GL-VM18LP Keyence GL-V Series Body Protection Light Curtain PNP

GL-VM18LP Keyence Type 4 Safety Light Curtain – 18 Beam Body Protection, PNP Output

The GL-VM18LP from Keyence is a compact metal Type 4 safety light curtain. It sits in the GL-V series. This variant uses body protection logic instead of hand protection. Beam spacing is wider at 40 mm. Minimum detectable object is ø45 mm. It carries 18 beam axes across a 720 mm housing. Detection height reaches 680 mm. Total length is 720 mm. The PNP OSSD pair switches positive loads. Response time lands at max. 4.6 ms. Optical synchronization keeps wiring lean. The 850 nm infrared LED meets IEC62471 Exempt Group. Engineers pick this when the risk zone needs torso detection, not finger detection.

Technical Data

• Brand: Keyence
• Model: GL-VM18LP
• Series: GL-V series
• Module Type: Type 4 ESPE / AOPD light curtain
• Protection Type: Body protection
• Beam Axes: 18
• Beam Spacing: 40 mm
• Detection Height: 680 mm
• Total Length: 720 mm
• Min. Object Size: ø45 mm
• Detecting Distance: 0.3 to 15 m
• Response Time: max. 4.6 ms (OSSD, channel 0, ON to OFF)
• Light Source: Infrared LED, 850 nm, Exempt Group (IEC62471)
• Synchronization: Optical
• Angular Aperture: up to ±2.5° at 3 m or above
• Detection Mode: ON when all beams are received
• Interference Prevention: up to 2 units by series connection and switch setting
• Control Output: Transistor x2, PNP
• Supply Voltage: 24 VDC -20/+25%, ripple 10% or less, Class 2
• Max. Load Current: 150 mA or less
• Residual Voltage ON: up to 2.5 V at 5 m cable
• OFF Voltage: up to 2.0 V at 5 m cable
• Leakage Current: up to 0.8 mA
• Max. Load Capacity: 0.8 µF
• Load Wiring Resistance: up to 2.5 Ω
• Inputs: short-circuit current approx. 3 mA
• Current Draw: Transmitter max. 94 mA; Receiver max. 107 mA
• Protection Circuit: reverse-connection, short-circuit, surge
• Operating Temp: -30 to +55 °C, no freezing
• Storage Temp: -30 to +70 °C, no freezing
• Humidity: up to 95 % RH, no condensation
• Ambient Light: 3,000 lux incandescent; 20,000 lux sunlight
• Protection Rating: IP65 / IP67 (IEC60529)
• Overvoltage Category: II
• Vibration: 5 to 150 Hz, 1G, 10 cycles X/Y/Z
• Shock: 15 G, 6 ms, 100 times X/Y/Z
• Material: Aluminum alloy body; PPS case; Polycarbonate and SUS304 cover
• Weight: Transmitter 480 g; Receiver 480 g
• Communication: none built-in

Oiltech Controls Review

• The GL-VM18LP targets torso access, not finger access.
• Its 40 mm spacing cuts beam count and wiring cost.
• PNP OSSD suits most European and North American panels.
• 680 mm detection height fits mid-size openings.
• 4.6 ms response keeps stopping distance short.
• The metal case survives vibration on press frames.
• It replaces older body protection curtains with fewer beams.

Oiltech Controls’s Insight

• Pick this model when operators reach in with the whole body.
• Do not use it for finger or hand detection zones.
• Use 40 mm spacing to match torso detection rules.
• Confirm PNP input polarity on your safety relay.
• Pair two units when guarding a long open side.

Best Fit Equipment

• Palletizing and case packing cells
• Large conveyor transfer points
• Body access gates on robot cells
• Mid-size press and forming machines
• Automated warehouse entry zones
• Legacy lines with positive switching inputs

Why Buy From Oiltech Controls?

• We carry over 15 years of industrial automation spare parts experience.
• We ship to most countries with full logistics backup.
• We supply tested surplus and refurbished units.
• Eligible products carry a 12-month warranty.
• We run technical checks before every shipment.
• We keep obsolete control systems alive.

Warranty and Dispatch

• 12-month warranty covers eligible defects.
• Orders leave the warehouse in 24 to 28 hours.
• We ship by FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
• Tracking goes out right after dispatch.
• Worldwide delivery is supported.

FAQ

Q: How is the GL-VM18LP different from a hand protection curtain?

A: Hand protection curtains use 20 mm or 25 mm spacing. This model uses 40 mm spacing. So the minimum object size is ø45 mm. That suits body detection, not finger detection. Pick hand protection types for reach-in hazards.

Q: Can I swap a 20 mm curtain for this 40 mm model?

A: Only if your risk assessment allows it. A wider spacing means smaller objects can pass. Check your safety distance formula first. Also confirm the machine stopping time fits the 4.6 ms response.

Q: What is the most common installation mistake?

A: Poor alignment causes most faults. Keep the units within ±2.5° at 3 m or more. Mount them on rigid brackets. Avoid vibration that shifts the optical axis.

Q: Does sunlight affect this curtain?

A: Strong sunlight can reduce margin. Keep direct sun under 20,000 lux. Incandescent light should stay under 3,000 lux. Shield the receiver if the cell has open skylights.

Q: What should I verify before buying a used GL-VM18LP?

A: Ask for a test report and photos first. Confirm the PNP output matches your relay. Check the beam count and 720 mm length. Then confirm the 12-month warranty terms.

Contact Information

Inquiries: info@oiltechcontrols.com
WhatsApp: +86 158 8020 0923

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