CE marking for a machine is essential to ensure it complies with European regulations and is safe for use. In this guide, we explain step-by-step how CE marking for a machine is carried out, ensuring you can operate with total safety and without complications.
What is CE marking and why is it mandatory?
CE marking is like the passport machines need to circulate freely in Europe, guaranteeing they are safe for use.
This seal confirms that the equipment:
- Provides confidence to both manufacturers and customers by guaranteeing product quality and safety.
- Complies with European regulations regarding safety, health, and the environment.
- Is mandatory for all machines marketed within the European Union.
Directive 2006/42/EC and Harmonized Standards: What are they?
Imagine you are building a robot with your friends. There are rules to ensure that robot is safe and works well, right? The same thing happens in Europe with all the machines we use, such as elevators, cranes, or industrial robots. These rules are found in Directive 2006/42/EC, and harmonized standards help to comply with them. Let me explain it simply!
Directive 2006/42/EC: The Basic Rules
- What is the aim of this directive?
- To ensure that machines are not dangerous for people.
- To ensure they can be sold in any European country without issues.
- Which machines are included?
- Industrial robots, conveyor belts, cranes, elevators… and many more!
- How do you know if a machine complies with these rules?
- It bears a seal called CE marking. It is like an “approved” label: “I am safe and ready to use!”
Harmonized Standards: Practical Guides
- What are harmonized standards?
- They are technical rules that explain how to design machines.
- For example, there are specific standards such as:
- EN ISO 12100: How to prevent machines from being dangerous.
- EN 60204-1: How to ensure electrical parts are safe.
- Are they mandatory?
- No, but if you use them, it is easier to demonstrate that the machine is safe and complies with the rules.
- Practical example:
- If a manufacturer follows these standards when building a conveyor belt, they can sell it throughout Europe faster because they already know it complies with the directive.
Why is all this important?
Imagine you are riding a roller coaster. These rules ensure it is well-constructed so that it is both fun and safe. Harmonized standards help manufacturers create safe, high-quality machines for everyone.
How to Obtain CE Marking for a Machine in 5 Steps
Step 1: Identification of Legal Requirements
The first step is to know exactly which directives and standards apply to your machine. In the case of machinery, Directive 2006/42/EC is the primary one, but there may be others related to electricity, noise, or hazardous substances.
Step 2: Risk Assessment
- We analyze all possible risks of the machine and define the necessary measures to prevent them.
- This includes: Mechanical, electrical, and ergonomic hazards.
- Creation of a detailed report on how those risks have been eliminated or reduced.
Step 3: Creation of the Technical File
This document gathers all the technical information of the machine, including:
- Blueprints and diagrams.
- Instruction manuals.
- Results of tests and trials performed.
Step 4: Declaration of Conformity
The declaration of conformity is the official document where the manufacturer states that the machine complies with all applicable regulations. It is an essential requirement to complete the CE marking.
Step 5: Placement of the CE Plate
Finally, the CE label is placed in a visible location on the machine, indicating that it complies with regulations and is ready for commercialization.
Adapting Existing Machines to CE Marking
BAMA Sistemas helps companies update machines that do not yet comply with European regulations. From safety system modernizations to the generation of technical documentation, we adapt your equipment to be 100% certified.
Example: We have certified old production lines in sectors such as automotive and food, updating them according to the latest regulations.
All our automated machines feature CE marking
Custom Design Complying with European Regulations
We create specific solutions adapted to each client, always aligned with directives and harmonized standards.
Testing and Trials to Guarantee Safety
We perform all necessary tests to ensure our machines are safe and meet the standards required in Europe.
Benefits of Obtaining CE Marking with BAMA Sistemas
- Access to the European market without legal barriers.
- Increased safety for users and customer confidence.
- Reduction of legal risks, avoiding sanctions or future problems.
Why Choose BAMA Sistemas for CE Marking
- Extensive experience certifying machinery for different sectors.
- Comprehensive services: from risk analysis to the placement of the CE plate.
- We guarantee regulatory compliance for both new machinery and existing equipment.
Do you need to certify your machine with CE marking?
At BAMA Sistemas, we are experts in every step of the process.
We hope you found this article of interest.
Contact us now to receive a no-obligation consultation and ensure the certification of your machines with total peace of mind.