Whether in automated assembly stations, packaging machines, or robot cells, danger zones arise when machines move independently. Protective devices provide the necessary security without unnecessarily restricting access for operation, cleaning, and maintenance. Montech offers the right solutions.
An effective protective device is more than a physical barrier. It must fit the machine, the material flow, and the operational processes. It must reliably secure danger zones while also providing efficient access for maintenance, cleaning, and service work. Integrating conveyor technology, workpiece feeds, and manual workplaces also plays an important role in planning. If the protective device is integrated into the system concept early on, safety, functionality, and efficient processes can be combined optimally.
In which industries are protective devices important?
Machine Guarding is used in almost all automated production environments. In mechanical and plant engineering, they secure machining centers, handling systems, and customer-specific production cells. In the automotive and supplier industries, they protect interlinked assembly, testing, and machining stations, with particular attention to the transitions between machines, conveyor technology, and manual workplaces. In the electronics industry, compact, space-saving enclosures are often required while still allowing a clear view of components and processes. In the packaging industry, protective devices must be adapted to high cycle rates as well as to infeed and outfeed areas. The pharmaceutical and medical technology industries add additional requirements for controlled production conditions and good accessibility. Regardless of the industry, the right solution always results from the interplay of the machine, danger zone, operating concept, and material flow.
The application determines the design
Before selecting a protective device, first investigate the production process. Which machine movements pose a danger? Where are workpieces fed or removed? Which areas must be accessible for maintenance work? And where do belt conveyors, roller conveyors, or other transport systems run? These questions determine whether an individual machine side needs protection or whether a multi-sided or complete enclosure is required. Access type is equally important. Classic swing doors require sufficient space in front of the machine. On the other hand, protective elements that move upward can be advantageous where production space is limited. A sophisticated access concept also facilitates service and maintenance.
Montech solutions
Different protection concepts are required depending on the danger zone, accessibility, and system layout. Montech offers both standardized protective devices and customer-specific solutions. This Swiss technology company has specialized in the industrialization and standardization of advanced belt conveyors, transfer systems, and aluminum framing technology for over 60 years.
Safety hood SH for multi-sided enclosures
Montech’s safety hood SH is intended for compact machines and danger zones that are to be enclosed on several sides. It has four sides and can optionally be fitted with a cover. The protective elements can be moved upwards to access the machine. This eliminates the need for an additional swivel range in front of the system. Depending on the design, safety switches and fall arresters can be integrated. The protective cover is based on the Quick-Set aluminum profile and can be adapted to the application.
Typical applications include assembly, testing, machining, and handling stations where the danger zone is compact and clearly defined.
Safety wall SW for individual access points
Not every machine needs full enclosure. If the system design already limits the danger zone on several sides, targeted protection of an open side can be sufficient. Montech offers the safety wall SW for such applications. It protects a single access point or one side of the machine. The protective elements can also be pushed upwards if access to the system is required. For example, the protective wall is suitable for assembly systems, conveyor lines, or machining stations where operation and maintenance work is carried out from a specific side.
Individual solutions from Montech
Standardized dimensions are frequently not sufficient for large systems, complex machine geometries, or special process requirements. In such cases, Montech plans project-specific protective devices. With the MPS aluminum framing system, you can create stable frame constructions, protective cabins, and large-area machine enclosures. Various profile types and accessories enable the integration of doors, viewing surfaces, feedthroughs, and other functional elements. You can also create customer-specific solutions using Quick-Set aluminum profiles, especially for slim constructions, movable protective elements, and compact attachments. Because both systems are modular, you can extend existing protection devices later or adapt them to changing machine dimensions, access points, and production processes.
Safety as part of system planning
A suitable protective device considers not only the danger zone but also the entire production process. Consider the machine, operation, maintenance access, and material flow together. With standardized and customer-specific solutions, Montech provides protection for compact machines as well as housings for complex production plants. The systems can also be integrated into systems with belt conveyors, roller conveyors, and transfer systems. This makes the protective device a functional part of the production system rather than a retrofit barrier.
