Industry First - Hot Metal Forging
Hot metal forging presses are exempted from the specific legal requirements of the UK's Power Press Regulations 1965 and 1972 due in part to the difficulties previously experienced in finding a workable solution for safeguarding operators at the tools of these machines.
With the introduction of additional safety legislation in the UK, in the form of the Machinery Directive and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) it is now obligatory for ALL machines to be safeguarded, including hot metal forging presses.
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Recently, a group of experts from the EC have been appointed by the European Standards making Body and tasked with the preparation of a safety standard relating to hot metal forging machines. When complete the Standard will provide manufacturers and users with the information necessary for them to meet the relevant Regulations.
Application
Hot Metal Forging machines present significant hazards. It is very difficult to safeguard forging presses in a conventional manner as there is often a requirement for the operator, with the aid of long metal tongs, to hold the red hot components during the process cycle, for loading, un-loading and transferring the component between stations.
Technical co-operation between John Stokes & Sons Ltd, Walsall Smartscan Ltd and their Distributor Industrial Controls (Anglia) Ltd, under the close scrutiny of the HSE, has led to the development of a cost-effective safe device for the protection of operators at the tools of hot metal forging presses.
Solution
The solution uses a safety light curtain with special control functions to allow safe access to the machine tools during its operating cycle.
Smartscan 7000 Series safety light curtain and control module, with floating blanking, to allow access to the tool area for tongs and a water jet lance but preventing operator access during the machine operating cycle.
Polished stainless steel plate, used for reflecting the infra - red beams across the tool area maximises operator workspace.
Heavyweight metal enclosure protects the light curtain from damage in the hostile environments associated with hot metal forging.
The safety upgrade at John Stokes & Sons Ltd has resulted in a dramatic increase in safety at the tools of the machine, with absolutely no detrimental effect to the production output.
