Posted to News on 30th Jun 2011, 00:00
Retrofit safety package developed for hand-fed platen presses
LC Automation, the Blackburn-based industrial products specialist, has offered its expertise in developing a laser guard for platen presses. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently began on-site inspections of hand-fed platen presses, after it revised operational guidance for the machines.
In partnership with Crosland, the UK's largest platen press supplier, and SICK, a leading supplier of sensors, LC Automation helped to develop a retrofitted laser guard which impacts heavily on the safety of the machines, without compromising productivity.
John Briggs, managing director at Croslands Laser Guarding, said: "Hand-fed platen presses close with tremendous force, and have caused serious crush injuries and even deaths in the past. Ensuring they are 100% safe is a major concern for employers utilising these machines.
"Existing safety solutions cause significant limitations to the access and function of platen presses. The beauty of this laser guard is that it is fitted at low-cost and has no impact on usability."
Platen presses are most dangerous in 'dwell' mode, as the machine is still live and capable of operating at any point. This mode is often used by operators as it offers more flexibility and can double productivity.
The ease of mounting the retrofit electro-sensitive laser guard simplifies the required changes to platen presses, as specified by the HSE. The compact nature of the protective system minimises impact on the working conditions of the operator.
The state-of-the-art technology used by Croslands Laser Guarding in the creation of the new laser guard allays safety concerns in operating in 'dwell' mode, allowing for safety and speed when using platen presses.
John Briggs, Director at Crosland, said: "LC Automation are our local supplier of safety equipment and together with SICK's international experience on platen press guards, they made an excellent partnership, developing a solution which satisfied our customers."
