3 Steps to a Safe Machine Retrofit – with Support from MOWOTAS

How do I find the right safety guard? What needs to be considered beforehand?

MOWOTAS GmbH offers a wide range of robust safety guards for retrofitting older machine tools to meet modern safety standards. The most common requests are for lathes, drilling and milling machines – although we also manufacture custom solutions, of course.

To ensure a smooth process during both the needs assessment and the later installation, it is important to clarify a few key points in advance.

The process must be safe – but also practical for everyone!

We understand that many machine operators are sceptical when it comes to retrofitting equipment with safety devices. This is entirely understandable, as enhanced safety often comes with certain operational limitations. That’s precisely why we recommend involving the operators in the process and listening to their feedback.

Even if the implementation itself is non-negotiable, engaging in open dialogue helps identify potential obstacles early and increases overall acceptance. The aim should not only be to retrofit a machine in compliance with regulations – but also to prevent unsafe tampering in the future!

Measure the machine and align requirements

Now it’s time to look at each individual machine tool: What exactly is missing? How large does the guard need to be? And what happens to the vice once the enclosure is mounted on the table?

One thing is clear: when selecting the appropriate safety guard, the specific characteristics of the machine must be taken into account – including its dimensions, intended use and existing safety features. To avoid misunderstandings and streamline coordination, we’ve created detailed checklists. These are a helpful tool not only for your own planning and measurements, but also for our technical sales advisors when supporting you with any questions.

Order online or request our all-inclusive service

Once you’ve determined your needs and successfully brought your team on board, you have two options. You can either visit our online shop for machine safety and order the appropriate product directly. This is particularly cost-effective if you have an in-house electrician and can carry out the installation yourself.

If you're unsure about selecting the right guard or handling the installation, please contact our customer service team. We’ll provide you with a tailored offer that includes the required safety equipment, an on-site machine assessment, and professional installation by our long-standing assembly partner. MOWOTAS manages the entire process for you – giving you a single point of contact throughout the project.

Author: Manuel Müller (Head of Sales, MOWOTAS GmbH)
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