Custom Machine Guard Design
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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A MACHINE GUARD THAT:
  • FITS YOUR MACHINE PERFECTLY,
  • MEETS THE CSA Z432 STANDARD *,
  • IS CONSIDERED UNDEFEATABLE ('REQUIRING A KEY OR TOOL TO DEFEAT'),
  • PROTECTS OPERATORS WHILE ALLOWING THEM TO WORK EFFECTIVELY,
  • PROVIDES A REASONABLE DEGREE OF MAINTENANCE ACCESS,

... AND ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT:
  • ASKING A MILLWRIGHT TO BUILD IT FROM HAND SKETCHES AND CONTINUE TO MODIFY IT UNTIL THEY GET IT RIGHT,
  • THE COST TO DESIGN, FABRICATE AND MODIFY THE GUARDING UNTIL IT MEETS REQUIREMENTS,
  • NOT KNOWING OR BEING ABLE TO CONCEPTUALIZE THE GUARD UNTIL IT IS FINISHED (THEN FINDING OUT THAT PRODUCTION IS NOT HAPPY WITH THE DESIGN),

... THEN CONSIDER OUR PROFESSIONAL DESIGN SERVICES.

* NOTE: WE ALSO DESIGN TO ANSI B11.19, ANSI/RIA R15.06, OSHA 1910.217 Table O-10, and/or ISO 13857 Table 5

Watch how we use augmented reality to present guard concepts right at the machine that will be guarded:

Samples Of Custom Machine Guard Design Using 3D Scanning Technologies

Custom Guard Design Using Photogrammetry And Laser Scanning
Our engineers are able to use photogrammetry and IR scanning technology to model a complex surface in 3D. This allows us to provide custom designs in an efficient manner and allows the client to see how the guard will fit their machine before the guarding is built.

3D Scan & In Place Guard Design:

​End Result:
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In this case we were able to scan two similar but different machines and provide a single guard to fit both.
Form-fitting / Custom Guard Design Via Traditional Methods

Most form-fitting or point-of-operation guards can be designed quickly using tape measurements. Quite often mistakes are made when the designers are not familiar with current applicable standards such as CSA Z432-04. Common mistakes are:
  • Not accounting for the stop time reaction.
  • Not meeting the CSA Z432-04 standard with regards to permissible opening sizes.
  • Not meeting the CSA Z432-04 standard with regards to reach over or reach under.
  • Allowing the machine to start up when the interlock switch is made.
  • Not considering ergonomics and maintenance issues.
  • Creating a (new) hazard with the guard itself.
  • Heat dissipation, visibility through the guard, discoloration due to chemical reaction,
  • Etc.
Perimeter Guarding

Perimeter guarding is often the most practical and inexpensive choice for guarding. But there are a few very important considerations when going with perimeter guarding:
  • Height and bottom  / side gap dimensions must meet CSA Z432-04.
  • The possibility that someone can enter the guarded zone and be in danger when someone else closes the interlocked gate and starts up the machine while they are inside.
  • Cost of fencing for very long runs.
  • Ease of removal for maintenance.
  • Etc.
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