The purpose of a safety light curtain is to protect people from injury by preventing accidental contact with dangerous machine parts. It acts as an invisible electronic barrier made up of infrared light beams between a transmitter and receiver. When any beam is broken — for example, when an operator’s hand or body enters the danger zone — the safety curtain instantly sends a stop signal to the machine, halting all movement within milliseconds.
In factories and automation systems, safety light curtains are used around press machines, robots, conveyors, and packaging lines where operators frequently work close to moving components. Their main purpose is to ensure operator safety without restricting workflow. Unlike physical guards or doors, light curtains allow easy access for loading or maintenance while still providing reliable protection — balancing both productivity and safety.
Safety light curtains are classified as Type 2 or Type 4 devices under IEC 61496 standards. Type 2 curtains provide basic protection for low-risk machines, while Type 4 curtains are used for high-risk applications and include continuous self-monitoring. Both types are designed to integrate into a machine’s safety circuit and automatically stop hazardous motion when a person enters the protected area.
In simple terms, the purpose of a safety curtain is to create a safe working environment around machines by detecting human presence and immediately stopping dangerous operations. It prevents accidents, reduces the risk of injury, and ensures compliance with global safety standards — all while maintaining smooth, uninterrupted production.