New IP67 protective housings extend non contact safety into wash down areas

Citation

(2003), "New IP67 protective housings extend non contact safety into wash down areas", Assembly Automation, Vol. 23 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2003.03323aad.005

New IP67 protective housings extend non contact safety into wash down areas

New IP67 protective housings extend non contact safety into wash down areas

Keywords: Safety, Light

Erwin Sick introduces a range of IP67 wash down housings for its range of Micro light curtains and grids (Plate 5). The use of high technology materials, combined with an innovative design and construction, has resulted in a range of products that can resist even the most aggressive environments, including those found in the food processing industry.

Available for the C2000, M2000 and C4000 ranges, the new products feature a rugged PMMA clear acrylic housing with corrosion resistant mounting brackets and end caps made from V4A stainless steel. Gore-Tex™ membranes prevent the ingress of any liquids while allowing trapped moisture to escape to prevent misting of the tubes. Cable routing is through a PG threaded joint with cable connection.

Plate 5 New IP67 protective housings extend non contact safety into wash down areas

Suitable for use from 0 to 55°C and relative humidity up to 95 per cent, the careful choice of materials means that these new IP67 housings can withstand wide fluctuations in temperature, strong detergents and other aggressive liquids, including those found in cheese and meat processing applications.

The units are supplied pre-assembled with the sensors fitted. They are suitable for new installations or can be used to quickly replace a non-IP protected installation. Available as an easy to install 50 mm diameter system in protective heights from 150 to 1,200 mm, they provide a compact solution for even the smallest of machines.

Safeguarding hazardous machines with light curtains and multi-beam photoelectric safety sensors provides many advantages with easier and safe access, reduced wash down requirements, improved visibility of the process and cost savings compared with expensive stainless/hygienic fencing and guards.

But installing these products in difficult environments such as those found in the food industry has always been a problem. Water ingress, condensation and corrosion caused by high-pressure wash down and wet environments can often cause premature failure.

The new versions comply with IEC 61496 and are available for the C4000, C2000 - Type 2 and M2000 - Type 4, providing a choice of options for the user. The C4000 is a safety light curtain that can be used as a finger, hand or body protection device on presses, pick and place equipment and packaging machines. With a protective field height of 150-1,200 mm, it provides an economical and individually configurable safety solution.

The C2000 and M2000 safety light grid family offer a comprehensive selection of resolution and range options. The C2000 is designed for hand protection and has a protective field height of 150-1,200 mm, while the M2000 is designed for body protection and available with two or three beams.

The new range of IP67 housings from Erwin Sick combine all the benefits of non-contact safety with a range of housings that provide a high degree of protection against extreme environmental conditions. The hygienic design, rugged construction, excellent resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand water jets makes them suitable for a wide range of applications in the food processmg and many other industries.

For more information, please contact: Ann White or Andrea Hornby, Erwin Sick Ltd, Waldkirch House, 39, Hedley Road, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire AL1 5BN, UK. Tel: 01727 831121; Fax: 01727 856767; E-mail: info@sick.co.uk; Web site: www.sick.co.uk