What safety features can you look for in a plastic injection molding machine?

Plastic injection molding machine

2024/06/03 By 兰兹

What safety features can you look for in a plastic injection molding machine?

Industry 4.0 has brought a lot of convenience to large-scale manufacturing, reducing the number of people working in the workshop, but even so, some operators will still be retained. Safety is especially important when operating machinery such as plastic injection molding machine. These machines are large tools for making various plastic products, but they can be very dangerous to the human body if used improperly. This guide will explore the various safety features added to Tosda’s early plastic injection molding machine. These safety features are also one of the factors that many plastic manufacturers will consider when purchasing.

Safety interlocks of safety functions of plastic injection molding machines

The most basic safety function in plastic injection molding machines is safety interlocks. These interlocks are designed to prevent the machine from running when certain conditions are not met, such as when the safety guard is open, or the mold is not properly fixed. By requiring these conditions to be met before the machine can run, safety interlocks help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

It can prevent entry into the danger zone of the injection molding machine while it is running. It is equivalent to a physical barrier or electronic control mechanism that can limit access to the machine’s moving parts. Our plastic injection molding machines use a combination of mechanical and electronic interlocks to ensure comprehensive safety protection. Mechanical interlocks include physical barriers, such as doors, gates, or guards, that automatically close and lock when the machine is in operation. Electronic interlocks utilize sensors, switches, and PLCs to detect unsafe conditions.

Emergency Stop Button

Another important safety feature is the emergency stop button, also known as the e-stop button. It is a conspicuous and easily accessible control device located on the control panel of the plastic injection molding machine. Its main function is to immediately stop all machine operations in the event of an emergency or dangerous situation. When activated, the E-stop triggers a safety shutdown sequence that removes power from the machine, stops all moving parts, and prevents further processing of materials. Their main advantage is the ability to respond immediately to a variety of potential dangers and emergencies, whether it is a mechanical failure, electrical failure, material jam, etc., pressing the emergency stop button ensures that the machine stops running in time to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and equipment damage.

Safety Guards and Barriers

Safety guards and barriers are physical barriers that establish a physical barrier between the operator and parts of the plastic injection molding machine, such as the mold clamping unit, injection unit, and ejection system. Their main function is to prevent inadvertent contact with dangerous areas and reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and equipment damage. Safety guards and barriers enclose and protect these areas, ensuring operators can work safely around the machine without being exposed to hazards. Manufacturers typically make these physical barriers from durable materials, designing them to prevent contact with moving parts and hot surfaces during operation.

Overpressure and overtemperature alarms

Manufacturers equip many plastic injection molding machines with overpressure and overtemperature alarms to enhance safety further. These alarms alert operators when pressure or temperature levels exceed safe limits, allowing them to take corrective action before dangerous conditions occur. Overpressure and overheating alarms monitor pressure and temperature levels within the hydraulic system, barrel, and mold of plastic injection molding machines.

Their main function is to detect abnormal conditions, such as excessive pressure or temperature increases, which may indicate a potential malfunction, leak, or system failure. When triggered, these alarms sound an audible or visual alert, notifying the operator so they can take corrective action and prevent the problem from escalating further.

Integrated Safety PLC

Plastic injection molding machines also integrate PLCs with safety features that provide comprehensive safety monitoring and control capabilities. These PLCs can oversee a variety of safety features, such as interlocks, emergency stops, and alarm systems, and can automatically implement safety protocols based on detected risks. An integrated safety PLC is a central control system that manages and monitors safety features throughout the injection molding machine. By integrating safety features into a single, centralized platform, the PLC ensures consistent and reliable safety features for all aspects of machine operation.

Make Your Plastic Injection Molding Machine and Operator Safer

Plastic injection molding machines are essential machines for plastic manufacturers to produce parts, and they also pose certain risks to operators if used improperly. Combining various safety features enables manufacturers to mitigate these risks and promote a safe working environment.

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What safety features can you look for in a plastic injection molding machine?

What safety features can you look for in a plastic injection molding machine?