How Protective Guarding Supports the Journey to Safer Assembly Lines

Design software ensures guarding solutions meet exact specifications.

By: T.J. Kusnierek and TJ Tatum, Contributors

Modern design software allows end-users to design appropriate guarding by uploading a CAD file of their exact factory footprint and machine dimensions. Image courtesy of Bosch Rexroth.

While safety is a top priority for many manufacturers, it may not be the first item considered when introducing new or expanding existing technology on a factory floor, particularly when factoring in the necessary safety guarding. Many end-users are focused on the solution itself, not on the supporting components like protective guarding that allow the technology to operate safely and efficiently. Fortunately, there are tools and processes that can be implemented to help integrate mission-critical guarding and other safety measures effectively.

Before any solution can be installed, a risk assessment needs to be conducted. It’s critically important that all relevant parties, from the engineers to end-users to maintenance staff, be aware of this assessment and, when necessary, involved in the process. The more transparent those communications are, the more everyone is on the same page when it’s time to start operations.

Finally, a central question should guide the assessment process: if you can’t remove the risk associated with the machine, how can you guard against it? There are several guarding options available, so end-users need to be educated on the current marketplace. This is especially relevant as manufacturing processes are becoming more automated and the integration of multi-axis robots, industrial robots, and collaborative robots, or cobots, is more prevalent.

Proximity to human workers and machinery dictates the type of guarding that needs to be implemented. Image courtesy of Bosch Rexroth

SELECTING GUARDING SOLUTIONS

A typical example of cobot integration within manufacturing is at the end of the line with palletizing cobots that pick and place heavy boxes. Depending on how the cobot is moving, its proximity to human workers and the end effector dictates the type of guarding that needs to be implemented, including doors and access points. Because every factory floor is different, guarding solutions need to be flexible enough to work within any confines. Floor space continues to be at a premium for many end-users who must maximize every inch of space.

Previously, when selecting protective guarding, end-users had to look through a catalog and make their best guess on how it would fit into their physical footprint. Now, there is modern design software that allows end-users to upload a CAD file of their exact factory footprint and machine dimensions so that appropriate guarding can be designed for it. This encourages a more interactive experience between the end-user and the supplier compared to the more transactional approach in years past. Suppliers should be more consultative in offering guarding solutions that not only meet the current needs but can also scale and be flexible for future adjustments.

Ultimately, design software reduces the time to market for guarding, which helps end-users receive their solutions faster. Also, it serves as a valuable and transparent tool in making sure that the guarding solutions that are being implemented are to the exact specifications needed, which can potentially help end-users comply with industry safety regulations.

Protective guarding plays a crucial role in keeping people and operations safe. Image courtesy of Bosch Rexroth

FLEXIBILITY IS A PRIORITY

Flexibility is a major priority for many manufacturers, especially as customer trends shift over time. The most efficient guarding solutions are adaptable, as well, as they can be installed and uninstalled quickly while still protecting machines from each other and employees. Protective guarding can also be repurposed for a new layout based on production requirements, which highlights the value of a robust engineering design software. This adaptability helps extend the life of guarding, keep up with rapid changes to consumer demands, and provides a clear return on investment. It can also help manufacturers scale facilities faster if they already have the necessary guarding on-site.

As shopfloor safety technology continues to advance and evolve, it’s important for end-users to understand how protective guarding will continue to play a crucial role in keeping operations safe. It’s important to view protective guarding as a catalyst for efficient processes, not just a box that has to be checked. By exploring all the ways that protective guarding can be leveraged within a manufacturing line, including through innovative design software like Bosch Rexroth’s free MTpro, end-users are getting the most out of the safety solutions that they’re paying for, while also keeping employees and machines safe. WMHS

TJ Tatum

T.J. Kusnierek

T.J. Kusnierek is the Sales Product Manager, Shopfloor Solutions at Bosch Rexroth. TJ Tatum is the Senior Design Engineer at Bosch Rexroth. Learn more at www.boschrexroth-us.com/assemblytechnology.