Automation light grids
Two-dimensional inspection or counting tasks are important in automation. SICK’s automation light grids can be used in a number of these solutions, such as detecting and counting irregularly shaped objects, people and vehicles, and checking for presence and pallet overhang detection. The tasks are so versatile that one light grid cannot fulfill the requirements of every application. Light grids from SICK offer multiple ranges, heights, sizes, orientations, and resolutions which simplify integration through high flexibility and performance.
SLG-2
Simple machine integration thanks to compact design
In modern machine designs, space is usually quite limited. In many places, every millimeter counts and it is important that dimensions are very compact. These are just the right application conditions for the SLG-2 light grid – the powerful solution for classic detection and measuring tasks. The SLG-2 is available in slim and flat variants, which means it can be integrated very well into various tight installation spaces, offering you a high level of flexibility for machine integration.
Light grid systems
The flexible and efficient detection system in one chain
FlexChain offers you a flexibly expandable light grid – with up to 60 cascading sensors. Whether it be a photoelectric proximity sensor, through-beam photoelectric sensor or photoelectric retro-reflective sensor: different sensor technologies can be combined and freely arranged. The sequential cycling provides maximum measurement certainty, while diagnostic functions ensure stable processes.
MLG-2
For stringent requirements
Measurement light grids are ideal for complex applications because the beams are evaluated individually and detailed measurement data forwarded to a PLC. Being modular in design, different detection heights and beam separations can be selected. Application: on conveyor belts, automated storage and retrieval systems or for order processing.
Safety light curtains
Safety and automation combined
Safety light curtains provide your systems with reliable productivity as well as a high degree of flexibility and automation Take advantage of our many powerful products for a wide range of applications — up to the highest level of safety To make sure your processes run smoothly.
Web edge measurement
Maximum precision when determining web widths
The tried-and-proven light grid technology combined with state-of-the-art software in the MLG-2 ensure maximum accuracy and a reliable data basis for web width measurement. Even particularly fast moving or transparent objects can be reliably detected thanks to the diverse functionality provided.
Automation light grids
The comprehensive portfolio for two-dimensional monitoring
Whether large or small, fast or slow, shiny, transparent or dark – SICK offers a broad portfolio of high-performance light grids for the reliable detection and measurement of objects, persons, and vehicles and for presence and protrusion monitoring. With numerous designs and performance variants to choose from, our light grids offer the ideal solution for a wide variety of applications.
Advantages
Strong in performance, versatile in use
Whether transparent, film-wrapped, dark, bulky or with a repeated pattern: the automation light grids from SICK identify objects uniquely and reliably. Our portfolio can handle not only simple switching tasks but also complex volume calculations with maximum precision and reliability. The sensors use state-of-the-art sensor technology for top performance. They are also intuitive to use and are easily integrated into existing systems.
High resolution
Even the smallest objects can be reliably detected using light grids. The higher the resolution, the finer the detection. The HLG and the MLG-2 can even detect objects of just 2 mm or 2.5 mm in size. The accuracy also depends on the specific speed and the configured response time.
Short response times
The light grids from SICK will impress you with their extremely quick response times. This enables them to detect and accurately pinpoint at lightning-fast speeds even small objects moving at high speeds. With response times and minimum dwell times of < 1 ms, the sensors from SICK have been specially designed for high-speed manufacturing processes.
Predefined operating modes
To ensure a reliable object detection even for the most demanding applications, the light grids come with a number of different pre-defined operating modes. This enables the sensors to be commissioned quickly and easily. Detection and measurement are especially reliable even for transparent objects or at high processing speeds.
Modular design
The MLG and SLG product families are modularly designed and can be tailored to meet the particular requirements on-site. Detection height, beam separation and sensing range – you can tailor the automation light grids to your specific application and installation scenario.
Ambient conditions
At home in any environment
Whether indoors or outdoors: our automation light grids are rugged, immune to ambient light, and can be operated at temperatures between –30 °C and +55 °C. The numerous designs available cover a wide range of applications. For example, our smart light grids, which are only 8 mm deep and 25 mm wide, can be integrated almost anywhere – whether it be in doors, conveyor belts, machines or shelves. The VLC100 flexibly adjusts the reading field between 40×40 cm and 200×200 cm. And, thanks to its IP 65/67 enclosure rating, the MLG-2 is ideal for the most demanding outdoor applications.
Software
Intuitive configuration tool SOPAS
You can intuitively tailor your automation light grids to your requirements using the SOPAS configuration tool. A variety of parameters and functions can be easily configured in this clearly structured application without the need for specialist knowledge on the functioning of the device. The interface visually displays the beams and received energy, and allows telegrams to be quickly created. SOPAS therefore enables specific sensor settings to be implemented in next to no time.
Communication interface
Wide variety of interfaces
Thanks to the integrated interfaces, no additional hardware is required. The measuring automation light grids, for example, communicate with your system via IO-Link. That means better data transmission performance, cloning functions, and the ability to monitor the device state. The MLG-2 ProNet provides additional interfaces such as EtherCAT, ProfiNet, EtherNet IP, CANopen and PROFIBUS. The switching automation light grids are equipped with relays and output signal switching devices.