Selecting the right safety fencing for automation, robotics, and industrial manufacturing projects.
As industrial automation continues to transform manufacturing, machine guarding has become more than a compliance requirement—it’s an essential part of protecting employees, maximizing productivity, and ensuring efficient workflows. Whether you’re building a new robotic cell or upgrading an existing automation line, selecting the right machine guarding fence can significantly impact safety, maintenance, and long-term operating costs.This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider before making your decision.
Selecting the correct fence height is essential for ensuring operator safety while maintaining easy access for maintenance and production.
The required height depends on several factors, including the robot’s reach, operating speed, potential hazards, and the minimum safety distance specified by applicable standards such as EN ISO 13857, EN ISO 14120, and CSA Z432-16.
| Fence Height | Recommended Applications |
|---|---|
| 1000 mm | Ideal for low-risk areas, equipment separation, AGV/AMR traffic lanes, and perimeter zoning where full-height protection is not required. |
| 2000 mm | The most popular choice for robotic cells, CNC machines, automated production lines, palletizing systems, and other applications requiring full personnel protection. |
| Custom Height | Designed for applications with unique safety requirements, oversized equipment, or project-specific layouts. Available upon request. |
One of the most common questions is whether to choose wire mesh panels or polycarbonate panels.
Wire mesh is the most widely used solution for industrial machine guarding because it offers:
It is ideal for:
Polycarbonate panels provide additional protection where operators need shielding from process hazards.
Recommended applications include:
Although polycarbonate systems generally cost more, they improve operator protection in demanding environments.
Many factories also combine wire mesh panels with polycarbonate panels within the same project to achieve the best balance between visibility and protection.
Modern factories are constantly evolving.
Production lines are relocated, robotic stations are upgraded, and new equipment is added every year.
A modular machine guarding system allows manufacturers to adapt quickly without replacing the entire fence.
Key benefits include:
Compared with traditional welded structures, modular guarding systems can reduce installation time by up to 30%, minimizing production downtime during installation.
Safe access is just as important as the fence itself.
The best door type depends on available space and production workflow.
Suitable for:
Recommended when floor space is limited.
Ideal for:
Recommended when maximum opening width is required while saving space.
Ideal for:
A machine guarding fence becomes significantly more effective when integrated with safety interlocks.
Safety interlocks communicate directly with the machine control system.
When a gate is opened:
This integration helps manufacturers comply with international safety standards while reducing the risk of accidental entry into hazardous zones.
Modern safety systems can also support:
The purchase price is only part of the overall investment.
Engineers should also evaluate:
A well-designed machine guarding system often delivers lower total project costs over its entire service life.
At BRIO, we design machine guarding systems for manufacturers, automation integrators, and industrial distributors worldwide.
Our solutions feature:
Whether you’re protecting a single robotic workstation or an entire automated production line, we help customers build safer, more efficient facilities.
Choosing the right machine guarding fence is about more than meeting safety regulations. The right solution improves productivity, reduces installation time, simplifies future upgrades, and lowers total operating costs.
If you’re planning a new automation project or upgrading an existing production line, selecting a modular, standards-compliant guarding system will provide long-term value for your facility.
Need help selecting the right solution? Contact BRIO today for expert advice and a customized machine guarding proposal.