QPZ Series · Press-Side Guarding
Punch Press Safety Light Curtain for Press-Side Guarding
A transmitter-and-receiver light curtain for detecting access through a guarded punch press opening. Compare 20 mm and 40 mm beam-pitch models, protection heights and output options before requesting a matched configuration.
Application
What this light curtain does
The QPZ pair creates an infrared detection field across a press-side opening. When that field is interrupted, its output changes state so the machine safeguarding circuit can respond. It is a sensing component—not a complete risk-assessment or machine-control solution by itself.
Monitor an access opening
Use the transmitter and receiver to detect a hand, arm or body entering a defined press-side opening, depending on the selected beam pitch and installation.
Send a switching signal
Relay and transistor output variants are listed. Select the correct interface for the press controller, PLC or external safeguarding controller.
Fit the actual press
Protection height, sensing range, mounting position, stopping time and access from other directions all affect the final safeguarding design.
Important: confirm press compatibility and the required safety distance with a qualified machine-safety integrator. Presence-sensing safeguarding is not suitable for a full-revolution-clutch press, and unprotected access around or behind the sensing field must be prevented.
Selection
Choose the model in four checks
Start with the hazard and opening—not only the overall press width. The four checks below determine which model family and control interface should enter the quotation.
Define the detection task
Choose the beam pitch according to the body part that must be detected and the risk-assessment requirement. This page lists 20 mm and 40 mm standard series.
Measure the protected opening
Select a protection height that covers the access opening without leaving reach-over, reach-under or side-access gaps.
Confirm sensing distance and mounting
The listed standard sensing range is 0.3–3 m. Check transmitter-to-receiver distance, brackets, vibration and environmental exposure.
Match the electrical interface
Confirm sensor supply, required relay or transistor output, the safeguarding controller and how the press control system achieves a safe stop.
Specifications
QPZ series data and model table
These values reproduce the currently published product data. Confirm the final model, output type and control interface on the quotation and technical drawing.
| Item | Published value |
|---|---|
| Protection height | 60–600 mm |
| Beam pitch | 20 mm / 40 mm |
| Beam count | 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 |
| Sensor supply | 10–30 V DC |
| Power consumption | < 5 W |
| Response time | < 15 ms |
| Sensing range | 0.3–3 m (standard) |
| Operating temperature | −20 to 70 °C |
| Enclosure rating | IP66 |
| Housing material | Aluminum alloy / reinforced nylon (ABS) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| 20 mm beam-pitch series | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Beams | Protection height | Total height | Model |
| 4 | 60 mm | 134 mm | QPZ-20-04J |
| 6 | 100 mm | 170 mm | QPZ-20-06J |
| 8 | 140 mm | 214 mm | QPZ-20-08J |
| 10 | 180 mm | 252 mm | QPZ-20-10J |
| 12 | 220 mm | 278 mm | QPZ-20-12J |
| 16 | 300 mm | 360 mm | QPZ-20-16J |
| 40 mm beam-pitch series | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Beams | Protection height | Total height | Model |
| 4 | 120 mm | 195 mm | QPZ-40-04J |
| 6 | 200 mm | 275 mm | QPZ-40-06J |
| 8 | 280 mm | 355 mm | QPZ-40-08J |
| 10 | 360 mm | 440 mm | QPZ-40-10J |
| 12 | 440 mm | 520 mm | QPZ-40-12J |
| 16 | 600 mm | 685 mm | QPZ-40-16J |
Product details
Construction and operating features
Use these detailed illustrations to review the device construction, enclosure, self-check circuitry and published electrical-load information.
Transmitter, receiver and control connection
The illustration identifies the paired sensing units and the associated control components. Read it together with the wiring section below when confirming which controller and output version belongs in the quotation.
A light curtain pair forms the detection field; it still requires a correctly designed machine safeguarding circuit to produce a safe stop.
IP66-rated housing for stamping environments
The published rating supports installations where dust and splashing water resistance are needed. The image also helps buyers identify the aluminum housing and protected end construction.
Actual suitability depends on cable entries, connectors, cleaning method, oil exposure and how the unit is mounted on the press.
Built-in self-check circuitry
The diagram presents internal monitoring and secure connector construction as device features. Check the connector and indicator details when comparing the delivered unit with the selected model.
This function does not replace validation of the complete press safeguarding circuit, controller, reset behavior and stopping system.
Published consumption below 5 W
The image supports the low-power feature while the specification table gives the measurable value. Buyers should use the specification value—not a general marketing claim—when planning the sensor power supply.
Configuration
Mounting and wiring information
Use the diagrams to identify included parts, compare mounting methods and confirm wire functions before installation.
Identify the standard components first
The configuration includes the transmitter, receiver, two connecting cables and mounting hardware shown. Compare the delivered parts with the pictured set before installation.
- Confirm transmitter and receiver model labels match.
- Check cable quantity, connector type and cable length.
- Confirm the bracket style and fastening hardware suit the press frame.
- Confirm separately whether an external controller is included in the quotation.
Choose the mounting method for the press frame
The wide illustration compares three fixation methods. Use standard brackets for an adjustable installation, direct screw fixation where the frame has suitable mounting faces, or slider nuts for compatible aluminum profiles.
Whichever method is selected, both sensing units must remain parallel, rigid and protected from impact or vibration that could disturb alignment.
Match the wire colors to the exact output suffix
The sensor specification lists a 10–30 V DC supply. The wiring image distinguishes the relay-output model from transistor-output variants.
- Relay model (-J): brown +24 V, blue 0 V, grey NC, white COM and black NO.
- Transistor variants: brown +24 V, blue 0 V and grey signal output; confirm the exact NPN/PNP suffix before ordering.
- Before power-on: verify the model label and supplied wiring diagram rather than selecting wires only by color.
Separate controller input power from sensor power
The external-controller illustration refers to AC 110–220 V input at the controller, while the sensor itself is listed as 10–30 V DC. Treat these as different circuits.
- Verify the controller model and input rating before applying AC power.
- Connect protective earth where shown and follow the supplied terminal diagram.
- Route the controller output only through the press safeguarding interface approved for the machine.
- Do not assume a direct emergency-stop connection is acceptable without reviewing the press schematic and reset/monitoring functions.
Electrical boundary: the product table lists a 10–30 V DC sensor supply. The separate controller illustration refers to AC input at the controller. These are different circuits and must be identified before wiring.
Installation
Mechanical installation sequence
Follow the installation pictures in operating order and complete each stage before moving to the next.
Assemble the sensor bracket
Insert the T-nut into the groove on the back of the light curtain and slide it to the required position. Tighten the screw, then clamp the support bracket to the vertical pipe at the selected height.
Leave enough adjustment for final transmitter-to-receiver alignment.
Fix the support base to the press
Mark suitable mounting points on both sides of the press, drill and tap the required holes, then secure the base or swing-arm bracket.
Check that the mounting location does not create a new reach-around path or interfere with normal die access and maintenance.
Secure the supports and align both units
Insert and lock the vertical support pipe, then mount the light curtains at matching heights on opposite sides of the opening.
Adjust the angle until the transmitter and receiver are parallel and the detection field remains stable across the complete sensing distance.
Integrate the controller and validate the stop
Mount the external controller close to the electrical enclosure, complete the wiring according to the selected model and machine schematic, and secure all cables.
Before production, verify detection across the field, stopping response, reset behavior, fault response and protection against access around, over, under or behind the light curtain.
Quotation checklist
Send these details for model selection
A useful quotation needs more than the press tonnage. Share the information below so the sensing height, mounting and control interface can be checked together.
- Press make, model and clutch/control type
- Opening width and required protected height
- Stopping time or measured stopping performance
- Required detection task and risk-assessment result
- Available voltage and PLC/controller interface
- Photos of the press front, sides and existing guards
- Transmitter-to-receiver mounting distance
- Oil, dust, vibration and ambient conditions
FAQ
Punch press safety light curtain questions
These answers clarify product selection and the boundary between the sensing device and the complete machine safeguarding system.
Should I choose 20 mm or 40 mm beam pitch?
Choose from the required detection task and risk assessment, then verify the resulting safety distance and installation. This page lists standard 20 mm and 40 mm QPZ models; it does not list a standard 10 mm series.
How is the required safety distance determined?
It depends on the press stopping time, the approach speed used by the applicable standard, the light curtain response time and installation factors. Measure the stopping performance and have the final position validated by a qualified machine-safety integrator.
Can the output be connected directly to an emergency-stop circuit?
Do not assume a direct connection is acceptable. The selected relay or transistor output, controller architecture, reset/monitoring functions and press stopping system must be reviewed together. Use the machine schematic and a qualified integrator.
Can it be used on every punch press?
No. Compatibility depends on the press control and clutch design and on its ability to stop safely. Presence-sensing safeguarding should not be specified for a full-revolution-clutch press.
What is the difference between relay and transistor output?
The relay-output model provides switching contacts, while transistor variants provide an electronic signal matched to the receiving circuit. Confirm the exact suffix, logic and interface voltage before ordering.
Can it work around oil and dust?
The published enclosure rating is IP66. Actual suitability still depends on cable entries, connectors, mounting, cleaning method and the concentration of oil, dust or metal debris at the installation.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Send the press model and control type, opening size, desired protected height, sensing distance, stopping information, electrical interface, environment and clear installation photos.
Press auxiliary equipment
Related equipment for stamping lines
Continue from safeguarding to scrap handling and auxiliary material handling without returning to the general product index.
