Time Measuring Device

Features

• Easy to use in the field
• Portable; battery-operated
• Readout in stopping time or safety distance
• Handy carrying case
• Optional remote tachometer assembly
• Optional manual start switch set

The STM (stop-time measurement) device measures the time it takes a machine to stop after a signal is given. It is mainly used on reciprocating (stroking or cycling) machines, such as mechanical or hydraulic presses and press brakes. With optional accessories, it can also be used on machines that rotate, such as lathes, mills, and drills.

Industry uses this type of device to find the stopping time of a machine before installing safeguarding devices such as a two-hand control or a presence-sensing device. The stopping time measured by the STM device during the hazardous portion of the cycle is used in the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) or ANSI (American National Standards Institute) formulas to calculate the safety distance. The safety distance is then used to establish the location of the safeguarding device in relation to the nearest hazard. This device can also be used to periodically check the machine’s stopping time to ensure that the current safety distance corresponds to the current condition of the machine’s stopping ability.

This STM device is also used by federal and state OSHA compliance officers, insurance company loss-control engineers, and safety training personnel to determine if proper safety distances are being used for the existing safeguarding method.

The portable design makes the STM very easy to use. A programmed stop signal is provided, which releases or actuates a button or other operator-controlled device on the machine during the hazardous portion of the cycle. If a machine has a presence-sensing device, the plane of light can be interrupted with the furnished flag, which sends a signal to stop the machine.

When using this STM device, the display gives either the stopping time of the machine in milliseconds (thousandths of a second), or the calculated safety distance in inches. The safety distance is based on the hand speed constant of 63 inches (1.6 meters) per second. For mechanical power presses, the OSHA formula multiplies the hand speed constant by the stopping time of the machine at 90° of crankshaft rotation. When using this formula, the reaction time of either ergonomic (capacitive) palm buttons or a presence-sensing device should be added to the stopping time to calculate the proper safety distance.