Press brake protection devices are safety features that are designed to protect machine operators and other workers from accidents and injuries that may occur during the use of press brakes. Press brakes are machines that are used in the metalworking industry to bend and shape metal sheets and plates into different forms.
Press brake protection devices may include safety light curtains, interlocks, safety mats, and guards. Safety light curtains use infrared light beams to detect when an object, such as a hand or finger, is too close to the press brake’s danger zone. Interlocks are safety switches that prevent the press brake from operating unless certain safety criteria are met, such as the presence of a safety guard. Safety mats are pressure-sensitive mats that stop the machine when stepped on. Guards are physical barriers that prevent access to the danger zone.
These protection devices are essential in preventing accidents, as press brakes can cause severe injuries such as amputations, crush injuries, and lacerations. They help to ensure that operators and other workers are safe while working with these machines. Press brake protection devices are regulated by workplace safety regulations and standards to ensure that they meet the necessary safety requirements.
The machine consists of a bed with a horizontal lower die and a vertical upper die, which are brought together by hydraulic pressure to apply force to the metal sheet, bending it into the desired shape. The machine is operated by a hydraulic control system and can be adjusted to different shapes, lengths, and thicknesses of metal sheets. The press brake machine has made metal fabrication easier and more efficient and is an essential tool in modern manufacturing.
Press brakes are used in manufacturing industries such as automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, and construction industries as well as in many other sectors such as jewelry making or model making for hobbyists. These are the main two kinds of the protection device for press brake for choosing, you can check this article for reference.
how to choose Press Brake Protection Devices
Press brake protection devices are important safety components that protect the operator and the machine from accidents and damage. There are several factors to consider when choosing press brake protection devices. Here are some of the key factors to keep in mind:
- Type of press brake: The type of press brake you have will determine the type of protection devices you need. For example, if you have a hydraulic press brake, you may need different press brake protection devices than if you have an electric press brake.
- Safety standards: Ensure that the protection devices you choose comply with safety standards set by relevant authorities. These standards can vary depending on the country or region you operate in.
- Application: Consider the type of material you will be bending, the size and thickness of the material, and the complexity of the bends. This will help you choose the right protection devices for your specific application.
- User-friendliness: The protection devices should be easy to use and maintain. They should not impede the operator’s ability to perform their work effectively.
- Durability: The protection devices should be made of high-quality materials and be able to withstand the rigors of the press brake environment.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the protection devices you choose are compatible with your press brake and any other accessories or equipment you may have.
- Cost: Consider the cost of the protection devices and balance it against the benefits they provide in terms of safety and productivity.
Press Brake Protection Devices : Light Curtain
Light curtains are one of the most popular Press Brake Protection Devices. They consist of a series of light beams that are emitted from a transmitter to a receiver. When the beams are interrupted by an object or a person, the press brake is automatically stopped. Light curtains are designed to provide a high level of protection for operators and are ideal for applications where frequent access to the work area is required.
The primary advantage of light curtains is that they provide a high level of protection while still allowing operators to work efficiently. They can be easily adjusted to fit the specific needs of the job and can be programmed to detect objects of various sizes and shapes. Light curtains are also easy to install and require minimal maintenance.
One of the drawbacks of light curtains is that they may not be suitable for applications where high-speed operations are required. In these situations, the response time of the light curtain may be too slow to prevent an accident. Additionally, light curtains are not effective in preventing accidents caused by flying debris or other hazards that are not detected by the light beams.
Light curtains advantages:
- They’re easy to install and use. You simply place a light curtain around the press brake machine and connect it to power. The only maintenance required is the occasional cleaning of dust or dirt from the sensors (which can be done with a simple wipe).
- Light curtains are versatile enough for almost any type of application. Whether you’re working with large tools like press brakes or small hand tools like drills, light curtains will keep operators safe.
- They offer high levels of accuracy without requiring extensive training on how best to use them.
- And because they require no physical contact between the operator and dangerous parts during operation (as opposed to traditional guards), there’s less chance someone will get hurt while performing their job duties.
Press Brake Protection Devices : Laser Protection
The protection devices used for press brake machines are mainly set up near the tip of the upper die of the press brake to protect the area, forming a laser protection area at 2-3mm below the upper die. During the use of the press brake, the light emitter and light receiver of the bending machine protection device can move with the movement of the upper die, always keeping 2-3mm from the upper die.
If a worker’s finger enters the protective area, it will block the beam and the bending machine will immediately stop and effectively prevent finger-crushing accidents. So press brake safety devices are very important.
1. DSP(Multi-point protection)
The DSP laser protection devices used for press brakes comprehensively protects the personal safety of the press brake operator and avoids the dangers arising from the rapid movement of the slide of the machine. For the bending tooltip, a block is formed to protect the front, middle and rear areas of the tooltip. Aluminum profile bracket for easy installation, adjustable in several orientations, equipped with a scale to adjust the position of the light curtain according to the different heights of the tool.
The protective zone is fixed under the tooltip and moves in sync with the die, ensuring that any object underneath the die at high speed must first enter the DSP-generated protective zone before it touches the tooltip. As soon as an obstruction (worker’s finger) enters the DSP protection zone, the DSP signals and interrupts the downward movement of the ram.
2. MSD(Single-point protection)
The MSD laser protection devices used for press brakes prevents the operator of the press brake from dangerous detection due to the rapid movement of the upper beam of the machine, the MSD can be mounted on either the upper or lower beam table.A pair of transmitting and receiving ends form a laser beam in the area below the tooltip, thus creating a detection area by a single laser beam along the length of the bending machine.
Any opaque obstruction below the tooltip interrupts the laser beam and the MSD immediately signals and stops the upper beam via the CNC. This minimizes accidents in the production process and ensures that production is carried out in a safe and orderly manner.
Comparison
DSP: Three protection options for more flexibility
MSD: One-point protection area, it will be easy to use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Press Brake Protection Devices are critical safety features that help prevent accidents and injuries. There are several types of protection devices available for press brakes, and each has its unique features and benefits.
By using these protection devices used for press brakes, operators can work safely and efficiently, knowing that they are protected from harm. If you’re working with a press brake, be sure to use the appropriate protection devices to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
Hi, can you kindly quote the price of CNC press brake with laser protection?
sure, I will quote for you soon. Could you kindly tell me which model?