Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Catalogs

You can place orders over the phone (1-800-922-7533 or 815-874-7891), fax (815-874-6144), e-mail a copy of a purchase order to [email protected], or shop online. Q. Do you take credit card purchases? Yes, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American

Yes, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express credit cards.

To get one of our many catalogs, use our catalog page to see a list of catalogs and view them online. You can also call our sales staff at 1-800-922-7533 or 815-874-7891, check the appropriate boxes on our contact us page, or e-mail us at [email protected]. If you request printed catalogs, they will be sent to you FREE of charge!

Dies & Die Safety Blocks

According to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.217 (Mechanical Power Presses), the “employer shall provide and enforce the use of safety blocks whenever dies are being adjusted or repaired in the press .”

First, you need to determine the static load of your upper die. This is the non-powered resting weight of your upper die. Based on your static load (in tons), we can find a die safety block, or combination of blocks that will work for your application.

Stamped: UPPER die weight
Stamped: COMPLETE die weight
Stamped or records available: TONNAGE and STROKE

Choosing Safeguards

Before selecting a safeguarding method, a risk assessment and/or machine safeguarding assessment of the machinery or equipment must take place. This will help you make the best safeguarding decision based on condition of a machine, operation of a machine, and how a machine is used within a production processes.

When safeguarding the point of operation on a hydraulic press brake, or any metal-fabricating machine, a guard or device must be used to protect the operator from the point-of-operation hazard. Remember, the sides and back of the point of operation must also be safeguarded to protect the operator and other employees in the area.

A guard is a barrier that prevents access into the point of operation. A device is any method that prevents and/or a normal machine cycle, restrains the operator from inadvertently reaching into the point of operation, or automatically withdraws the operator’s hands if they are within the point of operation as the dies close.

The basic safety requirements for cutting and turning machines are properly applied shields, controls (e-stops), disconnects, starters, covers, and other considerations (such as safety switches or electronic motor brakes).

You will need to determine the size of your chuck, quill, and the stroke of your drill press. Then you can choose one of our PROTECTOR Series Shields, heavy-duty aluminum drill shields, telescoping drill shields, or an appropriate safety chip shield.

You will need to determine the diameter of the chuck with the jaws fully extended. Then you can choose a style of properly-sized lathe chuck shield to fit your application. Remember to choose a mounting bracket for certain models, as they may be sold separately.

We take a universal approach with our shields because there are so many different types of machines in the manufacturing environment. We offer a variety of safety shields and are confident that you will find one that works for you.

If the two-hand control is used as your point-of-operation safeguard, it must be secured to the floor and be at the proper safety distance.

General Safeguarding Questions

  • Turn on the power to the press.
  • Initiate a cycle using the normal method (hand or foot actuator).
  • Immediately release the actuating means.
  • If the press cycles and returns to the top before stopping, it is a full-revolution press.
  • If the press stops mid-cycle, it is a part-revolution press.
  • Turn off the power to the machine at the disconnect or unplug it from the outlet.
  • Let the motor ramp down to a complete stop.
  • Turn the power back on.
  • If the machine starts, you DO-NOT have drop-out protection.

We only have STM units available for purchase. Contact our Customer Service department for information about services offered for on-site STM readings.

Toggle ContNo, PSDI is permitted on hydraulic presses but not mechanical power presses.ent

Hand-feeding tools are not a point-of-operation safeguard or protection device, and may be used only as a complimentary device to hand feed and remove parts from a mechanical power press.

Function testing should be performed at every setup, operator and shift change, as well as every time after maintenance is performed. A function-testing checklist can be used to perform this task.