Machine Guard Fencing
Machine guard fencing can be used in multiple applications, including in robotic cells, machine presses, conveyor applications and more. Although most often made from
wire mesh, the panels that make up the framework of this
machine guarding device can also be made from acrylic, polycarbonate, Alucobond, aluminum, and
stainless steel. The use of machine guard fencing provides many advantages, such as flexible connections, clean design, custom designs, cost effectiveness, and simplified layout. Aesthetically, the fence is at least three meters high, so that climbing it would not be an easy fete. The material is usually preferred to be clear to some extent, so that the automated machinery being protected is not hidden. Many machine guard fences are customized for buyers, who require specific dimensions to fit their needs. Accessories that are typically present for the assembly of machine guard fencing include door locks and handles, ball latches, interlock safety switches, seal and cover strips, leveling pads, and floor mounting brackets. There are many options in these accessories; for example, the door may be a sliding, hinged or counter-balanced door, depending on the preferences of the buyer.
The
OSHA machine guarding guidelines, which ensure that the
safety barriers for dangerous machinery are the best possible quality has defined four major categories of machine guards. Machine guard fencing falls within the adjustable guard section, since it is able to be moved around by workers. Self-adjusting machine guards are very similar to adjustable, except that they are automated and can move themselves when it is necessary. The most prominent of machine guard styles is the fixed machine guards, which are permanently attached to the machines that need to be shielded for the protection of their operators. They can come in many sizes, and are usually made of plastic since workers need visibility to get their work done. One other style is the interlocked machine guard, which is electronically connected to its machine and will turn it off if the barrier is crossed. Many invisible guarding systems, such as the braking monitors, would be placed in this category. Requiring either metal, wood or plastic to be built, all of these machine guard categories are sturdy and practical.
