Posted to News on 30th Mar 2014, 22:15
High-quality modular aluminium machine guarding from Procter
Procter Machine Guarding is now supplying a new high-quality modular aluminium machine guarding system. This uses specially designed extrusions that achieve excellent strength, stiffness and aesthetics, while avoiding the compromises that can be a significant drawback when building guards from generic aluminium profiles. In addition to the specialist profiles and infill panels, this aluminium guarding system includes hinged doors, sliding doors and powered high-speed rise-and-fall roller doors. Further intelligent features of the system range from cable trays and easily integrated operator controls, through to seals that can be installed in the profiles to provide washdown protection.
Jeremy Procter, the Managing Director of Procter Machine Guarding, comments: "We are very pleased to add this aluminium guarding system to our existing portfolio of standard, modular and bespoke perimeter and close-fit machine guards. Because the system has been designed by Talos Safety Systems specifically for machine guarding it is far superior to generic aluminium profile systems. The guards are strong, rigid and durable, with features such as adjustable feet, a wide range of modular doors and access points, and fasteners that comply with relevant machine safety standards and the Machinery Directive."
Post profiles, which are extruded from a set of specially commissioned dies, are flat-faced with generous corner radii. The key profiles are corner posts, inline posts and door frame posts. Smaller extrusions are used for panel clamps and window frames. Posts are either fixed to the floor using fabricated steel feet, or attached to a base frame using compact fabricated steel brackets.
Modular aluminium guarding options
Solid pre-coated aluminium/polyethylene composite panels can be specified in a choice of 12 RAL colours and in standard heights of 2000 or 2300mm. These panels are supplied with a protective film applied, and they can be readily cut, drilled or formed. Clear polycarbonate window panel kits provide for process viewing, or coloured polycarbonate can be specified when enclosing welding equipment. As a lower-cost alternative to solid panels, customers can specify welded wire mesh panels in galvanised, black or stainless steel finishes. Whichever infill is chosen, the overall impression of a machine guarded with this system is of high quality and robustness.
If operator workstations are required, customers can either configure their own or make use of the standard designs that are available from Procter Machine Guarding as complete self-assembly kits. Single- and two-station options are offered, with powered vertical doors, powered or manual sliding doors, or light curtains. An optional HMI (human-machine interface) box can be installed on the front of the operator workstation. High-quality actuators and linear bearings are incorporated to ensure that the guarding access points should not be a cause of unplanned downtime, even in high-volume production environments.
Further options in this aluminium guarding system include integrated electrical panels, HMI panels and a pendant holder that provides access to the control pendant from inside and outside a robot cell for teaching and control. Where applications demand it, customers can also specify high-impact panels or acoustic panels for noise attenuation.
Machine designers can save time by downloading 3D CAD models as Step files; these are available for the full range of posts, panels, access doors and operator stations. If preferred, however, customers can ask Procter Machine Guarding to handle the design and specification to ensure that all relevant machinery safety standards are complied with, and that the manufactured guards are as cost-effective and ergonomic as possible.
Procter Machine Guarding can supply components or part-assembled guards, or provide a turnkey service covering design, supply and installation.
Follow the link for more information about the modular aluminium machine guarding system from Procter Machine Guarding.
