Understanding Machine Guarding: A Deep Dive into Axelent X-Guard System

Understanding Machine Guarding: A Deep Dive into Axelent X-Guard System

In the world of industrial machinery, safety is a top priority. That’s where machine guarding comes in. It is a crucial component in maintaining a safe and efficient workspace, reducing the risk of workplace accidents, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

At Concentric Engineered Solutions, we’ve made it our mission to provide top-notch machine guarding solutions. Whether you’re grappling with meeting the requirements of AS/NZS4024-2019 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, or tackling unique safety challenges, we’re here to help.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the nuts and bolts of machine guarding, shedding light on its importance and types.  We will also discuss one of our favourite solutions – X-Guard from Axelent.

Types of Machine Guarding

The different forms of mechanical machine guarding generally fall into one of four categories, fixed guard, distance guard, interlocked guard and interlocked guard with guard locking. The descriptions below are simplified versions, more prescriptive versions are found in the Safety of Machinery standard AS/NZS 4024:2014. 

For reference, the term interlocking refers to a switch or device that is linked to the machine control system or power source.  The machine will only run if the interlocked guard is closed.

A Fixed Guard is a physical guard that is kept in place either permanently or by means of fasteners which make removal or opening impossible without using tools.  A fixed guard can be hinged to assist in its opening, but where possible, fixed guards shall be unable to remain in place without their fixings.

A Distance Guard is a fixed guard that is separate from the machine and keeps operators a specified distance from the machine.  The appropriate distance is determined by the required distance from the hazard relative to the size of any holes or perforations in the guarding material (e.g.mesh).

With an Interlocked Guard the machine will stop if the guard is opened.  This solution is suited to situations where a machine stops quickly and no hazard exists once the guard is opened.  The operator must instruct the machine to resume operation once the guard is closed, it cannot start automatically by closing the guard.

An Interlocked Guard with Guard Locking has a guard which cannot be opened while the machine is operating.  Typically, an operator instructs the machine to stop and the guard will remain closed until it is safe to enter the machine.  This situation is used for high inertia loads and machines that take seconds or minutes to come to a stop, and if the guard was allowed to be opened immediately the hazard would still exist.  Once again, the operator must instruct the machine to resume operation once the guard is closed, it cannot start automatically by closing the guard.

Axelent X-Guard

X-Guard is modular guarding system manufactured by Axelent AB based in Sweden.  All components are robotically welded, posts are powder coated yellow and the mesh is powder coated black.  Black mesh does not attract the eye and allows the machinery behind the guarding system to be easily seen.  The modular design and clip-together assembly system facilitates quick installation.  

A major advantage of the Axelent X-Guard system over competitor systems is there are no exposed fastenings that can be disassembled by an operator without a special key (X-Key).  With the X-Key however, panels can easily be removed for machine maintenance. 

 Axelent X-Guard features include:

• Yellow posts with black mesh which complies with AS/NZS 4024 when 200mm from a hazard.
• Standard heights of 1400, 2000 & 2300mm with extended heights available.
• Mesh panels available in widths 250, 400 and then 100mm increments up to 1500mm.
• Special key required to remove panels from posts – no bolts or accessible fastenings for unauthorised entry.
• Cutting kits to shorten panels horizontally & vertically.
• Clip together posts and panels allows for quick assembly & installation.
• Removable panels allow for good machine access for maintenance.
• All fastenings and a foot cover for posts supplied with the system.
• A range of swing and sliding doors available and any panel can be converted into a door.
• Brackets available to allow panels to be placed on an angle.
• Curved panels.
• A cable tray system is available that allows panels to be removed for maintenance and the cabling to remain undisturbed.
• Latch plates are available to suit a large range of door interlocks. 

Custom Guarding

Concentric Engineered Solutions has the expertise to design and manufacture custom guarding solutions.  These can be blended with the X-Guard system where appropriate.  Examples would be small panel openings and chutes to allow access to a machine – often these panel openings will have doors and interlocks to maintain safety standards and compliance.  

Conclusion

It is clear that when it comes to machine guarding, the Axelent X-Guard system stands out.  It is not just about meeting the AS/NZS 4024 standards, but exceeding them with features designed for convenience and customisation. 

The Axelent system’s unique X-key for panel removal, clip-together assembly, and customisable doors goes beyond the basic requirements of machine guarding. It enhances efficiency and offers a level of style that is often absent in industrial settings. With Axelent X-Guard, machine safety guarding does not have to be a trade-off with aesthetics or ease of use. It is a comprehensive guarding solution that truly embodies the essence of superior machine safety.