Many years ago Machine Guard & Cover sent a sample guard to an OEM (original equipment manufacturer). It was well over a year before we were contacted about a potential order. One of our standard machine guards was ideal, with the addition of a bump on one end. With a standard standard flanged machine guard, we put a bump on the guard adding very little to the cost. We then added the company initials.
We were told by the buyer that we were not contacted sooner because the chief engineer was sure the plastic guards were too flimsy. To demonstrate, he took the sample machine guard and a sledge hammer out to the plant and hit it. When the plastic machine guard did not break, he hit it again. When it still didn’t break we got our first order.
Our plastic machine guards are not unbreakable, but they are pretty tough.