Machine protection doors vs light curtains: What you need to know

Are you taking the right preventative measures?  

Welding has always been a high-risk occupation and process. Robotic arc and laser welders are increasingly used to perform the most dangerous tasks on a production line, but unfortunately, accidents still happen. If manufacturers do not provide the necessary equipment to safeguard their robot welder operators, injury and downtime are inevitable. And the possibility of legal action.  

There are a number of options available to safeguard your robot welding operators. They range from safety zones, perimeter guards, laser scanners, pressure sensitive safety mats and light curtains. But the drawback of most of these solutions is that they are reactive – if a worker breaches a light curtain or steps on a safety mat, the welding robot will automatically stop, bringing production to a grinding halt.   

The most effective safety barrier available  

There is one solution to keep your welding operators safe – and keep processes running smoothly – the machine protection door.  

Unlike light curtains, which can be breached if a worker reaches through it, machine protection doors completely seal off the welding cell. This physical barrier prevents workers from breaching the process area and bringing welding operations to a standstill. And they take up much less space on the shop floor because there is no need for a light buffer.

So, what exactly does the ultimate protection for robot and laser welding applications offer you? In short, machine protection doors shield workers from:

• Intense ultraviolet light from welding lasers or welder arc glare  

• Heat  

• Spark burns  

• Noise generated by the robot itself

 And because of the tight seal around the perimeter of the door, machine protection doors prevent dust, particles or contaminants from entering specific areas. By effectively isolating the hazardous processes involved in robotic arc and laser welding, you can keep your workers safe, production running, and downtime to a minimum.

Conclusion

By investing in machine protection doors, manufacturers can achieve the ultimate goal of worker safety and smooth production processes. These doors offer a comprehensive shield against intense UV light, heat, spark burns, and the disruptive noise generated by welding robots. With their tight seal, machine protection doors effectively prevent dust, particles, and contaminants from entering critical areas, maintaining a clean and controlled environment. By implementing this advanced safety solution, you can mitigate risks, keep workers safe, minimize downtime, and enhance overall operational efficiency. Don't compromise on safety, choose machine protection doors to secure your welding operations and drive success in your manufacturing endeavors.