In the industrial field, the health and worker safety are paramount. THE safety covers play a crucial role in protecting operators while maintaining machine tool performance. This article explores in depth the various aspects of safety guards for industrial machines, including their types, benefits and the main criteria to consider when selecting them.
Types of safety guards for industrial machines
There are different types of safety covers, each corresponding to specific safety and functionality needs. The two main categories are: fixed casings and the mobile casings.
Fixed safety guards
Fixed safety guards are designed to be permanently mounted around hazardous areas. They provide a constant barrier between the operator and the machine, minimizing the risk of accidents. Here are some common examples:
- Rigid polycarbonate panels : these panels are transparent and impact resistant, allowing optimal visibility while ensuring solid protection.
- Metal grills : ideal for areas requiring both ventilation and protection, they prevent unauthorized access while allowing air and light to pass through.
- Fixed screens : Often used around lathes and other rotating machinery, these screens effectively block debris while providing visual protection.
Mobile safety guards
Unlike fixed guards, movable guards can be opened or moved to allow easy access to machines when they are not operating. This type of housing is often equipped with safety interlock systems to prevent opening while the machine is running. Practical examples:
- Sliding door with sensor : allows quick access to the machine while ensuring that it stops automatically if the door is opened during operation.
- Articulated barriers : These barriers can be folded away to provide a more open work space when necessary, but lock securely during mechanical work.
Advantages of safety guards
Installing safety covers has many benefits that go beyond simply complying with safety standards. Here are some of them:
Reduction of work accidents
The presence of safety guards significantly mitigates the risk of injury by creating a physical barrier between the user and potentially dangerous parts of the machine. This device therefore greatly contributes to reducing accidents in the workplace.
Machine protection
In addition to employee safety, safety guards also help protect machine tools themselves against external impacts or the infiltration of undesirable substances. This increases the durability and overall reliability of industrial equipment.
Improved efficiency
By reducing interruptions caused by security incidents, casings help maintain a high level of operational efficiency. Fewer interruptions mean better productivity and a smoother workflow.
Selection criteria for a safety cover
When selecting a safety cover for a specific application, several criteria must be considered. Here are the essential elements to evaluate:
Machine type
The type of machine on which the guard will be installed plays a determining role in choosing the appropriate model. For example, a lathe will require a different housing than a hydraulic press. It is therefore important to understand the specificities of the machine to select the right protective equipment.
Material and construction
The materials used in the manufacture of safety guards directly influence their effectiveness and durability. Polycarbonate, for example, is often preferred for its impact resistance and transparency, allowing good visibility. Metal meshes, for their part, offer excellent ventilation and robustness.
Standards and regulations
Safety covers must comply with various local and international standards and regulations to ensure adequate protection. It is essential to check that the chosen product meets all applicable legal requirements for your sector.
Locking system
The presence of a reliable locking system is crucial to ensure that the housings are used correctly. A good system has interlocks that prevent the machine from starting if the guard is not in place, adding an extra layer of safety.
Ease of maintenance
Regular maintenance of safety guards is essential for their proper functioning. Choosing a model that is easy to clean and maintain can therefore simplify maintenance operations, thus extending the life of the housing.
Practical examples of use
Let’s see how safety covers fit into different industries and practical applications:
Automotive industry
In automobile assembly lines, safety guards are used to protect operators from industrial robots and other automatic machines. For example, polycarbonate panels will surround a robotic cell to prevent accidental contact with moving robotic arms.
Food industry
Screen housings are commonly used in food processing plants to ensure that machines remain clean and free of contaminants. They protect not only workers but also food products against accidental releases or external contamination.
Mechanical workshops
In general mechanical workshops, lathes and similar machines are often equipped with movable safety guards. These devices allow mechanics to quickly access the machine while ensuring that all operations take place safely while the machines are running.
Advanced technologies and current trends
With the evolution of technologies, safety casings also benefit from numerous innovations. The latest trends include the integration of smart solutions to further improve safety and efficiency.
Smart sensors
Use smart sensors combined with safety guards, it can automatically detect human presence or identify abnormal movements. These technologies increase the level of safety by triggering immediate automatic machine shutdowns in the event of potential danger.
Innovative materials
New materials, such as advanced composites and polymers, offer improved characteristics such as increased impact resistance and improved durability. This improves the performance and longevity of modern safety guards.
The adoption of safety guards for industrial machines is a fundamental aspect of managing operations in a professional environment. Whether to minimize accident risks, protect machinery or increase overall efficiency, there are a variety of solutions to suit each specific need. By understanding the different types, benefits, and selection criteria, companies can make informed choices to effectively secure their work environments.
