In the realm of industrial machinery, understanding the concept of an unfinished machine is crucial. What is an unfinished machine? It is a component ready for integration but not yet a standalone product. Before incorporating it into your production line, specific steps must be taken to ensure it functions as part of a larger system.
Despite being functionally ready, an unfinished machine cannot be treated as a final product. According to the Machinery Directive and Regulation 2023/1230/EU, it requires integration into a larger system, which itself undergoes conformity assessment. The absence of CE marking indicates that it does not meet full requirements as an independent product but as a system component.
Table of Contents
Definition and Fundamentals
Under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, an unfinished machine is a set of components that is almost a machine but cannot independently perform a specific task. Such a subassembly, like a drive system, is intended for inclusion in a larger system or connection with another machine to create a complete operational setup.
In practice, this means that an unfinished machine is a fully functional element but does not operate independently. Only after integration with other components, such as within a production line, can it perform its tasks. An example is an industrial robot module, which does not function on its own but becomes a crucial part of the production process when integrated into the system.
Requirements for Unfinished Machines According to Directive 2006/42/EC
Directive 2006/42/EC clearly outlines the requirements for unfinished machines. Each unfinished machine must come with appropriate technical documentation and a declaration of incorporation, confirming its purpose for integration into another machine and its inability to operate independently. Unlike finished machines, it does not receive CE marking. However, it must meet all relevant safety requirements applicable to the machines it will be incorporated into.
The manufacturer of an unfinished machine must provide all necessary information enabling the user to correctly and safely incorporate the unfinished machine into a complete system. This includes assembly instructions, usage guidelines, and risk analyses associated with using the unfinished machine.
Application of Unfinished Machines in Industry
Unfinished machines find extensive application in various industrial sectors, especially where complex systems comprising multiple components are needed. Examples include production lines, internal transport systems, automated assembly systems, and industrial robotics.
For instance, in the automotive industry, an unfinished machine might be an assembly module that is part of a car production line. In the food industry, it could be an internal transport system that moves raw materials to different processing stations. Integrating such machines allows for flexible and efficient management of production processes.
Conformity Assessment of Unfinished Machines
The conformity assessment of unfinished machines ensures that the machine meets all safety and health requirements specified in Directive 2006/42/EC. This process includes risk analysis, design in accordance with safety principles, preparation of technical documentation, and conducting verification tests.
Risk analysis identifies potential hazards associated with the use of the unfinished machine and determines countermeasures to minimize these risks. Technical documentation must be precise and cover all aspects of the machine’s design and operation, as well as the results of conducted risk analyses.
Technical Documentation for Unfinished Machines
Technical documentation is an integral part of the conformity assessment process for unfinished machines. It should contain detailed information regarding the design, construction, and operation of the machine. The technical documentation includes technical drawings, electrical schematics, functionality descriptions, and risk analysis results.
The declaration of incorporation, part of the documentation, confirms that the unfinished machine is intended for incorporation into another machine and cannot operate independently. This documentation must be available to the user to enable proper integration of the machine into a complete system.
Purpose of the Concept
Flexibility in Design and Construction
The modular approach to machine building allows for the flexible creation of complex systems that can be adapted to changing production needs. This enables the rapid adoption of new technologies and modification of existing solutions without the need for complete reconstruction.
Standardization and Compliance with Standards
Each module must meet safety requirements and be properly documented. This facilitates later integration with larger production systems, ensuring safety and compliance with legal regulations.
Cost Optimization
Modules can be expanded in stages, allowing for better cost control and investment in the development of the production system as needs grow.
Examples of Unfinished Machines and Their Role in Production
Unfinished machines, often without their own control systems, are widely used in industry as key components of larger production systems. Here are some examples:
- Industrial Robots – do not perform operations on their own until integrated with appropriate tools like grippers or welders and a control system.
- Drive Systems – used in cranes and transport systems, requiring integration with other components to function.
- Packing Machines – if lacking their own control system, they must be integrated into a production line to perform packing functions.
- Transport Systems – e.g., conveyor belts, which must be synchronized with other devices in the plant through a central control system.
- Welding Arms – in steel factories, they operate only after being connected to control units and appropriate software managing the welding process.
- Assembly Manipulators – used in the automotive industry, must be integrated with the production line control system to perform precise assembly operations.
- Dispensing Machines – in the chemical or food industry, only after integration with the rest of the system can they accurately dispense ingredients.
- AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) – not autonomous on their own, require integration with a central warehouse logistics management system.
- Cooling Systems – often used in the food industry, must be integrated into a larger production environment control system.
- Mechanical Presses – require integration with safety and control systems to meet operational and safety requirements on the production line.
Unfinished machines allow for a modular approach to building production lines, enabling flexibility, cost optimization, and adaptation to changing production needs. Only after their integration into a complete system does the whole meet legal requirements and can operate as intended.
When is a Machine Considered Unfinished?
A machine is considered unfinished when it cannot independently perform its functions and is intended for incorporation into another machine or connection with another machine. It is essential that this machine has the appropriate technical documentation and declaration of incorporation, confirming its purpose.
Basic Criteria for Evaluating Unfinished Machines
The basic criteria for evaluating unfinished machines include risk analysis, assessment of compliance with safety requirements, and preparation of appropriate technical documentation. This process is crucial to ensure that the machine meets all necessary requirements and can be safely integrated into another system.
What Documents are Required for Unfinished Machines?
The documents required for unfinished machines include technical documentation, a declaration of incorporation, and assembly and usage instructions. The technical documentation should contain detailed information about the design, construction, and operation of the machine, as well as the results of risk analyses.
Differences Between a Finished and Unfinished Machine
The differences between a finished and an unfinished machine mainly lie in their intended use and ability to operate independently. A finished machine is ready for independent use, while the latter must be incorporated into another machine or connected with another machine to perform its functions.
Process of Conformity Assessment for Unfinished Machines
The process of conformity assessment for unfinished machines involves several steps, starting from risk analysis, through design and preparation of technical documentation, to final tests and verification. Each of these steps is crucial to ensure that the unfinished machine meets all relevant safety requirements.
Legal Regulations
Legal regulations concerning unfinished machines are clearly defined in Directive 2006/42/EC. This directive imposes obligations on manufacturers to provide technical documentation, a declaration of incorporation, and conduct risk analysis. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to ensure the safety and compliance of unfinished machines with legal requirements.
Legal Responsibility of the Unfinished Machine Manufacturer and the Industrial Automation Integrator
The legal responsibility of the unfinished machine manufacturer and the industrial automation integrator is an important aspect related to the introduction and operation of machines in the industry.
Unfinished Machine Manufacturer: The manufacturer must ensure that their product meets all essential requirements specified in Directive 2006/42/EC. The manufacturer must provide complete technical documentation, including risk analysis, technical drawings, electrical schematics, and a declaration of incorporation. The declaration should clearly indicate that the unfinished machine is intended for incorporation into another machine and cannot operate independently. The manufacturer is also responsible for ensuring that it does not pose a health and safety risk when used as intended and incorporated into a complete machine.
Industrial Automation Integrator: The industrial automation integrator assumes responsibility for the final product. The integrator must conduct a full conformity assessment with the Machinery Directive and other applicable regulations. This process includes risk assessment, safety verification, and ensuring that all system components are integrated safely and effectively.
The integrator must also ensure the CE marking of the entire integrated system and prepare the EC declaration of conformity, confirming that the complete system meets all requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC. The integrator’s responsibility also includes providing complete technical documentation, containing information about all system components, their integration, and safety procedures.
In practice, this means that while the unfinished machine manufacturer is responsible for providing a safe and compliant component, the integrator is responsible for the correct assembly and functioning of the entire system. This includes both technical and legal aspects related to safety and compliance with regulations. In case of any safety or compliance issues, responsibility may be shared between the manufacturer and the integrator, depending on the nature and cause of the problem.
References
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC on the official EU website.
Unfinished Machine: FAQ
It is a device that cannot operate independently and requires integration with other machines to meet the requirements of the Machinery Directive or machinery regulation.
They must provide a declaration of incorporation and technical documentation. An unfinished machine does not receive a CE mark but is part of a system that undergoes conformity assessment.
When it cannot operate without further integration with other elements in a system compliant with the Machinery Directive or machinery regulation.
Yes, but it cannot be used independently. It can only function within a system that meets the requirements of the directive or regulation.
A finished machine meets all the requirements of the directive or regulation, while an unfinished machine requires further integration into a system that undergoes conformity assessment.