Aluminium machine guards - comprehensive range and service

Many of the sophisticated electronic safety control systems available on the market today can help to improve machine performance, but designers are often unaware that mechanical safety guarding and fencing systems can also contribute to lower cost of ownership in areas of design and installation, flexibility in use and productivity - as well as providing machine safety without compromising ergonomics.

MiniTec's Profile System for machine framing, machine building and machine guarding features extruded aluminium profiles or, for applications where resistance to corrosion is required, formed stainless steel profiles. In addition, there is an extensive range of components and accessories, including drive units and control systems to handles, hinges locks and stops. MiniTec's CAD tools enable machine designers to quickly and effectively design, cost and build a machine frame or guard.

SaveGuard system

Although the MiniTec Profile System is suitable for many machine guarding applications, the company's SaveGuard aluminium machine guarding system includes components that are designed specifically for safety fencing and guarding, whether the need is for guards for individual automation cells, machine perimeter safety fencing, fixed and adjustable barriers, sliding doors, interlocking machine guards and other separating safety installations.

Both the Profile System and SaveGuard system enable machine builders to save costs by quickly identifying, designing-in and assembling these components. However, MiniTec also provides a design and installation service that is particularly cost effective where machine safety is an important requirement. The service extends to working closely with the customer on specific safety issues in line with the relevant machine safety standards.

MiniTec can also work with suppliers of electronic safety control systems to provide an optimum combination of mechanical and electronic controls for overall machine safety. This can sometimes extend to recommending only an electronic control system; for example, in some applications a light guard or scanner may be a better option for the customer than physical barriers.

Safety standards

MiniTec UK has designed, built and installed safety guarding using its Profile System and SaveGuard system in consultation with a broad selection of international machine safety standards from the all-encompassing ISO 12100, Safety of Machinery, to specific sections of standards that address individual areas of human interaction - such as guard interlocks, fixed and moveable guards, minimum gaps for fencing, and speeds of machinery - as well as requirements for electrical safety-related equipment for machines. The SaveGuard system, in particular, address the requirements contained in ISO 10218-1:2006, Robots for industrial environments - Safety Requirements.

Furthermore, MiniTec presents design drawings for approval that can form the basis of any guarding installation, as well as providing vital information for risk assessments; these same drawings can become part of the technical file required for CE marking in accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

Profile System and SaveGuard are customisable both during and after installation to suit changing requirements, not only allowing build flexibility to cater for unforeseen problems but also as scalable guarding that can easily adapt to machine extensions and improvements. Any changes following installation can be made either by MiniTec UK or local engineers, subject to local risk assessment. Both the MiniTec Profile System and the MiniTec SaveGuard System use the Powerlock Fastening Method that enables components to be joined without having to drill or tap (NB floor fixings and attachment to other machine components may require drilling).

Apart from the overriding benefit of employee safety, the very smart and aesthetic lines of MiniTec's products make a positive contribution to the working environment. The attractive and functional appearance also serves to present a strong image for manufacturers and organisations who open their factories to customers.

Follow the link for more information about aluminium machine guards from MiniTec.