Physical Barriers Protect People and Machinery

In Booth N-2523, WireCrafters®, LLC (Louisville, KY), a manufacturer of wire partitions, wire cages and wire machine guarding systems, will showcase its physical barrier products, including Machine Guarding Systems that may be found in robotic welding cells and around machinery where employee safety and protecting critical equipment are required. According to the manufacturer, Machine Guarding Systems are a simple, effective way to protect personnel from the dangers posed by automated equipment. These barriers are a strong and economical solution to plant safety needs. The system’s versatility allows easy integration of access doors or larger openings with system controls.

Machine Guarding also doubles as a safety net by containing malfunctioning equipment. Welded and woven wire mesh is extremely resilient. It resists dings, retains its shape and is virtually maintenance free. These fully-framed woven wire or welded wire mesh panels bolt to posts forming a strong, secure barrier around dangerous automated equipment. Unlike high-tech light curtains and switch mats that are subject to electrical malfunctions, these safety systems are always on guard. WireCrafters offers both woven and welded wire mesh machine guarding and perimeter guarding systems to protect and separate property, equipment, and personnel. Machine Guarding Systems (commonly referred to as Physical Barriers) are available in 5 ft, 8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft, or other required height.

By the nature of their woven wire or welded wire design, these guarding systems provide safety and security. The traditional woven wire mesh machine guarding systems are constructed of a 10 ga wire, woven into a 2 in x 1 in rectangular mesh. This heavy mesh is welded inside a 1-1/4 in x 1-1/4 in x 1/8 in angle frame. A more modern welded wire machine guarding system called RapidWireHD™ features a 10 ga welded wire design and is constructed in a 1¼ in x 2½ in rectangular pattern. The sturdy welded mesh is surrounded by a 13 ga rolled formed angle frame. RapidWireHD is also available in a 2 in x 2 in welded mesh square pattern.

Commonly woven and welded wire mesh machine guarding systems require solid partitions to be integrated into the systems design. WireCrafters stocks solid sheet metal in 16 ga panels as well as ¼ in Polycarbonate panels to complete your design. Expanded metal and stainless steel panels are also available for machine guarding. These machine guarding and perimeter guarding systems utilize a modular wire mesh panel design which allows for multiple combinations of standard parts to meet specific space and guarding requirements. The welded wire’s straight lines and inherent strength of either the woven or welded wire provide a strong, modern looking guard to complement your facility and equipment. WireCrafters stocks a variety of meshes to meet requirements for heavy, medium, or light duty jobs.

WireCrafters, LLC, 6208 Strawberry Lane, Louisville, KY 40214-2929, 502-363-6691, www.wirecrafters.com.