Basic safety precautions ：What are the safety devices of press brake?
As an essential part of all walks of life, hydraulic press brake has been widely used because of its high efficiency and high precision. However, the potential dangers of using hydraulic press brake cannot be ignored. In the previous article, we learned about the potential hazards of press brake and some precautions, this article will supplement on how to safely use the press brake and the safety device that comes with the press brake.
Basic safety precautions：
Before operating the press brake, employees must be properly trained to ensure its safety. Training should include safe operating procedures, knowledge of equipment and its protective devices, hazard identification and emergency control measures.
In addition to this, operators should be strictly supervised to ensure that they comply with established rules, and it is also important to properly debug machines to avoid breakdowns and contamination.
It is important that you wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, before starting the bending operation. The area around the machine should be kept clean and free of any obstacles that may interfere with the operation of the bender.
During the bending process, the operator should remain vigilant and do not leave the press brake unattended.
After the bending process is completed, check the machine device, turn off the power, and leave after ensuring that there is no danger.
Installation tool：
During the installation of the tool, there is a potential hazard to the operator, such as the tool accidentally falling and hitting the operator's hand or the machine tool ram moving suddenly. Before installing the tool or any other tool, the ram must be locked in the closed height position and raised to the highest position. Before turning off the relevant switch, you also need to adjust the position when installing other tools.
A press brake is a powerful machine that can bend and shape sheet metal with ease. However, they can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Therefore, the safety device on the press brake is essential to prevent accidents in the workplace, and it is designed as a fail-safe mechanism to prevent accidents and injuries that may occur during the operation of the machine.
Press brake adopts the following safety measures and devices to ensure safe operation.
1. Press brake infrared curtain protection device
One of the most common safety devices on press brakes is an infrared light curtain. This type of safety device uses sensors to detect when an operator is entering a dangerous area of the machine. If the sensor detects an obstacle or a person is present, the machine will automatically stop and prevent any further operation.
Infrared curtain protection is a common safety device for press brake. The light curtain was originally designed as a product test device and was later used for machine protection. The light curtain is a photoelectric induction device that prevents the human body from contacting the dangerous area. It can be installed near the tool of the hydraulic press brake and is composed of a transmitter and a receiver.
As part of the machine control circuit, the light curtain system must be connected to the safety monitoring relay and magneto starter. By creating a sealed protective area with an infrared beam, the light curtain protects the operator and those nearby. If there is an object, such as the operator's hand passing through the work area, the press brake will stop bending or will not continue working until the object is removed. The LED transmitter and receiver of the light curtain detect the object and emit an output signal when the light plane is interrupted, however, the safe distance between the light curtain and the press brake is uncertain and may vary depending on the installation, type, and emergency braking function of the light curtain.
2. Light curtain
It is also possible to receive incorrect signals during the bending process.
The light curtain is a common protective device used with the press brake , and it is a photoelectric induction device that prevents the human body from contacting the dangerous area. It works by creating a sealed, protected area near the tool with an infrared beam. If the operator's hand enters the work area, the press brake will stop bending or not continue working until the hand is removed. The light curtain provides protection not only for people in the work area, but also for people near the work area.
The light curtain system is connected to the safety monitoring relay and magneto starter and is part of the machine control circuit. When it senses an object, such as a worker or another object, it begins to output a signal that interrupts the plane of light.
In addition, the light curtain has the function of automatically turning off the system before the punch bends the workpiece, and it also has a floating blank function, allowing the bending stroke to continue without stopping. On both sides of the press brake, the infrared beams emitted by the light curtain are synchronized and parallel.
Programmable or non-programmable light curtain:
The programmable light curtain can input the flange of the workpiece into the program, cancel the beam blocked by the workpiece, so that the slider does not stop to reach the top dead center. A non-programmable light curtain cannot cancel the interference beam and may require the operator to close the light curtain, posing a hazard.
Finally, when bending very small workpieces, the operator may need to adjust manually, which means that the light curtain will not work when the operator is in front of the work area.
3. Two-handed control device
Another important safety device is the two-hand control mechanism. This device requires the operator to activate the press brake with both hands, which ensures that the operator has full control of the machine while it is running. The two-handed control mechanism also prevents accidental activation of the machine, as both hands are needed to start and stop it.
The two-hand control device is an effective tool to protect hands from injury. It consists of a vertical control device and two manual control buttons. To make the machine start, the operator must press both control buttons at the same time.
If the button is not pressed, the machine will stop working. Once both buttons are manually pressed and held, the machine stops when the mold reaches a certain position, at which point the operator can then feed the workpiece and use the foot switch instead of the manual control button to initiate the bending of the workpiece.
Two-hand controls allow the operator to feed the workpiece at a safe distance from the operating point between the press brake and the die, thereby protecting the operator's hands from the machine and die. The purpose of the device is to prevent the operator's hand from touching the operating point while the machine is running.
4. Barrier protection device
The side guard of the press brake is a movable barrier located on both sides of the machine.
These guards prevent operators from entering the work area or reaching the rear gauge from both sides, thereby protecting their hands from injury. The rear guard prevents access to the machine from the rear and prevents the operator from reaching the rear pressure gauge.
The housing of the press brake and the interlocking press barrier can also be placed at a safe distance to prevent people or objects from damaging the machine and injuring the operator.
5. Emergency stop button
In addition to the above safety devices, the press brake has an emergency stop button. In case of emergency, pressing this button will stop the machine immediately, preventing further damage and injury. The emergency stop button is generally placed in a position that is easily accessible and visible to all operators.
Finally, the press brake also has an overload protection mechanism to prevent damage or injury due to excessive force or weight. The mechanism is designed to shut down the machine when it detects a force exceeding a safe level.
Regular maintenance and inspection of the hydraulic system is also essential for safe operation. Maintenance should include regular inspection of all safety devices, including two-hand controls, emergency stop buttons and overload protection mechanisms. In addition, regular cleaning and lubrication of the press brake system is essential to ensure optimal performance and reduce the risk of failure or breakdown.
Overall, safety devices on press brakes are essential for a safe and efficient workplace.
Operators should receive appropriate training on how to use these safety devices and should regularly check their effectiveness. Employers should prioritize workplace safety and ensure that the machines they use are properly equipped with the necessary safety devices.
Press brakes should be regularly maintained and inspected, and maintenance should include regular inspection of all safety devices. In addition, regular cleaning and lubrication of the press brake system is particularly important to ensure optimal performance and reduce the risk of failure or failure, and finally, following the manufacturer's guidelines for the use and maintenance of press brakes to ensure optimal performance and safety of the machine.
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