The Machinery Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 will replace the European Machinery Directive (EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC) on January 20, 2026. It establishes the general requirements for the safety of machinery throughout the entire European Economic Area. Key new elements include the consideration of cybersecurity, as well as expanded requirements for functional safety and its documentation.
The minimum requirements for the operation of machinery are set forth in the European Work Equipment Directive 2009/104/EC (Directive 2009/104/EC – use of work equipment). The directive is transposed into national regulations and laws in the individual EU member states.
The Principle of Stop Time Measurement
On machines with hazardous motion, the machine’s stop time is a critical factor for the use of protective devices. The stop time essentially determines the safety distance between the protective device and the hazard zone. This ensures that the machine reaches a safe state faster than the operator can reach the hazard zone.
The safetyman DT3 stop time measurement device determines the overrun time and distance. The entire measurement is completed within a few minutes, and an electrical connection to the machine is no longer necessary. The safety distance is calculated in accordance with European standards. The system essentially consists of a sensor, an actuator, and the measurement device.
The Actuator
… triggers a machine stop at a predetermined position (usually in the range of maximum speed) and thus simulates the activation of the safety device. The Auto-Hand actuator is an electromechanical device that directly triggers the machine’s safety device. An electrical connection to the machine control system is therefore no longer necessary. In addition, the overall stop time is measured, including all of the machine’s deceleration components.
The Sensor
… continuously measures the position and speed of the moving machine part. For linear movements, the sensor is typically a cable transducer. Rotating movements or continuous linear movements are measured using a friction wheel encoder.
The Measuring Device
… determines – via the sensor’s information – the stopping time and the stopping distance of the machine between the stopping signal and the machine’s standstill. The safety distance between the protective device and the danger point is calculated. All data of the protective device is taken into account and the valid European standards are considered. Multiple automatic measurements with statistical evaluation increase the precision. All measured values are documented with the aid of the printer or can be transferred to a computer system.
