To remove gates and risers on smaller or medium-sized castings, or castings on runner bars or trees, the Fox® Air Float cut-off machine is an effective way to improve productivity without the obvious risks to operator safety and quality-control. The machine is well suited for processing castings that are too heavy for operators to handle, as the air float feature makes moving large weights almost effortless. Compressed air is used to “lift” the gondola, to allow the operator to “float” it around the table and use the laser guide to align the casting into the proper cutting position. Once in position, a vacuum holds it securely in position during cutting. The saw uses hydraulic down pressure to remove the risers and gating speedily and efficiently.
Fox grinding and cutting equipment are proven reliable, and are designed to work effectively in rugged, even dirty foundry environments. Beyond the precision of the design and the efficiency of the operation, Vulcan has incorporated several advanced safety features.
Rotary wheel guard. This design element allows a saw operator to move, re-align, and change castings safely without having to turn off the motor each time. The wheel guard technology includes sensors that are connected to a safety circuit. When pulling the handle down to start cutting the guard opens, allowing the operator to perform a cut.
Operator safety door. The operator safety door has a Lexan window with an easily replaceable Plexiglas splatter shield, so the operator is protected from debris while still being able to see the material being cut. The safety door is interlocked with the safety circuit allowing the saw to be operated only when it is closed.
Operator console with safety lockout key. When the operator has to change the cutting wheel, the system must be shut down. To ensure all operations are powered off or de-energized, a safety key is incorporated into both the console and the outer wheel guard. The safety key must be inserted into the dead bolt lock on the wheel guard to allow the guard to be opened to change the wheel. Once the wheel is changed and the guard properly closed, the key can be removed and inserted into the control console, allowing the saw to operate again.
E-stop functionality. There are three different E-Stop switches that can be used in this system. There are two push-button stops, one located on the operator console and the other on the electrical panel. The third option is an emergency kick-switch tied to the E-Stop system for quick, hands-free use.
All of the above features, as well as incorporating redundant safety shutoff valves with monitoring, make this one of the safest cut-offs on the market.
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