Request a Quote

The VITECTOR unit of the FRABA group has developed safety edge products, based around two technologies. The first version is based on an optical system. A hollow rubber tube is mounted on edge of the moving object with an infrared light source mounted at one end and a sensor at the other. If the tube is deformed because of contact between the moving edge and another object, the light path is partially blocked and the optical sensor sends a warning to the control system. Because of internal reflection of light inside the tube, gradual bending of the edge (e.g. due to wind pressure on a large door) won't trigger the alarm. In this way, the system is able to distinguish between insignificant events and potentially dangerous collisions. The system is also fail-safe. The receptor is designed to recognize only light from the source, so that stray light entering the system (e.g. from a tear in the rubber tube) will not give a false-positive response.

The second technology used by VITECTOR relies on air pressure. Here, the hollow rubber profile mounted on the edge of the moving object is sealed and connected to a sensitive pressure switch. When the edge contacts another object, the switch is activated and sends a warning to the control system.

The optical safety edge is designed for critical safety applications. A malfunction anywhere in the system will cause a warning signal to be sent to the control system. The pneumatic system lacks this fail-safe feature, but is less expensive and suitable for non-critical installations. Both are easy to install, since the rubber tube assembly that lines the edge can be cut to any length.

VITECTOR safety edges can reduce risks associated with the movement of large, heavy objects and help designers and operators meet the most demanding safety standards.

About FRABA:

The FRABA Group, as one of the leading manufacturers of high technology sensor and safety systems for industrial automation, is committed to excellence in quality and customer service. The headquarters are located in Cologne, Germany. The US subsidiary, FRABA Inc., began operations in summer 2000 to better meet the growing needs of the American encoder market. It is currently located in Hamilton, NJ. Additionally in 2009, FRABA Pte opened in Singapore, thereby providing total global support.

FRABA's VITECTOR business unit is a leading supplier of safety systems for door and gate manufacturers in Europe and around the world. The product line, which includes safety edges, bumpers and photo-eye sensors meet international standards for safety devices, including ANSI/UL 325 ( "Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems"). Other important application areas include general machine safety applications (lifting platforms, automated guided vehicles, heavy machinery housings etc) and public transport (bus & train doors).