10 mm finger protection · 500/600 mm height
Content updated:
Narrow-pitch selection & mounting. This guide explains when to choose 10 mm resolution safety light curtains, how to size 500/600 mm protective heights, and how to mount, align, and verify per good practice. Includes a quick sizing helper, acceptance checklist, and copy-ready spec table.
Quick answer: A 10 mm finger-protection requirement must be checked against the declared detection capability of the exact model; 10 mm beam pitch is not enough. For 500 or 600 mm protective heights, verify the active endpoints and access over, under and around the field. Use the complete stopping time and actual geometry to position it, then perform the prescribed detection and safety-function checks.
1) When 10 mm finger protection is the right choice
Compare the documented detection capability, active height and safety classification in the light-curtain series selection overview before choosing a narrow-pitch unit. The 10 mm requirement in this guide is a detection requirement, not evidence that a 10 mm beam pitch satisfies it.
Typical use cases
- Handling of small parts where fingers can approach the hazard.
- Press brake front zone, fine assembly cells, pick-and-place near dies.
- Retrofits with short safety distance requirement (tight footprint).
Engineering notes
- Narrow beam pitch does not establish rated detection capability; verify both separately.
- Choose anti-interference models if there’s welding arc/strong light.
- A declared 10 mm detection capability may support finger detection; validate the whole safety function and positioning.
2) Selection table (500/600 mm height)
| Model class | Resolution | Protective height | Typical range | Response time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow-pitch, compact opening | Declared 10 mm required | 500 mm candidate | Verify exact model and accessories | Maximum for selected configuration | Confirm active-field endpoints and all access routes |
| Narrow-pitch, taller opening | Declared 10 mm required | 600 mm candidate | Verify exact model and accessories | Maximum for selected configuration | Additional height does not alone prevent reach-over |
| With protective window | Verify approved assembly | 500/600 mm candidate | Apply documented accessory derating | Use documented value; no generic +1–2 ms | Confirm transmission and reflective clearance; verify after cleaning |
This is a verification worksheet, not a list of available order codes. Confirm each field from the exact device manual; no unverified class-wide range or response time is assigned.
3) Safety distance quick helper (ISO 13855)
For comparison with a coarser declared detection capability, see the 30/40 mm range and response-time checks. Neither a nominal housing height nor a successful rod test replaces the positioning assessment in ISO 13855:2024.
Stop + ESPE + logic + other
Limited legacy through-field example for a declared 10 mm detection capability: C = max(0, 8×(d−14)) = 0, with K fixed at 2000 mm/s and a 100 mm floor. This does not calculate reach-over, reach-under, bypass access or all ISO 13855:2024 requirements. Enter the maximum complete stopping time; the displayed result is not installation approval.
4) Mounting & alignment (narrow-pitch specifics)
Mechanical
- Use rigid brackets with anti-vibration pads; avoid cantilevering long spans.
- Keep reflective surfaces outside the manufacturer’s specified clearance, which depends on the optical span and any accessories.
- Route and bond cables according to the sensor and drive manuals; do not assume a universal separation distance.
Alignment routine
- Rough align by sight and level; power up and read alignment indicators.
- Maximize horizontally → vertically; tighten while watching stability.
- With hazardous motion prevented, use the exact prescribed test piece over the complete path in the device manual, including the field and accessible boundaries; verify the specified safe state throughout.
5) Acceptance & periodic tests
| Item | Test | Expected | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Use the exact prescribed test piece over the complete manual-specified path and accessible boundaries, with hazardous motion prevented | Specified safe state throughout the complete test path | ||
| Channel coherence | Block/unblock beams | Both safety outputs reach the safe state within documented limits | ||
| EDM | Simulate feedback fault using the approved safe test procedure | Reset inhibited | ||
| Reset | Verify documented monitored reset behavior | Hold-to-reset ineffective | ||
| Safety distance | Compute & record | S ≥ calculated value |
CSV (copy & keep in the file)
Machine/Line,Location,Resolution,Height,Range,Ttotal(ms),K(mm/s),Margin(mm),S(mm),Date,By,Notes
,,10 mm declared,500/600 mm candidate,,,2000 legacy example,,,,,Confirm actual model and positioning method6) Troubleshooting (what’s unique at 10 mm)
| Symptom | Probable cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Random trips | Vibration, near-field reflections, arc light | Stiffen mounts; use approved shielding; meet reflective clearance and revalidate without unapproved filters |
| Fails rod test at edges | Roll/pitch misalignment | Re-align X/Y; check frame squareness; verify bracket torque |
| Cannot meet S | Stop time too long | Improve stopping performance or relocate the field and revalidate. Muting/blanking does not remedy insufficient separation distance. |
7) FAQ
Why choose 500 mm vs 600 mm height?
Neither height is automatically sufficient. Locate the actual active field on the dimension drawing, then check reach-over, reach-under and access around the ends. Choose the height and position that cover the access routes identified by the risk assessment.
Is 10 mm always better than 14 mm?
No. Confirm that 10 mm is a declared detection capability, not just beam pitch. Both 10 mm and 14 mm give zero for the legacy through-field intrusion term C = max(0, 8 × (d − 14)); the finer value alone does not reduce that term.
Do I still need ISO 13855?
Yes. Use the applicable ISO 13855:2024 method with the maximum complete stopping time and the actual access geometry. The calculator on this page illustrates a limited legacy through-field calculation; it does not assess reach-over, reach-under or all minimum-distance conditions.