Product category:
Machine Safety Components
News Release from: Mechan Controls | Subject: Noncontact safety switches
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 September 2005
Bespoke safety switches delivered in
record time
Mechan Controls has recently designed and produced 100 specially developed noncontact safety switches for the Cheshire based heat-sealing machinery specialist ProSeal UK.
British safety switch manufacturer Mechan Controls has recently designed and produced 100 specially developed noncontact safety switches for the Cheshire based heat-sealing machinery specialist ProSeal UK ProSeal encountered Mechan at the North West Engineering Show in Bolton
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 27 Aug 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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ProSeal's Electrical Manager, Andy Gray, was looking for a magnetic safety switch similar to Mechan's well proven Magnasafe MS6 - a tough, IP67 rated stainless steel safety switch from the Magnasafe range.
In addition, however, he specified that the switch should have three contacts rather than the standard two, that it would operate on three faces, and that it would need a bigger switching distance.
Gray discussed the project on the exhibition stand with Mechan's Technical Director, Mabruk Farrah, who promised a prototype sample for the following Friday - a period of just eight days.
Further reading
Safety switch has electronic codes
The Mechan SSS is a noncontact safety switch that is operated by an electronically coded actuator.
Safety switch features stainless protection
Manufacturers who are frustrated by frequent stoppages due to damaged safety switches could find a reliable solution in the form of the new stainless-steel MS-6 from Mechan Controls.
Mechan duly delivered the sample on time and, after further discussions, ProSeal requested the addition of a quick disconnect facility and an even greater switching distance.
The following week, Mechan supplied a second prototype which was immediately installed on one of ProSeal's heat-seal machines in order for it to be tested under the most exacting conditions.
The prototype worked well and, on the basis of its performance, Pro-Seal placed an order for 100 units.
Mechan Controls then began production of the switches, incorporating a few minor technical modifications requested by the client, and delivered them on time ready for installation in July 2005.
"ProSeal's heat sealing systems are used in some of the food industry's most demanding environments, and by the most demanding customers", said Gray.
"We design, manufacture and assemble all our own equipment, so reliability and product quality are absolutely essential".
"That's why, when we decided that we needed a new safety switch system, only a customised solution would suffice".
"Mechan's MS6 had a good record in the food and packaging industries, so we used this as the starting point, and then we worked very closely together to produce a solid and dependable product that I'm sure will serve us very well".
Like the conventional MS6, ProSeal's new switches are easy to install, tolerant to misalignment and feature a robust stainless steel housing.
They are suitable for use in washdown applications and, in common with all Mechan products, they comply with the relevant EU standards, including the Machinery Directive and CE marking requirements.
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