Choose a Lathe Sanding Belt Holder Instead of Lathe Manual Sanding

Versatile and precise, lathe operations are a staple in factories and machining operations. Turning is a machining process where a piece is rotated while a cutting tool removes material to achieve the desired shape. Performed on a machine tool called a lathe, turning allows for the creation of symmetrical parts relative to an axis, such as shafts, cylinders, or cones.

What Are Sanding and Polishing Operations Used for on Conventional Lathes?

Commonly practiced in metalworking industries, sanding operations complement machining. This type of operation polishes/smooths the surface of a part, removes rust, or corrects defects. This results in a clean part with a smooth, polished finish, which can be crucial during part manufacturing.

The Dangers of Manual Sanding on Conventional Lathes

In the past, operators polished and sanded lathes manually using emery cloth and sandpaper, or abrasive paper. A strip of emery cloth was held between both hands and wrapped around the back of the rotating part. However, this method carries significant risks, and more effective solutions now exist, such as using a sanding belt holder for conventional, numerical or metal lathes.

A large number of accidents on metal lathes are caused by using emery cloth and sandpaper. Handheld tools and emery cloth give a false sense of security. The cloth can easily get caught on the workpiece, wrap around fingers, and pull the operator's hand into the rotating machinery, leading to fractures, crush injuries, lacerations, amputations (especially fingers), and even death.

Beyond the risk of entanglement, the repetitive motions of manual polishing are physically demanding, contributing to strain and other musculoskeletal problems over time. Additionally, operators are at risk of being hit by flying metal particles. Manual sanding operations also doesn’t guarantee effective results, as it’s common to apply uneven pressure, resulting in inconsistent finishes.

To avoid the risks associated with manual sanding on conventional lathes, it is recommended to use a dedicated tool specifically designed for sanding and polishing on lathes. This method allows for sanding without an operator near the rotating parts or using their hands. It is also recommended to wear fitted work clothing and avoid wearing gloves or jewelry near rotating parts.

Avoid the Dangers of Manual Sanding and Polishing Operations on Conventional or Metal Lathes With Prismont's Lathe Sanding Tools

Do the operators of your conventional lathes use their hands to sand, deburr, or polish the rotating surfaces of the lathe? Manual sanding on lathes can be extremely dangerous for both operators and their work environment.

To help employers protect their factory employees, Prismont has developed sanding tools specifically designed for use on conventional lathes. The tools attach to the existing tool post of conventional and/or digital lathes. Easy to use, the MST-SBH polishing tools allow sanding operations without using hands, ensuring greater safety while maximizing productivity. The design of this tool is based on the EN.12840-2001 & ISO 23125:2010 standards.

In addition, Prismont lathe sanding tools are available for a variety of conventional lathes and parts different sizes, making them versatile and suitable for various production needs. The set attaches to your existing lathe tool holder, allowing for easy installation and removal.

Exposure to Abrasive Particles

During sanding operations, abrasive particles are propelled at high speed onto the surface of the workpiece. These particles can be inhaled by operators, leading to respiratory issues and long-term lung damage.

Risk of Projection and Shattering

The sanding process generates significant forces that can result in the projection of abrasive particles or material splinters. These projections can cause serious injuries to operators if they are not wearing proper protective equipment.

Exposure to Chemicals

Some types of abrasive materials used in manual sanding may contain hazardous chemicals. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to skin irritation, burns, or other health issues.

Risk of Workpiece Damage

If sanding is not performed with precision, it can damage the surface of the workpiece, resulting in defects or imperfections that can compromise its functionality or durability.

Environmental Pollution

Sanding and polishing generate abrasive waste that must be properly disposed of to prevent environmental pollution. Some abrasive materials can also be toxic to soil and groundwater if not properly managed.

To minimize these dangers, it is important to follow strict safety procedures, provide operators with appropriate personal protective equipment, and use safe abrasive materials and sanding techniques that comply with current regulations.

What Are the Benefits of Using the MST-SBH Lathe Sanding and Polishing Tool from Prismont?

Operator and Company Safety

By eliminating the need to use hands in the work area, the MST-SBH lathe sanding tool significantly reduces the risk of entanglement. This protects operators and reduces corporate liability.

High-Quality, Uniform Finish Perfect for Mass Production Applications

Unlike manual methods, which depend on the pressure, skill, and irregular movements of the operator's hand, the MST-SBH lathe sanding tool allows control of the sanding speed, pressure, and angle. This ensures a precise and uniform finish on each part, regardless of the operator. Additionally, the MST-SBH enables repeatable finishes on similar parts, which can be important for mass production applications.

Time-Saving and Cost-Efficient

Using our lathe sanding tool can speed up the finishing process, allowing for high-quality finishes in less time than if done manually. This allows for more parts to be processed in less time, increasing productivity. Additionally, this tool reduces physical fatigue that operators may experience during manual polishing, enabling the operator to be more efficient.

Although the initial investment in a lathe sanding tool may seem higher than the cost of manual sanding, the long-term savings are significant. In addition to reducing errors and scrap, the tool helps reduce downtime due to human fatigue and accidents. Moreover, the longevity of parts treated with a uniform, high-quality sanding is often improved, reducing maintenance and replacement costs in the long term.

Versatility and Adaptability

Our lathe sanding tools are designed to be versatile and available in different grits and sizes. They can be used on a wide variety of surfaces and materials, making them essential for shops handling different types of parts and looking to reduce tool replacements.

Trust PRISMONT Industrial Safety Solutions

The dangers of using hands when operating a lathe cannot be overstated. Switching from manual sanding to a conventional lathe sanding tool offers many advantages: time savings, increased productivity, better finish quality, and reduced risks for your employees. In the long run, this automation can not only improve the quality of your production but also provide substantial savings. Prioritize the safety and well-being of operators while achieving superior finishes. The investment is worth it.

Not sure which sanding tool you need, or need to secure your conventional lathe with safety equipment? Our sales and design team can work with you to determine the right safety device for your application, considering factors such as machine access frequency, required space, and project budget. Contact us today to start creating a safer workplace.

References

INRS

Toilage manuel sur tours – Comment travailler en sécurité, ED 6243, INRS, 2016

Brochure ED 6122 - «Sécurité des machines - Prévention des risques mécaniques»

Brochure ED 912 - « Le tour »

Brochure ED 6289 - « Amélioration des machines en service – Guide pratique »INRS - Fiche pratique ED 126 - « Constituer des fiches de poste intégrant la sécurité »

Brochure ED 6243 - «Toilage sur tours horizontaux, comment travailler en sécurité ?»

Brochure ED 840 - « Evaluation des risques professionnels - Aide au repérage des risques dans les PME-PMI »

Opérations de toilage sur tours horizontaux

Carsat et L’Assurance Maladie - Risques professionnels

Guide explicatif des exigences réglementaires à l'intention des milieux de travail

Réglement sur la santé et la sécurité du travail

Amélioration de la sécurité des machines par l’utilisation des dispositifs de protection

Amélioration de la sécurité des machines par l’utilisation des dispositifs de protection

EN.12840-2001 & ISO 23125:2010 Safety Norms

Lathes Safeguarding : Hazard Prevention Made Easy

The metal lathe is a machine tool which turns a piece of metal on itself while a tool cuts into the material at a preset position. They are equipped with a chuck, which supports the workpieces and rotates at high speed. Operating a lathe can be dangerous as these rotating parts can catch hair, jewelry and clothing. it doesn't take much for a piece of clothing to get caught in and endanger the operator. Flying chips and coolant also present risks for the operator if his personal protective equipment does not protect him effectively.

Lathe Chuck Protection

The most well known and used safeguarding method is the hinged chuck-shield, which protects lathe operators from the rotating work-holder. This type of shield prevents an operator from touching the chuck and entangling himself with it, resulting in injuries, asphyxiation or even death. Electrically interlocked shields are the best option, since when the lathe chuck lifts, the microswitch detects it and stops the machine, which will not start up until the emergency stop button has been reset. Workplace safety is a major consideration for Prismont, and for that reason, all our lathe’s safety guards are electrically interlocked using safety microswitches.

Lathe Carriage Protection

There is a second type of safety guard for lathes; the lathe carriage shield. This type of safety guard protects the operator from direct contact with any wastes coming from the cutting tool, such as shavings and lubricant-coolant. Its anti-shaving partition must cover the rotating parts of the lathes such as the lead screw to prevent hair and clothing entanglement.

Lathe Mother Screw Protection

The lathe’s advancing bars can be very dangerous as well, as work garments can be snagged by them while they move. Lathe lead screw covers are an effective way to protect the operator from it. Made from self-roll up rolls, these tear and oil-resistant bands create a frontal segregation of the lathe mother screw and the advancing bars. When the longitudinal carriage moves, the two units self-roll and unroll, constantly segregating the lathe mother screw and the advancing bars.

A Safe Sanding

Sanding belt holder for lathes are another new and very interesting way of protecting your operators, as it prevents any entanglement with sandpaper during sanding, deburring or polishing operations on lathes part. Easy to use, this tool allows the operator to sand parts without using his hands, thus keeping hands away at a safe operating distance. By implementing a sanding belt holder for lathes, an employer can make a hands-on machine much safer for operators.

Safe Use

Another great way to prevent injuries when using a lathe is to make operators aware of the safe use of the machine. It will therefore be necessary to remind your employees to:

References

 

OSHA

Machine Safeguarding at the Point of Operation , A Guide for Finding Solutions to Machine Hazards
https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/2980.pdf

Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail

Machines à travailler les métaux - Tours
https://www.cchst.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/metalworking/lathes.html

IRSST

Dix machines dangereuses
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/media/magazines/V21_04/33-37.pdf
Entraîné dans un tour
http://www.irsst.qc.ca/media/magazines/V21_03/32.pdf

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