Safety Procedures for Hydraulic Press Automation Systems

Hydraulic presses are incredibly versatile machines, capable of cutting, punching, drilling, piercing, forming and compressing large pieces of metal or strong material.

However, these devices can also be dangerous if not properly maintained and operated. Here are some safety measures you should take to guarantee you and your employees remain protected while working.

Safety Devices

Hydraulic presses are powerful machines that can compress objects, drill, punch, straighten or mold any type of material. Because these heavy and dangerous tools pose a potential risk, proper safety procedures must be in place in order to avoid accidents or injuries.

Presses are often employed in the production of large, intricate parts that must be shaped and compressed with great force. To prevent wear and tear, damage, or rusting, they require extensive upkeep and care.

However, even when operators adhere to best practices and safeguards are in place, accidents can still happen. That is why companies need to implement effective safety protocols in their machine shops and make employees aware of the rules that apply to them.

For instance, hydraulic presses should be equipped with failsafe locking systems that halt operation if a key is lost or an operator's hand gets caught in the retract mechanism. Alternatively, installing a ram safety catcher prevents the load from falling at any position during its descent if hydraulic or pneumatic pressure fails or if rope, chain, belt or toothed drive breaks.

Safety Switches

Southern Manufacturing Group in Morrison, TN needed to upgrade an outdated automation system on a 175-ton hydraulic press that had suffered electrical damage due to a lightning strike.

Harte was able to quickly repair the machine and install a new automation system. This new setup includes motor starters, QDC integration, light curtains that protect the workcell and operators as well as area scanners which ensure integrated safety condition monitoring throughout the cell.

SMG can identify potential hydraulic issues quickly, and guarantee their press operates within established parameters. Furthermore, the new automation system stores multiple programs or recipes so operators can perform touchscreen commands to automatically operate the press, improving cycle times and position accuracy.

This feature-packed PLC controller integrates function control, safety and condition display into one module that uses Profinet protocol for bus communication. Through Siemens' TIA Portal, end users can remotely customize device operation as well as incorporate multiple part files and related safety commands.

E-Stop Circuit

Hydraulic press automation systems function by pushing fluid through a series of valves and then into a cylinder where it's converted to mechanical energy, enabling the cylinder to lift or move objects such as machinery.

No matter whether or not you own a hydraulic press, it's essential to be aware of the safety procedures associated with such equipment. Neglecting to follow them could lead to numerous issues down the line.

For instance, oil leaks from hose fittings, loose hydraulic lines and other machine inefficiencies can lead to catastrophic failure, costing a company thousands of dollars in lost production time and die replacement expenses.

Emergency stop circuits are essential features in hydraulic press automation systems to enable operators to detect a malfunction and protect themselves from harm or injury. These mechanisms help keep employees safe while helping you avert costly accidents.

Guards

Hydraulic press automation systems use various guards to help prevent injuries. These devices keep workers away from machines, regulate traffic flow, catch flying debris and more.

Machine guards are typically tailored to meet the safety requirements for the machinery they safeguard. They can be constructed out of metal, wood or plastic.

Some are interlocked, meaning when opened the power source automatically disengages and the device shuts off. On the other hand, some are detachable so workers can open them safely without risking injury.

Lathe guards are an efficient and simple solution to the hazards associated with working with spinning lathes that spin at high RPMs (revolutions per minute). They keep fingers away from the workpiece, prevent chip ejection, material bits, and broken tool bits from flying off a spinning lathe and injuring people.