October 2002:
Safeguarding Palletising and Wrapping Machines made easy.

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A simple low-cost solution for safeguarding both the perimeter and the conveyor entry/exit zones of palletisers and other automatic end-of-line packaging machines is now available from Smartscan Limited.

This latest release further compliments the recently introduced 8000 Series range of light curtains that provide a totally integrated, easy to install safety system at an extremely low price.

The new two-part system includes a mirror assembly and transceiver unit that would usually be positioned in front of a machine, to prevent personnel access towards the dangerous moving parts. The scanning range between the mirror and transceiver is up to 4 metres, making it suitable for most end-of-line machine applications.

The Smartscan 8000 Series transceiver system is waterproof, therefore ideal for use in food processing plants, breweries and dairies, where the equipment is regularly cleaned with pressure sprayed water.

The internal control unit provides a multiplicity of control functions that in combination suit just about every packaging machine application. One clever feature incorporated into the Smartscan 8000 Series is provision to switch the muting configuration between cross-beam and parallel-beam modes when the light curtain is used for safeguarding conveyor entry/exit zones. A unique feature is an integrally mounted mute beacon that is mounted on top of the transceiver, giving a full 360 degrees of visibility. The beacons can be stacked to allow the user to show other control function indication as required.

Connecting the system could not be easier, only one cable is required for connecting the transceiver to the machine electrical control system, thus reducing installation time to an absolute minimum.

A Handbook describing the 8000 Series product range for end-of-line packaging machines is currently available from Smartscan. The handbook provides comprehensive product information on the 8000 Series system and details packaging machine safety methodology and some solutions to commonly encountered packaging machine safety applications.