Machine guarding is an essential safety measure that helps protect workers from potential hazards associated with machinery and equipment. In industrial settings, choosing the right material for machine guarding can withstand heavy loads and impact, allows visibility, and is cost-effective. Wire mesh is popular for machine guarding due to its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. This article will discuss the benefits of using wire mesh for machine guarding and why it outweighs other options.
Strength and Durability
Wire mesh is made from woven or welded wire, which makes it a strong and durable material that can withstand heavy loads and impact without breaking or bending. This makes it an ideal material for machine guarding, as it can protect workers from potential hazards and prevent damage to machinery. However, industrial machines can be dangerous, and it is crucial to have proper machine guarding options to ensure the safety of the workers.
Visibility and Airflow
Wire mesh allows for visibility and airflow, making it an excellent solution for machine guarding. This feature will enable workers to see the machinery and equipment they are working with and provide proper ventilation. Workers need to have a clear view of the machinery they are working with to avoid accidents, and wire mesh allows this while also providing adequate ventilation.
Cost-Effectiveness
Wire mesh is a cost-effective solution compared to metal, wood, or concrete options because it is lightweight, easy to install and maintain, and can be custom-made to fit any space and application. Less material means less cost when incorporating mesh versus a solid material.
Customizable
Wire mesh partitions can be customized with different colors and designs to fit any facility’s or building’s aesthetic, making it an attractive option for machine guarding. Therefore, aesthetics is a crucial aspect to consider regarding industrial machine safety. “Why is aesthetic important?” some may be asking. Aesthetics may seem like an insignificant aspect of industrial machine safety; however, it plays an essential role in creating a safe and productive work environment. Here are a few reasons why aesthetics is a vital aspect to consider when it comes to industrial machine safety:
- Improved Visibility: A well-designed and aesthetically pleasing machine can improve visibility, making it easier for workers to identify potential hazards and operate the machinery safely.
- Enhanced Comfort: A comfortable and visually pleasing work environment can help to reduce stress and improve the overall mood of the workers, which can lead to increased productivity and fewer accidents.
- Better Organization: A well-organized and visually pleasing machine layout can help workers quickly and easily identify the different parts of the machinery, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Branding and Marketing: Aesthetically pleasing machinery can also play a role in branding and marketing. A well-designed machine can reflect positively on the company and make a good impression on customers and visitors.
Safety
Safety is, obviously, at the heart of all machine guarding designs. Wire mesh partitions offer several safety benefits, including their ability to absorb impact, reducing the risk of injury in a collision. Unlike solid metal or concrete partitions, wire mesh partitions are less likely to cause harm in a collision because they can bend or flex upon impact and dissipate the energy, reducing the force of impact.
As an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), SpaceGuard Products specializes in producing several nationally recognized brands, including FordLogan Woven Wire Mesh Partitions and BeastWire Mesh Guarding. We have standard materials for both brands, providing flexible configurations, cost savings, and quick lead times for your project.
FordLogan Woven Wire Mesh Partitions
FordLogan is a nationally recognized brand and is considered the industry standard for wire mesh guarding. The panels come designed with a unique 1-1/2” diamond mesh pattern, our exclusive UNI-MESH design. Additionally, FordLogan is the only product on the market that meets specifications for this type of mesh throughout the panel.
FordLogan is primarily marketed as a wire mesh partition solution. However, it also has other applications, such as window guards and railing infill panels commonly found in most businesses today.
BeastWire® Mesh Guarding
Our engineering department developed BeastWire® Mesh Guarding to eliminate redundancy in our product lines by consolidating five separate product lines into one universal construction and application. By reducing the number of components to manufacture and store, BeastWire® delivers solutions quicker and more cost-effectively.
BeastWire® products provide easy installation without compromising the security or integrity of products. The system is simple and modular, requiring only one universal panel for building cages, lockers, and rack guarding. We also provide secure and straightforward hardware to ensure the job is done correctly.
RageWire® Robotic Automation Guarding
We encourage you to watch our video here to see RageWire, SpaceGuard Products’ new Robotic & Machine Guarding product line, in action. It includes information on robust robotic guarding, like access points, doors & interlocks. In the video, you’ll see how simple it is to be installed and reconfigured in the field as your design needs change.
If you are interested in reading more about wire mesh and its use in robotic guarding, visit our website here to read more about our products at SpaceGuard. Our website provides detailed information about the company’s RageWire robotic guarding products, made from wire mesh and designed to protect people and property from potential threats.
If you have further questions or need a custom quote for your specific application, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. We look forward to working with your company to ensure a safe and secure work environment for your employees.
