WCA November 2020

Manufacturing Technology

Metalworking machine safeguarding Rockford Systems LLC has introduced Protector™ series shields for safe- guarding cutting and turning machines such as drills, mills, lathes and grinders. The product line improves the safety and productivity of operators working with dangerous machinery.

“For nearly 50 years, Rockford Systems has been a leader in machine safeguarding due to our relentless commitment to quality, meeting the needs of our customers and developing innovative solutions that solve their safety problems,” said Matt Brenner, vice president of machine safeguarding services for Rockford Systems. “We have learned that customers are not happy with machine safety shields available on the market today. Operators complain that safeguarding shields limit their visibility and impede their work; supervisors report that shields can be bypassed or disabled, making machines unsafe to operate; and EHS leaders need to demonstrate a positive return on investment by maximising safety while minimising expenses. Protector series shields solve all of those problems.” The shields are constructed of 14-gauge powder-coated steel and thick 3 / 16 " shock-proof, scratch- resistant polycarbonate, creating a tough, rigid and durable safety shield that protects operators from flying debris, lubricants, coolants and swarf. The Protector shields are modular in design so that shield shape, size,mount, arm, offset, lighting, interlocking and ❍ Lathe chuck illuminated with white LED

❍ Protector series shields are modular in design

safety monitoring can be configured to provide the best solution. Available with various mounting options, the shields allow for reversal to address opposite- hand mounting scenarios when necessary. All shields are vertically and horizontally adjustable to clear varying work set-ups and table heights. The shields can include colour- changing LED lighting nested into the frame of the shield to illuminate the work area during machine operation. The LED light strip is integrated into the shield frame and each strip provides 262 lumens of light per linear foot. For example, the Protector 28" octagonal or circular shield supplies 2,180 lumens, compared to a typical clip- on work lamp that provides only 800 lumens.

When the shield is moved out of the safe work position, the white LEDs switch off and red LEDs switch on, providing a visual indication that the shield is in the open position. All LED lighting has been manufactured to IEC IP65 outdoor/wet location standards to withstand coolant and lubricant splashes. The shields can be upgraded with a safety interlock switch or switches, depending on the application. Interlocking shields exceed OSHA regulations and ANSI standards, and are considered a best safety practice. The shield interlocks shut off or disengage power and prevent machine start-up when the guard is not closed, increasing operator safety and preventing bypassing. All safety interlock switches are mounted in a tamper-resistant NEMA 4 housing, compliant with the IEC/ EN 60947 safety standard, and carry IEC IP66/67 device ratings. Additional motor starter or anti-restart devices may be required when incorporating interlocking devices into the Protector series shields in order to ensure safe operation. The Protector series shields are manufactured by Rockford Systems LLC in Rockford, Illinois, USA, and are available for immediate ordering. Rockford Systems, LLC www.rockfordsystems.com

FA 7 /

43

www.read-fastenersasia.com

Fasteners ASIA – November/December 2020