Safety hazards associated with moving machinery can be reduced or eliminated with articulating physical barriers and torque limiters. Key to this undertaking are detailed analyses and engineered solutions.
Isolating pinch pointsScissor-lift mechanisms, tilt tables, and similar equipment represent potential sources of injury because pinch points can be created when these mechanisms move. One way to protect against these hazards is to enclose moving parts with bellows that deter personnel from reaching into hazardous areas — yet permit machinery motion. Other benefits are improved machinery aesthetics and protection against dust, debris, and foreign objects.
In one iteration, heavy-duty accordion- type skirting is made from rigid PVC coextruded with flexible high-cycle polymer hinges and fabricated corners. The resulting rigid, movable cover is suitable for lift tables and verticalmotion applications. Vents allow uniform airflow during operation, while tie strips guarantee proper expansion and retraction.
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