Month: January 2024

In the bustling world of manufacturing, where machinery never sleeps and productivity is paramount, one principle reigns supreme: safety. It’s more than a priority; it’s the core of every operation. Every person who steps onto the factory floor knows the importance of proper machine guarding. Such commitment means one size does not fit all as it relates to guarding. That’s where Faztek makes its mark, offering customized guarding solutions meticulously tailored to meet your equipment’s needs and operational flow.

This blog explains the precision of Faztek’s custom machine guarding. Here, every guard and barrier is not just a safety feature; they’re carefully crafted pieces of a larger puzzle designed to integrate seamlessly with your unique manufacturing environment. Join us as we explore how Faztek’s approach to customized guarding solutions transforms standard safety protocols into a robust, personalized safety framework, ensuring your facility operates smoothly and safely.

Custom Guard Design and Planning

Creating a safe work environment is a deliberate process that begins with a smart, well-thought-out guard design. At Faztek, we excel in translating your safety requirements into practical, efficient guarding solutions. Our approach is hands-on and collaborative, offering free consultations and detailed planning assistance to make sure your safety measures are compliant and perfectly tailored.

Understanding Your Equipment and Guarding Requirements

Our process starts with a deep dive into the types of machinery and moving parts in your facility. Whether it’s high-speed rotating equipment, press machines with dangerous pinch points, or automated assembly lines, each piece has certain guarding needs. We meticulously assess the operational risks and design guards that provide optimal protection without hindering your operational efficiency.

Tailored Guarding Solutions

Below is our range of guarding solutions:

• Machine Enclosures: Such enclosures encapsulate specific machines or operation points as the first line of defense, ensuring operator safety without compromising machine accessibility.
• Hybrid Guards: This flexible solution combines two or more safety products, like mesh screens with electronic sensors, to address your operation’s complex or varied safety needs.
• Perimeter Guards: These barriers are essential for delineating work zones, restricting unauthorized access, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Material Selection for Durability and Function

Choosing the right material is crucial for the effectiveness and longevity of your guards. We offer a selection of materials, such as robust steel for high-impact protection, lightweight aluminum for ease of handling and corrosion resistance, and transparent Plexiglas for visibility and light penetration. Faztek selects the material based on your specific environmental conditions, usage requirements, and safety standards.

Integration with Safety Interlocks and Control Systems

To enhance the functionality of our guards, we integrate them with advanced safety interlocks and control systems. From light curtains that create invisible safety barriers to interlock switches that ensure safe access points, our electronic safety devices can operate independently or seamlessly with your guarding solutions. This automation integration turns a passive guard into an active safety system, providing additional protection and peace of mind.

Custom Accessories

Recognizing the distinct nature of every industrial setup, Faztek brings an array of custom accessories designed to complement and enhance your machine guarding systems. It’s not just about the primary guarding solutions; it’s also about the minor details that perfect the functionality and adaptability of your safety measures.

We curate a range of custom accessories to address each aspect of your guarding solution.

• Locks and Latches: Security is of prime importance, and we design our locks and latches to keep your guarding systems secure while providing easy access for authorized personnel. Whether preventing accidental openings or ensuring the guards remain in place during operations, these components are vital for maintaining the integrity of your safety barriers.
• Leveling Feet: Uneven floors? No problem. Our leveling feet can be adjusted for further stability and firmness, eliminating wobbles or misalignments that could lead to safety gaps or operational inefficiencies.
• Hinges: Flexibility in access is crucial for maintenance and operational functionality. We build our hinges with smooth movement and durable performance, resulting in guards that are accessible yet steadfast when closed.
• Panels: Whether you want transparent panels for visibility, mesh for ventilation, or solid panels for maximum protection, we customize each to fit into your guarding system seamlessly. Every panel plays its role in safety while meeting your operational needs for visibility and access.

These custom accessories are far from being mere add-ons. They are integral components of a cohesive guarding system, each serving a specific function that enhances the overall effectiveness and usability of your safety measures.

Why Choose Faztek as Your Guarding Partner?

With Faztek, you receive more than just a safety guard; you get a comprehensive, custom-designed solution focused on functionality, durability, and simple installation. Our goal is to make your workplace safer without complicating your processes, which means your operations run more smoothly and your team stays better protected.

With over 35 years of experience in machine guarding, Faztek is not just a provider; we’re a partner in your workplace safety journey. Here’s why Faztek stands out:

• Safety-driven designs meet and exceed machine guarding OSHA standards.
• Efficient lead times signify swift implementation of guarding solutions.
• On-site support services seamlessly integrate guarding systems.
• Competitive pricing makes safety an accessible priority for all.

Invest in Safety with Faztek

Faztek’s commitment to safety is unwavering. With a range of machine guarding solutions, from perimeter guards to comprehensive enclosure systems, Faztek is equipped to handle the safety requirements of any industrial setting. Request a quote today and take the first step toward a safer workplace. Or, if you’d like to speak directly with an expert, call 260-482-7544.

Safety isn’t only about compliance; it’s about creating an environment where productivity and well-being go hand in hand. Trust Faztek to bring that vision to life in your facility.

Download our guarding solutions guide here and start your journey to a safer, more efficient workspace today.

When it comes to industrial safety, standard and custom electronic safety solutions can be the difference between a near-miss and a disaster. While out-of-the-box safety devices are a good start, customizing these solutions to the specific needs of your operation elevates the level of protection you offer your team. 

This blog explores how custom electronic safety devices are not just an addition to the workplace but are fundamental to creating safer, more responsive industrial environments.

The Quest for Machine Safety: A Factory Manager’s Tale

Imagine a factory renowned for its top-notch production and automation. At its helm is Bill, a seasoned operations manager known for his sharp eye for efficiency and unwavering commitment to safety.

Bill’s day begins as always with the familiar hum of machinery and the sight of his dedicated team busy at work. Behind the usual bustle, a nagging thought has troubled him for weeks: the factory’s safety measures are good but not perfect. In this setting, safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a necessity. “Good” is simply not good enough.

Not long after, a close call near the conveyor section leaves everyone shaken. It’s a timely reminder that the current safety control systems only give basic protection. Bill needs more.

His search led him to explore various options: 

• Safety light curtains can stop machinery the moment unexpected movement is detected. Are they enough on their own? 
• Area scanners comprehensively monitor preset danger zones. Will they work in his factory’s dynamic environment? 
• Pressure mats make emergency stops easy, but are they enough as a standalone measure?

Bill grew frustrated. Each solution, while beneficial, seems only to be a piece of the puzzle he’s trying to solve. He needs something fast, efficient, and, most importantly, custom-made to safeguard his employees and factory.

The Standard vs. Custom Safety Controllers Debate

Faztek sees a lot of people like Bill as industrial safety options continue expanding and evolving. The question arises: should you opt for standard safety solutions that broadly address common hazards, or should you invest in custom solutions tailored to the unique aspects of your workplace?

The Case for Standard Safety Modules

Standard electronic safety solutions have their place. They are tested, proven, and quick to implement. These solutions are designed to meet general safety standards and are ideal for businesses with straightforward operational processes or limited budgets. Standard solutions present a quick and cost-effective way to address the most common workplace hazards. However, the one-size-fits-all approach may only cover some nuances of every specific setting.

The Need for Custom Safety Solutions

On the other hand, custom electronic safety solutions present a different value. Every workplace has challenges, from the facility’s layout to the type of machinery used and even the workforce’s skill level. Custom solutions consider your unique variables to build a safety system more precisely aligned with your workplace. Such solutions could mean designing safety guards that fit unusual machine sizes or integrating hybrid electronic safety devices for a more responsive mechanism.

 

Tailored safety solutions can be built from scratch or seamlessly integrated with existing systems and processes, minimizing disruption and improving operational efficiencies. Let’s not forget that different industries face varying and continually changing regulatory safety requirements. Custom safety solutions can help keep facilities compliant and safe over time.

Why Aren’t Custom Safety Solutions the Norm?

Customizing safety solutions is a complex task that demands a high level of expertise and a deep understanding of industry needs and safety standards. Many providers lack the resources or specialized knowledge to offer such tailored solutions. Generally, manufacturers focus on broader market solutions that appeal to a wider audience and are more economically viable for mass production.

Balancing Efficiency, Cost, and Safety

The decision between standard and custom solutions often comes down to balancing efficiency, cost, and the level of safety required. 

Custom safety solutions have an edge over standard options for keeping your workplaces safe. These custom solutions slot in neatly with how you already work, making you less likely to have disruptions caused by safety issues. They might cost a bit more upfront, but think about the long game. By reducing accidents, you’re also cutting costs resulting from workplace injuries and the downtime that comes with them.

And here’s something to consider: it’s a big morale booster when your team sees that you’ve put in the effort to invest in safety solutions that are just right for their workspace. They feel more confident and are likely to follow safety rules more closely, and that’s a win for everyone’s safety culture.

4 Electronic Safety Devices of Note

Customizing your safety approach begins with understanding the tools at your disposal. Here are four key electronic safety devices shaping the future of industrial safety:

Device	Purpose	Function	Key Benefit	Customizability
Safety Light Curtains	Create an invisible safety barrier	Halt machine operation when light beams are interrupted	Immediate accident prevention	Tailor height and length to fit precise machinery dimensions
Area Scanners	Monitor predefined areas for unexpected entry	Shut down the machine when a person or object enters the danger zone	Comprehensive monitoring of hazardous areas	Adjust the scanning area to specific operational zones
Pressure Mats / Safety Mats	Act as safety triggers for emergency stops (e-stops)	Activate an e-stop when stepped on or when pressure is removed	Enables immediate action in high-risk areas	Set pressure sensitivity for foot traffic, operation conditions, and machines
Safety Switches	Versatile switch options: contact, non-contact, locking, and non-locking switches	Convert standard machine guards into active safety functions	Easy to integrate into new or existing safety systems	Many options are available based on operational risks and machinery types

 

Two Is Twice as Nice as One: Hybrid Safety Solutions

While each device offers safety, the true power lies in using a combination. Hybrid safety solutions integrate two or more devices and provide a more comprehensive safety net. It’s not about layering safety measures; it’s about creating a cohesive system that accounts for multiple hazards and operational nuances.

Hybrid solutions represent a thoughtfully constructed system where each component is critical, addressing multiple hazards and adapting to the needs of your workplace. This integrated strategy ensures a broader and more robust safety net, enhancing overall protection and reducing the risk of accidents.

A hybrid system can offer immediate responses to imminent dangers and ongoing monitoring for emerging risks by combining devices like light curtains, area scanners, and safety switches. Comprehensive coverage is crucial in creating a safer work environment where employees and management can have confidence in the safety measures in place.

A Custom Approach Offers Maximum Safety

In industrial settings, where every operation is unique, a one-size-fits-all approach to safety simply doesn’t cut it. Customizing safety solutions means not just meeting the minimum safety standards but exceeding them to safeguard the work environment effectively. Investing in customized safety is an investment in your team, productivity, and peace of mind.

Remember, in the world of industrial safety, the right choice is the one that provides the most comprehensive protection for your most valuable asset: your people.

Where to Start Looking for Custom Electronic Safety Devices

Faztek’s expert team excels in crafting tailored electronic safety device solutions, including custom and hybrid systems, perfectly aligned with your needs. We are committed to working closely with you, diving deep into the intricacies of your facility to perform a risk assessment and understand the specifics of your machines. 

This hands-on approach allows us to identify the most effective path to safety. With complete ownership of every stage of operation, Faztek offers unparalleled benefits to our clients. You’ll experience more robust quality control and fast turnaround times. Faztek’s streamlined process and commitment to excellence mean you get the best safety solutions customized for your workspace.

Contact us to see how Faztek can help your team.

Prefer to call? We’d love to hear from you! 260-482-7544