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With just 27 days left until the new Machinery Directive comes into force, there still seems to be some confusion among machine builders, system integrators and buyers of machinery as to what the implications are. Furthermore, it appears that a few suppliers of machinery safety products are also unclear about some aspects. While this short editorial cannot cover everything, I will try to offer some helpful pointers.
First, note the distinction between the new Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and the changes in machinery safety standards. It is little more than coincidence that the new Directive comes into force at almost the same time as EN 954-1 is superseded by EN ISO 13849-1 (but remember that EN (IEC) 62061 may be more appropriate in some cases). As for the status of EN 954-1, a decision is due to be announced within a week, so watch your inbox for a Newsflash from MachineBuilding.net with an update.
Changes to the Directive are wide-ranging and relate to the scope, partly completed machinery, fastenings for guards, conformity assessment and certification. There is also a new list of harmonised standards. Nobody is expecting the authorities to launch a clampdown when the new Directive and corresponding national Regulations some into force, but there are sound legal and commercial reasons for complying with the new requirements.
Plenty of companies and trade bodies are organising training courses and seminars or are publishing guidance. See, for example, the BARA item below, the announcement from Mitsubishi's about its Workshops and the revised machinery safety book from Laidler Associates. There is also a new edition of the MachineBuilding.net guidance that focuses on the new Machinery Directive.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
 Electro-hydraulic controller for multi-axis applications
Parker Hannifin is launching the Compax3F multi-axis electro-hydraulic controller with integrated PLC functionality and industrial Ethernet connectivity. More?
 Complete CANbus systems from concept to delivery
Sensor-Technik says it is unique in its ability to create complete CANbus systems from start to finish - including on-site commissioning and support. More?
 New Ondrives website for mechanical components
Simpler navigation and easier ordering are two of the key features of the new Ondrives website, which is packed with mechanical and power transmission components. More?
 TONiC incremental encoders with more resolution options
New versions of Renishaw's TONiC linear and rotary incremental encoders use standard readheads and interpolation interfaces to achieve resolutions of 1nm or 2nm. More?
 PCBs make products compatible with AS-i Safe
Designed for use with mechanical safety devices, these PCBs from IFM Electronic make it simple to add AS-i Safe compatibility . More?
EVENTS
 Plenty of interest for machine builders at MEDTEC 2010
MEDTEC, which takes place alongside Machine Building & Automation in April, includes PrecisionTec and a feature area for automation, assembly and robotics. More?
 BARA Machine Safety Conference, March 2010
This event will focus on the practical implementation of functional safety, with an overview of standards, legislation and the new Machinery Directive. More?
 Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Show 2010
Taking place in February, the show will have around 500 exhibitors offering a broad range of products and services, plus there are technical seminars. More?
SPONSORED ANNOUNCEMENTS
 Festo launches low-cost electric actuators type ELGR
Festo says its belt-driven units set a new price-performance standard, costing 65 per cent less than the EGC high-performance electromechanical axes. More?
 Geared motors and brake motors with additional protection
Lenze is offering three levels of additional protection so that its G-motion geared motors and brake motors can be used in harsh environments. More?
 Versatile range of low-cost gas monitors
Edinburgh Instruments' high-accuracy Guardian instruments sample, measure and display gas concentrations on a continuous basis. More?
 Automation products and services from a single source
Following recent additions to its portfolio, Pilz is now a one-stop supplier of products, systems and services for both machinery safety and general automation. More?
 Low-cost measurement of high temperatures in harsh environments
Micro-Epsilon says its new compact yet rugged infrared ratio temperature sensor is around half the price of competitive devices. More?
FEATURED PHOTO
 Getting the most out of micro controllers
A manufacturer of bioreactors is using four Mitsubishi Alpha micro controllers rather than a traditional PLC, with the Alphas linked to a Mitsubishi GT15 HMI. More?
DAILY DILBERT
A new Dilbert cartoon on MachineBuilding.net every day
Take a look at today's cartoon - and remember that you can scroll back through a month's worth of Dilbert, Wally, the Pointy-Haired Boss and other characters. More?
Jonathan Severn
Editor
Andrew Turner
Sales Manager
Telephone: +44 (0) 1483 560314 |
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