Tool Safety - Think About It

OK, as a starting point: lets consider the following questions.

Are limit switches wired to the machine controller?
The first thing to consider is having open/close tracking on the mechanicals of your tool.
Making sure bits are where there are supposed to be before the next action takes place.
As a planning guide, apply limit switches to tricky mechanical sequences, to delicate moving elements and to expensive tool components.

Are lifting bars and eye bolts included with your tool?
This is super simple. Many tool builders wait until the end before adding this stuff.
Here’s a suggestion.
Paint your lifting components in your company colors.
Add ID details to ensure an extra level of human-error prevention.

Test your safety additions in dry run scenarios.
Some tool processes require a double level of safety.
A fail safe.

What is the protocol for assessing alarm scenarios and restarting production?
When you have a production shut-down, does everyone know what to do?
Without consultation, without a phone call. Just click into established action. No problem.
Is this the case in your factory?

Who’s the go-to person to reset and test safety?
Make sure the following is defined and known.
When X happens, call Bob.
Bob will have the know-how to fix the issue, reset switches and test everything before production restart.

Planning avoids bad decisions, over reaction and extra damage.

Some tools need extra peace-of-mind. Extra insurance.

“ A crash on this tool will be expensive and will require 4 weeks to fix”

If this is your situation. Ask the following question.

Do you need to add cameras to the process?

Some delicate and expensive tooling operations require CCD camera technology.

An extra level of monitoring. Peace of mind.

• Did the part eject properly?

• Any debris present?

• Is the internal slide back in the correct position?

• Did the 0.5mm ejector pin break again?

Is the robot and other external equipment governed with safety features?

Think about adding safety features to . . .

• Monitor the robot process.

• Protect the robot.

• Protect operator.

There you have it.

An overview of tooling safety considerations.
This approach will cover 90% of your requirements.