Marshfield High School InvenTeam

Marshfield, Massachusetts
2018-2019

The Marshfield High School InvenTeam invented an after-market safety device for academic-use bandsaws. The device contains multiple training and alert features to ensure no one is cut by a bandsaw blade. A red laser line is always on and colinear with the bandsaw blade to show the path of the blade on the bandsaw table. An ultrasonic guard height monitor measures the distance between the guard and workpiece and ensures a guard between 1/16” and 1/4” before the bandsaw can turn on. An infrared camera determines the position and acceleration of the operator’s hands relative to the blade. Multi-stage proximity warnings audibly alert the user if their hand is in danger. When the proximity sensor determines the user is in serious risk due to distance from the blade and acceleration, the system turns off the bandsaw with a MAKESafe™ brake and drops a physical barrier between the hand and blade.