even a single beam is interrupted, the sensor identifies it as a safety breach and activates a safety response—usually shutting down the machinery within milliseconds.
Modern light curtain sensors are equipped with advanced functions such as muting (to allow safe passage of materials without stopping the machine), blanking (to ignore specific areas where permanent obstructions exist), and cascading (to link multiple light curtains together for larger coverage). These features make light curtains both highly adaptable and reliable in dynamic industrial environments.
In summary, a light curtain sensor works by using infrared light to detect movement or intrusion into dangerous zones. It’s a smart, fast, and non-contact safety system that ensures worker protection without sacrificing operational efficiency.
