Light Curtain Muting Methods

This post will help clarify the difference between the two so the correct safety light curtain functionality is chosen and the machine runs safely.

Light curtain muting methods.

When enabled a function block is purple with a 3 second count down timer. In nearly any industry that manufactures a product there are automatic feeder systems and conveyor applications that can be optimized simply by using muting. The first method involves using the light curtain controller to initiate the muting and generally results in disabling the sensing field. Muting sensors shall be positioned beyond the light curtain in the dangerous area.

The timer monitoring the 4 seconds shall be a safety related item. From the instant the first of the two muting sensors is cleared. In normal operation if a light curtain detects an object it causes the safety system to stop any hazardous motion in the hazardous area. Also the status output for the mute light changes to green.

Safety light curtains can be used in a variety of different modes such as muting blanking and floating blanking depending on the needs of the application. Muting shall be desabled as soon as the light curtain is cleared and not later than 4 seconds max. The value of light curtains is greater than many realize having functions and features relevant for machine safety factory control and productivity. When used with a safety light curtain muting enables the safety function to be temporarily.

The terms muting and blanking are frequently used incorrectly. After 3 seconds the status output and mute function turn off. Muting and light curtains. The safety light curtain has become so ubiquitous that it is all too easy to regard it as a simple on off device a fail safe fit and forget substitute for protective fencing.

Four common machine safeguarding flaws and how to avoid them. Next lets test the mute function.