Safety Precautions for the Use of Hoses of Toshiba Injection Molding Machines
* For auxiliary equipment (e.g. Hydraulic core puller, Hydraulic valve gate)
(1) Do not touch or look into any hose or metal fitting during pressurization.
If a hose or metal fitting is broken, it may cause injuries such as burns, and in addition it may cause the fluid to soak into the skin and damage biomedical tissue. If it is imperative for operators to touch products while working, mount a protective cover made of a strong enough resin on that section in order to provide a clearance.
(2) Do not damage hoses.
If the external layer of a hose is damaged and its reinforced layer is exposed (external damage), the reinforced layer is damaged (e.g., corrosion) by moisture soaking in through the damaged area, and the hose will burst at an early stage of its life. If external damage is detected on a hose, replace it with a new one.
(3) Do not twist or pull hoses.
If a hose is pressurized while it is twisted or pulled, it may burst at an area near the metal fitting. If a deformed hose is detected, replace it with a new one.
(4) Do not kink hoses. (Do not deform them.)
If a hose is kinked or deformed, the withstanding pressure of the hose decreases, causing the hose to burst, the fluid to leak out at the connection of the mouthpiece, or the mouthpiece to come off. If a kinked or deformed hose is detected, replace it with a new one.
(5) Do not distribute power.
Power distribution may cause a hose breakage or electric shock. To avoid a hazardous situation, do not distribute power.
(6) Use an appropriate fluid.
If an inappropriate fluid is used, the inner tube and reinforced layer will deteriorate due to the inappropriate fluid. The deterioration causes the hose to burst or the mouthpiece to come off. To avoid a hazardous situation, do not use an inappropriate fluid.
(7) Do not apply an external force such as excess vibration to hoses.
If hoses are used with excess vibration or an external force applied, a fatigue crack initiates on the surface of the assembly hose mouthpiece or adapter. Fatigue crack initiation may cause the fluid to leak or the mouthpiece to come off at an early stage of its life. To avoid a hazardous situation, do not apply an external force such as excess vibration to hoses.
(8) Use hoses within the applicable temperature range.
If a hose is used at a temperature over the applicable temperature limit, the withstanding pressure of the hose decreases, causing the hose to burst, the fluid to leak out at the connection of the mouthpiece, or the mouthpiece to come off. To avoid a hazardous situation, always use hoses within the applicable temperature range.
(9) Do not use hoses while immersed in water or any other liquid.
If assembly hoses are used while immersed in water or any other liquid, an external pressure is applied, and fluid transmission accelerates, which may significantly degrade the performance of assembly hoses. This is because the reinforced layer is damaged by the transmitted fluid or because the fluid soaks in through the clamp location. To avoid any trouble, do not use hoses while immersed in water or any other liquid.
(10) Do not repair or tamper with hoses.
A hose that is already used, externally damaged or deformed does not function as defined in the specifications. Do not repair or tamper with the hose to use it again. Use of such a hose is dangerous. Replace it with a new one.
(11) Maintenance and inspection
Before starting to work, check for abnormalities such as hose damage, hose swelling (external-layer swelling), reinforced-layer exposure (external damage), kinking (deformation), and leaking at the connection with a joint. If any of these symptoms is detected, immediately change to a new hose to avoid a hazardous situation.
