Folding machines
Maximum safety for operator and process
Operating folding machines safely and in compliance with standards
Swivel bending machines are indispensable in sheet metal processing - at the same time, the bending process poses considerable risks to the operator's hands and fingers. The system solutions from Fiessler Elektronik help you to safeguard folding machines in accordance with standards and still operate them economically.
Work sequence and risk situation
When working with folding machines:
- the operator places the workpiece on the machine table,
- triggers the sheet clamping via the foot pedal,
- the sheet metal is firmly clamped between the upper and lower beam,
- The actual bending process is carried out by moving the folder.
Different bending angles result depending on the radius traveled.
These phases in particular pose a high risk potential:
- When inserting the sheet between the upper and lower beam
- When closing up to the clamping point
- When guiding and positioning the workpiece with your hands
If there is no suitable protective device, fingers or entire hands can be trapped and severely crushed - despite the presence of intermediate stops. The consequences can be irreversible injuries with long-term impairments for the operator.
Normative framework: Requirements of the Machinery Directive
The European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC requires that machinery is designed and constructed in such a way that it does not endanger the safety and health of persons throughout its entire life cycle.
In short:
Swivel bending machines may only be operated if the risk to the operator is sufficiently minimized by suitable technical protective devices.
Fiessler Elektronik supports machine manufacturers and operators in meeting these requirements with practical and retrofittable system solutions.
Our solution: Integrated safety for folding machines
The aim of Fiessler system solutions is to reliably monitor danger points without unnecessarily hindering the work process. Typical starting points are
- Safeguarding the insertion area when inserting and aligning the sheet metal
- Monitoring the clamping and bending area during the actual bending process
- Integration of safety sensors in the machine control system to safely stop or prevent dangerous movements
Depending on the machine and application, optical and electronic safety devices are used, including
- Provide finger protection and hand/limb protection
- leave the material flow and parts handling largely free
- and can be adapted to different sheet formats and bending tasks.
The result is a system solution that harmonizes safety, operability and productivity.
Advantages of Fiessler system solutions on folding machines
- Increased operator safety
Reduction of the risk of injury when inserting, clamping and bending - even with manual part guidance. - Standard-compliant safeguarding
Support in meeting the requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and relevant safety standards. - High availability
Electronic and optical protective devices operate with low wear and are designed for continuous industrial operation. - Maintaining productivity
Protective devices are designed in such a way that the work area is sensibly monitored without unnecessarily restricting the operator. - Ideal for new machines and retrofitting
Fiessler systems are suitable for integration into new folding machines as well as for retrofitting existing systems.
Fiessler products for the protection of folding machines
Talk to our experts.
Our specialists will be happy to advise you individually on your specific application - from concept to integration.