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Fabrication & Welding for Steel Machine Guards, Guarding, UK
If you require industrial machine guards for any project in the UK, give C&P Fabrications a call.
Machine guarding aims to safeguard operators and other employees in the work area from hazards that arise during the machine’s regular operation. These hazards include ingoing nip points, rotating parts, reciprocating and transversing movements, as well as flying chips and sparks. Fabricating steel machine guards involves several precise steps to ensure they are durable and effective in protecting machinery and operators. Here’s an overview of the welding and fabrication process:
- Design and Material Preparation:
- Design: Develop detailed designs and specifications for the machine guards, considering safety standards and specific machine requirements.
- Cutting: Use tools like laser cutters, plasma cutters, or saws to cut steel sheets or plates to the required dimensions.
- Forming and Shaping:
- Bending and Rolling: The steel is shaped into the desired shapes, which is crucial for creating the guards’ frames and panels.
- Surface Preparation:
- Cleaning: Clean the steel surfaces to remove any contaminants, rust, or mill scale that could affect the weld quality.
- Welding Process:
- Tack Welding: To hold the pieces in place, perform tack welds, which involve making small welds at key points.
- Full Welding: Complete the welds using one of the following methods:
- MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas): Suitable for thicker materials and offers a faster welding process.
- TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas): Provides precise control and is ideal for thin materials.
- Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding): Versatile and effective for outdoor work and thicker materials.
- Post-Weld Treatment:
- Grinding and Polishing: Use grinders and polishers to smooth out rough welds and edges and ensure a clean finish.
- Inspection: Inspect the welds for defects or weak points. Non-destructive testing methods, such as dye-penetrant inspection or ultrasonic testing, can ensure weld integrity.
- Finishing:
- Coating or Painting: Apply a protective coating or paint to prevent rust and enhance appearance. This step is crucial for outdoor durability.
These steps ensure that the steel machine guards are strong, durable, and suitable for various applications, including safety and protection in industrial settings.