Unitrol SOFT TOUCH Pinch-Point Safety System for Riveters

Please note this item has an extended lead time (about 4 weeks). Please call for installation quote if interested in Rockford Systems installation.

The SOFT TOUCH Pinch-Point Safety System is the first and only fully passive safeguarding equipment designed to prevent a pneumatic riveter, welder or other small machine from applying full force if it detects fingers in the machine’s point-of-operation area. SOFT TOUCH prevents hand injuries and eliminates associated expenses such as hospitalization, lost days of work, higher insurance premiums and legal action. It does all this while not slowing down manufacturing operations. OSHA-compliant SOFT TOUCH technology will take you from pinch-point to pinch-proof without losing a minute of productivity.

Unique to the industry, the SOFT TOUCH measures electrical continuity between electrodes to verify they are actually touching the part to be welded and not the operator’s fingers. If anything other than metal is present between the electrodes, their sensors will not detect continuity and the electrodes will open automatically. This simple step prevents the machine from delivering high-pressure riveting or welding force onto the operator’s fingers. In addition, a display instantly warns the operator of the danger. SOFT TOUCH has proven far more effective than traditional safeguarding methods such as ring guards or light curtains. In fact, thousands of SOFT TOUCH systems have been installed around the world with a 100% safety record.

When continuity is detected between the electrodes meaning only metal is present – full riveting force is applied and operations proceed normally without delay. No time-consuming operator adjustments are required. Also, SOFT TOUCH will automatically compensate for any changes in transformer tap switch position or line voltage shifts, preventing production from being abruptly stopped.

As with all safeguarding equipment, proper installation is critical. The experienced safeguarding professionals at Rockford Systems can install your SOFT TOUCH system and train your operators on its safe use (call for Installation quote).

Options
All options shown below can be ordered with the SOFT TOUCH system (sold separately). They can also be easily added later in the field without modification of the control.
1. Retract Kit to be used on all resistance welders that have a RETRACT (Hi-Lift) function
2. Timed Bypass Switch for use with poor-conductive material
3. Limit Switch for use with poor-conductive material or for redundant sensors
4. Pressure Regulator Kit

Compliance
Developed in combination with OSHA an guaranteed to be in compliance –
OSHA 1910.212(a) General Machinery
OSHA 1910.255(b)(4) Resistance Welding Machines
OSHA 1910.217(c)(3)(iii) Presence Sensing Point of Operation Device
ANSI B11.19-2010 (8.7) (Safeguarding Methods Standard)
ANSI B154.1-1995 (Rivet Setting Equipment)

Warranty
SOFT TOUCH is covered under a limited 5-year prorated warranty. Please refer to the product manual for more information on the warranty.

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