Posted to News on 2nd Mar 2014, 12:39
Satech modular guarding system offers advantages for robot cells
Procter Machine Guarding is promoting its Satech modular perimeter guarding system for safeguarding robot cells. Requirements for guarding robot cells can vary considerably, depending on the robot and the task being performed. While conventional modular perimeter guarding systems are helpful, the Procter Machine Guarding says that the Satech system offers the significant advantage that it is available in a number of different strengths, so customers only have to pay for what they need.
In the majority of robot cell guarding applications it will be appropriate to use Satech Strong, a heavier-duty modular perimeter guarding system. However, for projects where small, lightweight robots are used, the Satech Basic modular perimeter guarding is very cost-effective. Procter Machine Guarding also offers the Satech Green Fast and MDF series, which are designed for quick and easy one-man assembly, though these are seldom used for guarding robot cells.
Satech Basic features uprights manufactured from 40x40x2mm rolled hollow section steel, together with panels in which the frame is fabricated from 20x20mm steel with 3mm welded wire mesh infill on a 22x100mm grid. The posts are supported on base plates formed from steel plate with three or four pre-punched holes for securing the guarding to the floor. Posts are offered in five nominal heights from 1120mm to 2640mm and are height-adjustable to accommodate for uneven floors. Panels are available in four heights from 960 to 1900mm and seven widths from 200mm to 1500mm. Customers can choose either screwed assembly or the Satech patented fast assembly clamps for joining panels and posts. All components are finished in a tough polyester powder coat; posts and panels can be supplied in RAL 9005 black, RAL 1021 yellow, RAL 7035 grey or custom colours, though the most common combination is yellow posts and black panels for good visibility of the guarding and the process beyond.
Satech Strong features uprights manufactured from 60x60x2mm rolled hollow section steel, together with panels in which the frame is fabricated from either 20x20mm or 30x30mm steel with 3mm welded wire mesh infill on a 22x100mm grid. Patented fast assembly clamps enable the guards to be assembled quickly and easily - and disassembled again if access is required for maintenance. Whereas the Basic series uses separate posts and base plates, the Strong series benefits from steel bases that are welded to the post for additional strength, and pre-punched with four mounting holes for fixing to the floor. Posts are offered in five nominal heights from 1120mm to 2640mm, and panels in four heights from 960 to 1900mm and seven widths from 200mm to 1500mm. Colour choices are the same as for the Basic series.
Guarding options and other safety devices
In both cases Procter Machine Guarding can optionally supply panels with clear polycarbonate or sheet steel infills, the latter of which can be equipped with viewing windows if required. There is an extensive choice of access gates, ranging from single- and double-leaf hinged gates, tracked or cantilevered sliding gates, and rise-and-fall gates. These can all have interlocks pre-installed, ready for connecting to the robot cell's safety-related control system. In addition, Procter Machine Guarding can supply and install safety light barriers and pressure-sensitive safety mats. The company can also design, manufacture and install infill guarding for any areas where standard modular guarding is unsuitable, such as around infeed or outfeed conveyors, or where the guarding abuts other machinery. A further option is for extra protection to be installed where forklift trucks operate, to safeguard against damage to the guarding and safety devices that could result in costly downtime.
In the event that the robot is redeployed at a later date, customers can reconfigure the Satech modular guards themselves or Procter Machine Guarding can undertake the work, including the supply and installation of any additional standard elements or bespoke infill panels.
Follow the link for more information about the Satech modular perimeter guarding system for safeguarding robot cells and other applications.
