What Is a Machine Guard?
A machine guard is a safety device designed to protect operators from accidents caused by machinery.
It covers the moving parts and hazardous areas of the machine to prevent contact by operators. The operating principles include physical barriers for protection, warning devices to alert of dangers and machine stoppage for safety assurance. Machine guards are used in various machines including machine tools, press machines, shearing machines, conveying machinery, and robots.
There are various types of machine guards such as fixed guards, movable guards, interlocking guards, photoelectric sensors, and laser sensors. They are characterized by improved safety, increased productivity, and cost reduction. In recent years, there have been technological innovations in machine guards, including guards that automatically open and close based on operator movement detection and devices with enhanced interlock functions.