Light curtain systems are critical machine safety solutions used in industrial facilities to ensure safe interaction between humans and machines, prevent unauthorized access to hazardous areas, and minimize workplace accidents. In modern production facilities, machine speeds have increased, robotic cells and automation levels have expanded, and accordingly, safety requirements have become more complex. In this environment, light curtains are widely used as an alternative or complementary solution to physical guarding systems.

Traditional safety solutions are often limited to fixed fences, mechanical guards, or emergency stop buttons. However, these solutions can lead to productivity losses in facilities with flexible production structures and frequent product changeovers. Light curtain systems, on the other hand, provide both safety and production continuity at the same time thanks to their contactless, fast, and reliable detection technologies.

At Körfeztek Teknoloji, we consider light curtain systems not merely as safety equipment, but as an integral part of machine safety, automation integration, and the Industry 4.0 approach. We offer process-specific, scalable light curtain solutions that comply with international safety standards.

What Is a Light Curtain?
A light curtain is a safety system consisting of a transmitter (emitter) and a receiver unit positioned opposite each other, with invisible infrared beams between them. When these beams are interrupted by any object or person, the system instantly sends a stop or warning signal to the connected machine or control unit.

The main purposes of light curtains are:

Detecting access to hazardous areas
Detecting human presence
Safely stopping machines
Preventing workplace accidents

The Importance of Light Curtain Systems in Industry
A large proportion of industrial accidents occur when employees unintentionally approach moving or hazardous machine parts. Presses, cutting machines, robotic cells, and high-speed automation lines in particular pose serious risks.

The main advantages of light curtain systems for businesses include:

Prevention of workplace accidents
Increased employee safety
Reduced damage to machines and equipment
Reduced need for physical barriers
Maintained production flexibility
Compliance with legal regulations and standards

For these reasons, light curtains have become one of the core components of modern machine safety solutions.

Areas of Use for Light Curtain Systems
Light curtains are used across a wide range of industries and machines.

Main areas of use include:

Press and cutting machines
Robotic production cells
Conveyor and transfer lines
Packaging and palletizing systems
CNC machines and machining centers
Automated assembly lines
Warehouse and intralogistics areas

Each application is specifically designed based on risk level and machine type.

Operating Principle of Light Curtains
Light curtains operate on the principle that infrared beams emitted from the transmitter unit are continuously detected by the receiver unit. When any of these beams is interrupted, the system interprets this as a hazard and performs the predefined safety action.

The general operating steps are as follows:

The light curtain area is defined
The transmitter and receiver are aligned
The beams are activated
The area is continuously monitored
A signal is generated when a beam is interrupted
The machine is stopped or switched to a safe mode

This process takes place within milliseconds.

Types of Light Curtains
Light curtains are designed in different types depending on their purpose and safety level.

Safety Light Curtains
These systems are used for personnel safety and are certified according to SIL and PL standards. They are used in presses, robotic cells, and hazardous machines.

Measuring Light Curtains
These systems are used primarily for detection and measurement rather than safety. They are preferred for object counting, measurement, and position control.

Multi-Beam Light Curtains
They use multiple beams to cover wider areas.

Single-Beam Light Barriers
They are used to control passage at specific points.

Core Components of Light Curtain Systems
An effective light curtain system consists of correctly selected hardware and software components.

Emitter
The unit that emits infrared beams.

Receiver
The unit that detects the beams emitted by the transmitter.

Safety Relay / Safety PLC
Evaluates signals from the light curtain and controls the machine.

Mounting Accessories
Used for proper alignment and stable installation.

Light Curtains and Machine Safety Standards
Light curtain systems must be designed in compliance with international machine safety standards.

Main standards include:

EN ISO 13849-1 / 13849-2
IEC 61496
IEC 61508
EN 62061

Körfeztek Teknoloji provides appropriate solutions in all light curtain projects by taking risk analysis and safety levels into account.

Use of Light Curtains in Robotic Cells
In robotic cells, light curtains ensure that robots stop or slow down safely when human presence is detected.

This results in:

Reduced need for physical cages
Easier access to cells
Increased production flexibility

Light Curtains in Conveyor and Transfer Lines
In conveyor systems, light curtains are used to prevent jamming and collision risks.

In these applications:

Transition points are controlled
Operator safety is ensured
Automatic stop scenarios are implemented

Productivity and Operational Advantages
Light curtain systems provide not only safety but also production efficiency.

Main advantages include:

Prevention of unnecessary downtime
Faster and more flexible production
Reduced operator intervention
Smoother processes

Digitalization and Industry 4.0 Integration
Light curtain systems can be used as data sources in digital factory and Industry 4.0 projects.

In this context:

Safety violation records
Event analyses
Production and safety performance reports

can be generated.

Project Management and Commissioning
The success of light curtain systems depends on proper engineering and project management.

In these projects, Körfeztek Teknoloji meticulously applies the following steps:

Risk analysis and safety concept development
Selection of appropriate light curtains
Mechanical and electrical integration
Safety PLC integration
Testing, validation, and training

After-Sales Support and Continuity
The reliability of light curtain systems is ensured through regular maintenance and inspections.

Provided services include:

Periodic testing and verification
Alignment and calibration
Technical support and consultancy
Safety audit support

Future Trends in Light Curtain Systems
Smart light curtains, adaptive safety zones, and AI-supported detection systems are shaping the future of light curtain technologies. Systems are evolving into safety solutions that not only detect beam interruptions, but also analyze behavior and provide predictive insights.

Why Körfeztek Teknoloji?
Key reasons to choose Körfeztek Teknoloji for light curtain systems include:

Experience in machine safety and automation
Expertise in international safety standards
Process-specific engineering solutions
PLC and safety system integration
Strong project management
A long-term partnership mindset

Körfeztek Teknoloji is not merely an equipment supplier for light curtain systems, but a strategic solution partner that designs safe and sustainable production environments.

Conclusion
Light curtain systems are an indispensable part of occupational safety, production flexibility, and operational continuity in modern industrial facilities. Properly designed and machine-safety-integrated light curtain solutions protect employees while supporting production efficiency.

With its comprehensive solutions in light curtain systems, Körfeztek Teknoloji strengthens the safe production infrastructures of businesses. To control hazardous areas and create safe working environments, you can benefit from Körfeztek Teknoloji’s expertise.