Application case | Measuring Light Curtains in Woodworking Machinery: Log Diameter, Length Detection, Cutting Sorting, and Deformation Detection

In the woodworking machinery industry, measuring the diameter of logs is a critical step before processing. Measuring light curtains use infrared sensor technology to accurately measure the diameter of logs in a non-contact manner. The principle is that as the product passes through the light curtain detection area, it blocks a certain number of light beams. The light curtain calculates the change in the number of blocked beams to measure the diameter. This method is not only highly accurate (up to 1mm) but also responds quickly, avoiding damage or deformation to the wood that can occur with traditional contact measurements.

Measuring light curtains also excel at detecting log lengths. As logs pass through the light curtain detection area, the light curtain can monitor and calculate the length of the logs in real-time. This online detection method not only improves production efficiency but also ensures the accuracy of the measurements. Operators only need to set the measurement parameters, and the machine will automatically complete the length measurement, significantly reducing labor costs and errors.

In automated woodworking production lines, measuring light curtains are often combined with cutting equipment to achieve precise cutting and automatic sorting of logs. Using the size information obtained from the measuring light curtains, the cutting equipment can automatically adjust cutting parameters to ensure that the cut boards or wood segments are precise and uniform in size. Additionally, the sorting system can automatically sort logs or wood segments of different sizes into designated positions based on data provided by the measuring light curtains, facilitating subsequent processing.

Wood may bend and deform during processing, which not only affects product quality but can also cause difficulties in subsequent processing. Measuring light curtains can monitor wood deformation in real-time. Since bending deformation causes changes in the wood's length, the measuring light curtain can detect these slight changes in length to identify whether the wood has deformed. If deformed wood is detected, the system can automatically stop or remove it from the production line, ensuring product quality and production safety.

- Switching output: NPN or PNP;

- Communication interface: RS485 or RS232;

- Analog signal output: 1 - 10 V or 4 - 20 mA;

- Baud rate: 4800 bit/s, 9600 bit/s, 19200 bit/s, 38400 bit/s, baud rate can be modified arbitrarily;

- Signal transmission mode: active transmission or passive transmission;

- Data upload mode: full status upload or upload only the high, low position, and total number of interrupted beams;

- Detection distance: 0.3 m to 3 m or 0.3 m to 6 m, the maximum detection distance for beam spacing of 20/40/80 mm can reach 30 m;

- Standard configuration supports up to 500 beams, additional beams can be customized.