Revolutionising press-shop safety

Industrial presses present well-documented hazards. Historically, rigid mechanical guarding was the only way to protect operators, but this often meant delays, ergonomic challenges and reduced productivity. In lean manufacturing environments, however, agility is critical. Non-contact safeguarding systems like Contrinex’s Type 4 active optoelectronic protective devices eliminate these barriers, enabling fast, safe changeovers and maintaining uninterrupted workflow.

A common scenario illustrates the point: while one press completes its cycle, an operator may be loading another. Such smooth interaction is only possible when safety systems combine unimpeded access with absolute reliability. Contrinex’s machine safety light curtains are designed to do precisely this, ensuring safe access without restricting movement or visibility.

The YBES Extended Slim safety light curtains are engineered specifically for press shop applications. With 30 mm beam width for hand protection, they meet and exceed stringent safety requirements, holding TÜV, CE and UL certifications under IEC 61496-1/2, IEC 61508-1/2/3 and ISO 13849-1.
Their 26 x 26 mm profile makes them among the slimmest on the market, while a unique internal design eliminates blind zones entirely, even in L-shaped installations. This slender build allows seamless integration into open-fronted presses, granting operators direct access for loading and unloading. Gone are the days of cumbersome fences and guards slowing production, as changeovers are now faster, easier and safer.

Built for the demanding press shop environment, YBES light curtains feature rugged aluminium housings, shatter-resistant PMMA optics and an IP65 protection rating. They withstand vibration, shocks and everyday wear with ease. Detection heights range from 170 mm up to 1610 mm, while operating distances reach up to five metres, giving operators maximum obstruction-free working space. Connection is simple, via a 0.3 m pigtail cable and M12 connector.

Smarter Setup, Greater Flexibility

Productivity gains do not end with installation. Integrated External Device Monitoring with relay-monitoring capability removes the need for separate wired relays, reducing cost and complexity. Start and restart interlocks can be set for manual or automatic operation, while three beam-coding options provide versatility in multi-device environments.

Commissioning and adjustment are simplified by Bluetooth connectivity and the ContriApp smartphone application, which allow wireless setup, monitoring and diagnostics. This reduces downtime, streamlines changeovers and gives engineers greater control at their fingertips.
The Contrinex YBES Extended Slim light curtain is more than a safeguarding device. By combining reliable protection with ease of access, smart configuration and robust design, it reduces downtime, improves ergonomics and lowers overall costs. For press shops striving to increase efficiency without compromising safety, Contrinex provides a clear competitive.