Robotics & Automation worked example

Light Curtain Safety Distance with hand approach speed k of 5,000 mm / sec: a worked example

This scenario runs the light curtain safety distance calculation on the strong side: hand approach speed k of 5,000 mm / sec, with every other input held at its documented default. Use it when placing a light curtain in front of a robot or press so the mounting distance meets ISO 13855 before commissioning and the runoff stop test.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Hand approach speed K: 5,000 mm / sec (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 2,000)
  • Total stopping time T (curtain to full stop): 0.3 sec (unchanged)
  • Depth-penetration allowance C (from resolution): 128 mm (unchanged)
  • Applied safety margin multiplier: 1.2 x (unchanged)

Working through the calculation

  • Applying the documented formula (Base mounting distance = (hand approach speed K x overall system stopping time T) + intrusion C) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 230,400 mm for required light curtain mounting distance, the number this scenario is built around.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 192,000 value for base product.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 1.2 x for multiplier.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 1,500 value for factor a x b.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where hand approach speed k sits at 2,000 mm / sec and the headline result is 92,160 mm, this scenario comes in 150% above the baseline at 230,400 mm.
  • Use it when placing a safety light curtain in front of a press, robot or feeder during cell design or safety commissioning. Treat this as a target state: the delta against the baseline quantifies what the improvement is worth before you commit to chasing it.

Results at a glance

  • Required light curtain mounting distance: 230,400 mm (headline result)
  • Base product: 192,000 value
  • Multiplier: 1.2 x
  • Factor A x B: 1,500 value

Run it with your numbers

  • Every input above is editable in the live Light Curtain Safety Distance calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.