IP69K rated light curtains suitable for hygienic environments

The IP69K light curtain enclosures are available pre-assembled with SICK deTec/deTem Core, type 4 and type 2 light curtains. Manufactured from high impact plastic and stainless steel, the complete enclosure system and attached cable are certified to IP69k in accordance with ECOLAB and Diversey for protection against high-pressure/steam jet cleaning and can operate in temperatures from 55°C down to -30°C.

Dr Martin Kidman, SICK’s UK machinery safety Product Manager explained: “Because the enclosure system is integrated with the light curtain, the entire system satisfies the IP69K rating and is certified against common cleaning processes according to ECOLAB and Diversey. It’s a rugged and easy-clean design constructed using food-friendly plastics and stainless steel. There are no edges or gaps to act as dirt or bacteria traps and a venting system protected by a breathable, waterproof membrane, prevents misting, even across the -30 to 55°C operating range.

“Uniquely, the SICK IP69K enclosure is customer-replaceable, so accidental damage to the enclosure is not too expensive. Ease and speed of cleaning reduces costs and downtime compared to mechanical guards and having the IP69K enclosure means that the light curtains have a long service life under difficult conditions.”

With a diameter of only 50mm, the SICK IP69K light curtains are easy to locate in areas requiring hazardous point and access protection, even in cramped process production conditions. With fully pre-assembled devices, mounting, installation, commissioning and alignment are all quick and easy.

The SICK deTem4 and deTem2 Core multi-beam light curtains are available as 2, 3 or 4 beam systems with beam separations of 500, 400 and 300mm respectively. The deTem4 Core is a Type 4 device (IEC 61496) and offers protection up to PLe/SIL3 (EN ISO 13849/EN 62061), while the Type 2, deTem2 Core, offers protection up to PLc/SIL1.

The SICK deTec4 and deTec2 Core light curtains are available in protective field heights in increments of 150mm from 300-1,800mm with a choice of finger (14mm – deTec4 only) or hand (30mm) protection. The deTec4 Core is a Type 4 device (IEC 61496) and offers protection up to PLe/SIL3 (EN ISO 13849/EN 62061), while the Type 2, deTec2 Core, offers protection up to PLc/SIL1.

The safety light curtains provide protection against operator intervention with varying ranges up to 15.5m (deTem4 Core) and configuration and range adjustment is automatic requiring no additional set-up. Diagnostics is achieved through simple LED indication and additional functions can be implemented using external devices such as safety relays, the SICK Flexi Classic system or SICK’s Flexi Soft modular safety controller.