AME, SITEMA launch KSE electronic safety brake

Rockford, Illinois-based Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME), a provider of precision machinery and engineering services, recently announced a new product in its rod locks and press safety division.

German safety brake and clamp provider SITEMA recently introduced its KSE electronic safety brake, which is designed to secure suspended loads in linear motion manufacturing applications without the need for pneumatics or hydraulics.

Engineered for high-performance automation environments, the KSE is purpose-built for safety-critical applications. It provides failsafe load securing in the event of power loss and is ideal for gantry systems, pick-and-place units, part elevators, conveyor systems, stamping machines, and other equipment with vertical-axis fall risks. 

The KSE is now available for integration into new equipment designs and retrofits. 

SITEMA slide locks meet OSHA directive

Hydraulic, mechanical, and power press-stopping devices are referred to by OSHA as slide locks, which are energy-isolating devices designed to mechanically engage and support the maximum anticipated load on a power-press.

The potential risk of a power loss gravity fall - where a multi-ton platen can come crashing down - poses a severe threat to operators and can cause irreparable damage to machinery and tooling. To address this concern, regulatory bodies require the installation of safety devices by press manufacturers, while end users are responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

In Canada and across Europe, the use of a press safety catcher is compulsory. In the United States, regulatory standards currently allow for alternatives including swinging devices or ram blocks. 

While these methods serve as safety measures, AME said they have limitations compared to the safety catcher. A safety catcher can engage at any point along the travel stroke of the platen. A blocking device can only prevent a crash when the platen is positioned above the blocking component. 

SITEMA safety catchers have been evaluated according to OSHA Directive CPL 02-01-043. OSHA has determined that the SITEMA safety catcher meets all of the requirements of the directive.

As the exclusive partner of SITEMA since 1992, AME said it has implemented thousands of SITEMA safety catchers in press applications throughout North America.

Flexible, failsafe KSE design for automation systems

Traditional braking systems have relied on pneumatic actuation. The KSE replaces this with a purely electric, normally closed design, offering reliable emergency braking while simplifying integration into modern, fully electric automation platforms. 

“The KSE is a foundational component for the next generation of safe, efficient automation systems,” said Shane Hatfield, AME business development leader. “As the industry embraces electrification, we’re proud to offer a solution that meets rising safety demands without compromising performance.” 

Key Product Features: 

• Secures suspended loads up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms)
• Failsafe activation - engages automatically during power failure
• Only ~10 Watt power draw to maintain open state
• Equipped with state monitoring via proximity switches
• Flexible installation for various linear motion setups
• Designed for purely electric machine architectures
• Patented safety and energy management systems

AME said the KSE electronic rod lock is not a cost-saving substitute - it’s a premium safety system for OEMs and system integrators who value dependability, long-term efficiency, and operator protection. It can bring SITEMA’s clamping technology into the electric era, delivering both performance and peace of mind.