Modular machine guarding

The versatile modular aluminium profile system lends itself perfectly to the almost infinitely variable requirements for the safe operation of equipment.

While many machine and equipment manufacturers turn to the design and manufacturing services offered by Basingstoke based MiniTec an equally large number of end users turn to MiniTec to have the design, manufacture and installation of a machine guard or enclosure carried out by its team of experts.

The design engineers at Basingstoke can provide the customer with a comprehensive design specification, CAD drawings and installation instructions. Many customers also like to look at designing their own guard.

The MiniTec iCAD online tool is the comfortable way to select and configure the hardware of modular solutions. It comprehensively covers all planning and construction requirements. The combination of components and software enables the entire potential for rational, flexible and modern mechanical engineering to be tapped. In addition, another app available from MiniTec calculates the deflection of aluminium profile systems and linear slideways. It will calculate values for applications in both vertical and horizontal designs. The values for both load and length are stored until the application has been completed thus making a comparison of different profile systems quick and easy.

Assembly on site

Once a design concept has been agree with the client MiniTec will manufacture and assemble the guard or enclosure at the facility and once testing and approval of the guard is obtained, the customer can carry out the final installation themselves or MiniTec will provide this service.

At the heart of the MiniTec system is the Powerlock  fastening method which requires no specific preparation, pre-machining or special tools and uses standard off the shelf fasteners. The use of standard M8 fasteners reduces the cost of the overall package of profiles and locking system considerably compared with many other systems which incorporate brand specific locking systems. Thus the only tool required to set up or dismantle a system is an Allen Key.

This feature also means that should the guard or enclosure have to be dismantled and moved or modified then all of the existing parts could be re-used thus avoiding unwanted wastage of costly items.