Work out safety light curtain distance instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
The minimum distance formula S = K x T + C combines how far a hand travels while the machine stops with a penetration allowance for the curtain's resolution. K is 1600 mm/s for hand approach, T is the sum of detection, control and machine stopping times, and C is 8 x (resolution - 14) for curtains coarser than 14 mm.
Minimum distance
S = K x T + C
Preliminary estimate only. Safety distance calculation must follow the applicable standard, use validated stopping time measurements and be verified by a competent person.
S = K x T + C. The minimum distance formula S = K x T + C combines how far a hand travels while the machine stops with a penetration allowance for the curtain's resolution.
A coarse curtain does not detect a finger until it is some way past the beam plane. The C factor accounts for that undetected penetration before the stop is triggered.
This calculator takes 4 inputs: Machine stopping time, Light curtain and control response time, Curtain resolution, Assumed approach speed. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.