Abstract

Statistics show numerous accidents related to the use of metal presses, more than half of which are equipped with a full-rotation clutch. Many of these accidents can be attributed to the repetition of the cycle or the unexpected start-up of the press ram when operators are feeding or emptying parts. However, preliminary research has shown that the control systems of these machines have often been modified to allow for the installation of two-hand pneumatic controls in order to improve productivity and sometimes safety as well. The purpose of this project is to create and develop two pneumatic safety systems for full-rotation clutch presses, one with a mobile guard, and one without. The knowledge acquired from this project will not only be transmitted to the workplaces concerned, but can also be applied to other types of machines equipped with pneumatic control systems.