Modular Guarding
ARK Automation supplies modular machine guarding panels for industrial machinery, robotic cells, automation equipment, conveyors, production areas, and other applications that require a physical barrier between workers and equipment.
These steel guarding panels form the primary barrier within ARK’s modular machine guarding system and can be combined with posts, gates, brackets, and other components to create perimeter guarding around many different equipment layouts.
For exact dimension values, please refer to the table below.
Machine guarding panels are commonly used to create a physical separation between personnel and machinery, moving equipment, robotic work areas, or other controlled zones.
Because ARK’s guarding system is modular, individual panels can be installed, removed, or reconfigured without requiring a completely welded enclosure. This can make the system easier to adapt when equipment moves, production cells change, or additional access points are required.
Common applications include:
Visit our machine guarding applications page for additional examples of guarding used around industrial equipment.
ARK Automation modular guarding panels are available in standard widths ranging from 300 mm to 3000 mm, giving designers flexibility when laying out a machine enclosure or perimeter guarding system.
The primary panel dimensions are:
The product table below provides the current part numbers, widths, heights, panel styles, and weld screen colour options. Refer to the table for exact dimensional information when selecting a panel.
Different applications may require different levels of visibility, separation, and process protection. ARK’s current panel product range includes multiple panel configurations.
Available options include:
Weld screen options can provide additional screening where welding or similar processes are present, while Lexan can be useful where a more enclosed barrier is required without completely eliminating visibility.
For applications that require a different material, shape, or configuration, ARK also offers custom machine guarding panels.
ARK Automation’s standard steel guarding panels are designed for industrial environments and use a formed-angle steel frame with welded wire mesh.
Current panel construction specifications include:
All panel material is powder coated. The standard formed-angle frame is yellow and the welded wire mesh is black. Custom frame colours are also available, while nuts, bolts, and clips are zinc plated.
ARK Automation offers several panel types so the guarding layout can be adapted to the machinery rather than forcing every opening to match a standard size.
Standard panels are the primary choice where one of the regular panel widths fits the guarding layout.
Adjustable panels can help fill spaces where the required width falls between standard panel sizes while maintaining a conventional rectangular shape.
Custom panels are better suited to irregular equipment layouts, obstacles, openings, changes in elevation, or other situations that require a specialized panel shape.
Using these panel types together can help create a cleaner enclosure around complex equipment without making every section of the guarding system custom.
Panels are only one component of a complete modular guarding system. They are installed alongside guarding posts and can be combined with brackets and different gate configurations to create planned access points around the equipment.
Depending on the application, access can be provided using hinge gates, slide gates, vertical gates, bi-fold gates, or larger total-access configurations. The gate type should be selected based on opening width, available space, operator workflow, maintenance requirements, and how frequently the guarded area needs to be accessed.
A good guarding layout should consider the machinery and workflow as a complete system rather than simply surrounding the equipment with panels.
Before selecting panels, it is helpful to consider:
Drawings, CAD files, equipment dimensions, photographs, and layout sketches can help ARK Automation review the application and identify appropriate panel sizes and components.
Guarding panels should be positioned as part of the overall machine safeguarding strategy and based on the hazards of the specific equipment.
In Ontario, Ontario Regulation 851 for Industrial Establishments requires exposed moving parts and other specified machine hazards to be equipped with a guard or other device that prevents worker access to the hazard.
The appropriate panel location, height, openings, access points, and other safeguarding measures therefore depend on the machine, hazard assessment, operator interaction, and applicable safety requirements.
Additional safety devices such as light curtains, safety relays, or programmable safety controllers may also form part of the overall safeguarding system where required.
For additional planning considerations, see ARK Automation’s guide to machine guarding standards and ANSI considerations.
To download the Catalogue Page, click on the link below:
Learn more about modular machine guarding panels, available sizes and materials, panel construction, customization options, and what to consider when planning an industrial guarding system.
Machine guarding panels are physical barriers used to help separate workers from machinery, robotic cells, conveyors, and other industrial equipment. Panels are installed with posts, gates, brackets, and other components to create a complete modular guarding system.
ARK Automation standard guarding panels are available in widths ranging from 300 mm to 3000 mm. Refer to the product table on this page for the current part numbers, exact widths, heights, and available panel styles.
ARK’s current panel range includes 1×1 welded wire mesh, 2×2 welded wire mesh, Lexan, and weld screen configurations. Additional custom panel options are available for applications that require specialized materials, dimensions, or shapes.
Standard panels use a 38 mm x 38 mm formed-angle steel frame made from 3.1 mm material. The welded wire mesh uses 4.0 mm wire with 46.8 mm mesh openings. Panels are assembled with specially designed corner brackets, and the mesh is secured using specialized clips.
Yes. ARK Automation’s panel material is powder coated for industrial use. Standard frames are powder coated yellow and welded wire mesh is powder coated black. Custom frame colours are also available, while nuts, bolts, and clips are zinc plated.
A standard panel has a predefined width, while an adjustable panel can help accommodate an opening that falls between regular panel sizes. Adjustable panels are useful where the required section is still rectangular but does not match a standard width.
A custom panel may be appropriate when the guarding needs to fit around machinery, structural obstacles, openings, changes in elevation, or other irregular features that cannot be handled with a conventional rectangular panel.
ARK’s modular guarding system is designed so individual components can be removed or reconfigured more easily than a permanently welded enclosure. However, maintenance access and any removal of guarding should be planned according to the machine’s safety procedures, hazardous energy controls, and applicable workplace requirements.
Yes. Modular panels are commonly used to create perimeter guarding around robotic and automated cells. The overall guarding layout should account for the robot or machinery hazards, safety distances, access points, operating envelope, and any required interlocking or safety devices.
Panel selection depends on the equipment dimensions, hazard location, available floor space, required safety distance, access points, surrounding guarding layout, and applicable safety requirements. A risk assessment and equipment layout should be reviewed before finalizing panel dimensions.
Helpful information includes the dimensions of the equipment and guarding area, required panel height, approximate panel widths, gate locations, access requirements, preferred panel style, and any unusual spaces or obstacles. Drawings, CAD files, photos, and layout sketches can also help ARK Automation identify appropriate components.
Need help choosing panels for your machine guarding system, robotic cell, conveyor, production area, or industrial equipment? Contact ARK Automation to discuss your guarding dimensions, panel sizes, material options, access requirements, and related components. You can also upload related files, drawings, layouts, or product lists using the form below.
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