Why Machine Machine Protection?
Way Covers for Longevity of Motion Components
The machine tool may create an environment in which its parts must be protected from its work processes, yet need to move without obstruction. The close proximity of moving parts often excludes the feasibility of static protective enclosures.
Replacing critical machine components, such as precision ball screws or ways, usually exceeds the cost of adding replaceable protective guarding.
This is what likely sent you in search of a protective cover. Fortunately, Dynatect has manufactured dynamic and flexible covers for over 70 years to both the makers and users of machine tools.
Machine Protection as a Safety Measure
Situations in which workers must remain in close proximity to moving parts pose a threat to health and safety. In compliance with government safety regulations, machine parts or functions with the potential to injure must be safeguarded.
Safety hazards associated with moving equipment can be reduced with protective guarding or covers that discourage unintentional contact with pinch points or moving parts.
Types of Machine Protection
Way Covers: What are the styles?
There are flexible cover designs that can roll-up, bend, and flex to allow unrestricted movement through a dynamic range of motion.
Protective covers are available in various materials and types. They can be polymer-based, metal, or fabric depending on the requirements of the application.
- Fabric Bellows are the most flexible for adaptation to high speeds and smooth-gliding applications. They are available in varying shapes, size, and materials including elastomer-coated fabrics, thermoplastics, and coated aramid fibers.
- Industrial Fabric Roll-Ups are capable of high-speed operation and are also available in many material options. They are ideal for travel paths with space obstructions that preclude deeper cover profiles.
- Our unique Gorplate Steel Sliding Plate Covers provide a low-profile option capable of high-speed operation and will endure weld spatter and hot chips.
- Aluminum Roll-Ups (Alumaflex) are constructed of linked extrusions to form a barrier against hot chips, coolants, and oils.
- Gordillo Bellows have a steel shield attached to each fold to protect against abrasives and liquids. Metal-shielded bellows offer a low-profile alternative to telescopic covers.
- Metal Roll-Ups with steel band material are suitable for longer travels and wide spans, and heavy-duty Steelflex covers can be used as a walk-on surface for covering hazardous pits.
- Steel Telescopic Covers offer the ultimate protection for machine ways against dropped tools, abrasives, chemicals, and coolants. Telescopic covers can be refurbished, and wipers replaced as needed.
Design Considerations
What factors should be considered when choosing a protective way cover?
Tell your protective cover manufacturer about your application requirements such as:
- Temperature conditions including ambient temperature and nearby heat sources
- Exposure to environmental threats such as dust, oils, acid, coolant, weld spatter, etc
- The speed (velocity and acceleration) of the cover and frequency of cycle
- Vacuum or pressure conditions
- Load-support requirements (e.g., walk-on surface for inspection or maintenance, heavy chip load, or protection from dropped tools)
- Orientation of cover travel (horizontal, vertical, cross rail/frontal, ceiling/roof cover)
For help selecting the right cover, a local Dynatect Rep can assist in measuring the cover, making recommendations, showing samples, and assisting in your quote request. Dynatect provides quote request forms to simplify the process of receiving a quote.
Options for Covering a Shaft Comparison Guide e-book
Get our comparison guide for different options for protecting a shaft. Learn about the pros, cons, and trade-offs associated with each flexible protective cover technology.
Bellows Design Guide e-Book
Lean about the application and functions of a bellows. Dynatect customizes bellows to meet unique requirements across industries. This resource will help you learn what to consider when specifying a bellows-type cover for your equipment.
