Overview
The Sentinel guarding system features a laser transmitter and receiver that are mounted to the upper beam of the press brake. A continuous block laser field protects the zone directly below the punch tip allowing the operator to hold the work piece as the tools close at high speed. If an obstruction is detected the machine is automatically stopped.
The Sentinel system can be retrofitted to most existing press brake models and provides a complete safety solution that includes optical protection, monitoring of the press brake control commands and actions, control and monitoring machine safety elements and more.
Key Features
Optical protection
The block laser field is processed by the receiver and divided into three continuous zones to detect obstructions entering from the front, sides and rear of the tool area. The front zone provides protection forward of the tool while the middle zone protects the area just behind the tip of the punch. The rear zone provides additional protection for the open gaps created when segmented tooling is used.
The protective zones are independently and automatically muted to suit different shape work pieces such as box bending with side flanges. This enables parts to be formed safely at high-speed to achieve maximum productivity. This close proximity protection allows the operator unrestricted access to the point of operation for increased productivity and unlike traditional light curtains, reduces fatigue by eliminating the need to continually move in and out of the operating area.
Sensor arrangement
The laser field is processed by the receiver and divided into two rows of three continuous zones to detect obstructions entering from the front, sides and rear of the tool area. The front zone provides protection forward of the tool while the middle zone protects the area just behind the tip of the punch. The rear zone provides additional protection for the open gaps created when segmented tooling is used. The protective zones are independently and automatically muted to suit different shape work pieces allowing parts to be formed safely at high speed to achieve maximum productivity.
RapidBend performance
RapidBend technology employs a patented progressive muting process that enables the press brake to close safely at high speed until the tool opening is only 6mm. This reduces the slow speed travel distance to enhance machine productivity. RapidBend is compatible with most synchronised CNC press brakes* and in comparison to other light or laser based systems, RapidBend can reduce machine cycle time by up to two seconds per cycle. This represents a significant saving in operating time and cost.
*FOR RETROFIT APPLICATIONS, RAPIDBEND CAN REDUCE THE MINIMUM SPEED CHANGE POINT TO 6MM, HOWEVER RESULTS MAY VARY DEPENDING ON THE PRESS BRAKE TYPE AND CAPABILITIES. CONSULT YOUR LAZER SAFE RETROFIT DEALER FOR MORE INFORMATION .
Advanced machine monitoring
AutoSense is an automatic monitoring technology that tracks machine operation and performance in real time. AutoSense automatically monitors control commands, motion, direction, speed and stopping performance to maintain a high level of machine and operator protection. AutoSense also guarantees compliance with international safety standards that mandate automatic monitoring of machine overrun and safe speed.
Additional monitoring
Sentinel Plus provides optional monitoring of additional machine safety elements including emergency stop buttons plus side and rear gate interlock switches with real-time status displayed on the user interface panel.
External Device Monitor (EDM)
Sentinel Plus provides the option to connect and monitor up to four external devices such as valve sensors or relays. The EDM response time is configurable and the status of each external device is displayed on the user interface panel in the event of a device failure.
Intuitive user interface
The Sentinel HMI displays system and machine status in real time and provides the operator with simple to follow instructions and messages making the system very easy to operate. The active status of the optical protection is clearly displayed and the operator can quickly change guarding modes with the press of a button.
The panel features a magnetic backing allowing it to be moved and placed on the front of the machine within easy reach and view of the operator.
Mounting bracket options
Sentinel is available with two mounting bracket options. A range of vertical lengths are available to suit various machine and tooling applications.
Linear brackets
Linear Brackets are supplied as standard and are suitable for press brakes up to 8 metres in length. The brackets are manufactured from an extruded high-tensile alloy for greater rigidity and tolerance to machine vibration while linear bearings and rails provide precision vertical adjustment of the laser transmitter and receiver.
During tool change, a spring loaded locking pin keeps the transmitter and receiver clear, allowing the tools to be loaded from either end of the press brake. After tool change, the transmitter and receiver are quickly moved back into position. The receiver status LEDs provide a clear indication of when the system is aligned, so the tool change process is very simple and takes only a matter of seconds.
Economy brackets
Economy Brackets are available as an option and suit machines up to 4 metres in length. The brackets are manufactured from an extruded alloy and feature a two part sliding design for quick vertical adjustment. The brackets are easily adjusted and locking into position with a simple locking handle.
Dual guarding support
– the best of both worlds
In addition to laser guarding, Sentinel enables connection of third party light curtains for the ultimate flexibility. For bending operations where light curtains are more suitable (eg. multi-height tooling), the operator can simply switch from laser protection to light curtain protection.
Selection is made through the HMI and the system provides complete management of the light curtain including mute-point set-up, automatic speed monitoring and automatic monitoring of the machine stop time.