HANTENCNC has introduced its self-developed Interlock Safety System for its laser cleaning machines, enabling integration with external safety devices such as safety light curtains, emergency stop switches, and protective door sensors. The new system adds an additional layer of safety control for industrial laser cleaning operations.
1. How Does the HANTENCNC Interlock Safety System Work?
The Interlock Safety System is designed to monitor signals from connected external safety devices and control whether the laser cleaning machine is permitted to operate.
For example, when a laser cleaning machine is used inside a protective enclosure equipped with a safety light curtain, the system can respond if an operator enters the monitored hazardous area.
Once the light curtain is triggered, a safety signal is sent to the Interlock control unit, which immediately stops the laser output.
Even after the operator leaves the hazardous area, the laser will not automatically resume operation. A manual reset is required before the machine can be restarted.
The same principle applies to protective doors. When a connected door sensor detects that a protective door has been opened, the Interlock system prevents continued laser output. Closing the door alone does not automatically restart the laser.
This helps reduce the risk of unintended laser emission during industrial cleaning operations.
2. Key Features of the HANTENCNC Interlock Safety System
Developed by the HANTENCNC engineering team, the Interlock control board offers several features to support industrial laser cleaning applications.
-
Single- and Dual-Channel Monitoring: Supports configurable single-channel or dual-channel interlock monitoring to accommodate different equipment configurations.
-
External Safety Device Compatibility: Supports emergency stop switches, normally closed safety light curtains, photoelectric sensors, magnetic limit switches, and mechanical limit switches.
-
Four-Channel Redundant Outputs: Features four redundant normally open output channels for safety interlock control.
-
Manual Reset Protection: Requires a manual reset after a safety interruption, preventing automatic resumption of laser operation.
-
Independent Status Indicators: Provides dedicated indicators for interlock monitoring and reset status.
-
LED Fault Diagnostics: Onboard LED indicators help operators and maintenance personnel identify abnormal conditions and troubleshoot system faults.
These features allow HANTENCNC laser cleaning machines to interface with compatible external safety devices, providing additional control options for industrial applications.
3. Available for HANTENCNC Laser Cleaning Machines
The self-developed Interlock Safety System can be configured across the HANTENCNC laser cleaning machine range.
For the SEAGULL2 and SEAGULL3 pulsed laser cleaning machines, the system uses an external control enclosure known as the SAFE Unit.
For other compatible HANTENCNC laser cleaning models, the Interlock control system can be integrated inside the machine cabinet.
The external SAFE Unit houses the Interlock control circuitry and connects to the laser cleaning machine and compatible external safety devices.
It is important to note that the SAFE Unit does not independently detect personnel or hazardous conditions. To enable the corresponding safety functions, it must be connected to suitable external devices, such as safety light curtains or protective door sensors.
4. Supporting Future Industrial Automation Applications
As laser cleaning technology becomes more widely used in industrial manufacturing, customers increasingly require equipment that can be integrated into existing production environments.
For example, a laser cleaning machine may be installed inside an enclosed cleaning workstation with protective doors or safety light curtains. In such applications, the Interlock system can help coordinate laser output with the status of connected protective devices.
This capability also provides additional flexibility for customers planning to integrate laser cleaning equipment into automated production lines and industrial workstations.
With its self-developed Interlock control technology, HANTENCNC continues to expand the functionality of its laser cleaning equipment to meet evolving industrial application needs.
5. About HANTENCNC
HANTENCNC specializes in laser cleaning, laser welding, and laser marking equipment. The company continues to develop practical laser solutions for industrial surface treatment and manufacturing applications.
The introduction of the Interlock Safety System represents another step in HANTENCNC’s ongoing product development, providing customers with additional options for integrating laser cleaning equipment with external safety devices.