EN 12417, “Machine tools – Safety – Machining centres”, sets the safety measures for the design of numerically controlled machining centres with automatic tool change. It deals with ejected parts and tools, moving axes, the tool magazine, swarf and cutting fluid. For CE marking of a machining centre it is the machine-specific basis.
Let us take care of EN 12417 testing and the CE marking of your machine together; CE Danışmanı (CE Consultant) manages the whole process.
EN 12417 at a glance
| Edition cited in the EU Official Journal | EN 12417:2001+A2:2009 |
|---|---|
| Official title | Machine tools – Safety – Machining centres |
| Legislation supported | Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC; from 20 January 2027 Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 |
| Type of standard | Type C standard |
Which machines are covered?
The standard applies to machining centres that can mill, drill, tap and bore in one set-up and change tools automatically from a magazine. Typical examples:
- Vertical and horizontal machining centres
- Multi-axis machining centres with rotary table or swivel head
- Machining centres with pallet changer
- Machines supplied with swarf conveyor and workpiece loading equipment
Lathes and turning centres belong to EN ISO 23125, not to this standard.
Main requirements of the standard
- Enclosure of the work zone: In automatic operation the machining area is enclosed by fixed guards and interlocked movable guards; hazardous movement cannot start with a guard open.
- Resistance to ejection: Guards and vision panels are chosen to withstand the impact of a broken tool or a released workpiece.
- Modes of operation: Automatic and setting modes are separated by a lockable mode selector; in setting mode movements run at reduced speed with hold-to-run control or an enabling device.
- Tool magazine and tool changer: Access to the magazine is restricted by guards, and magazine movement is controlled during manual tool loading.
- Pallet and workpiece changing: Crushing and trapping of the operator by the moving pallet is prevented at the loading station.
- Workpiece and tool clamping: Loss of clamping energy is monitored; the spindle does not run without clamping.
- Safety-related control functions: A reliability level is set for functions such as interlocking, speed limitation and emergency stop.
- Swarf, cutting fluid, noise and information for use: Danger points of the swarf conveyor are guarded, measures are taken against splashing, mist and fire, noise emission is declared and the instructions describe modes, residual risks and maintenance.
EN 12417 verification checks
For each requirement the standard states the method of verification: visual inspection, functional test, measurement, calculation or document review.
| Test or check | What is verified? |
|---|---|
| Guard and interlock check | The automatic cycle does not start with a guard open and the interlock cannot be defeated easily |
| Mode selection test | Only the intended limited movements are possible in setting mode |
| Emergency stop and stopping behaviour | Axes and spindle come to a safe stop |
| Clamping monitoring test | The spindle does not run when clamping pressure or force is lost |
| Electrical verification | Continuity of the protective bonding circuit, insulation resistance and voltage test |
| Noise measurement | Sound pressure level at the operator position and, where required, sound power level |
Place in the CE marking process
- Risk assessment: The hazards of the machine are identified within EN ISO 12100; the hazard list of EN 12417 is the starting point.
- Design: Guards, modes of operation and the control system are designed to the requirements of the standard.
- Verification and testing: Functional tests, electrical measurements and noise measurement are carried out on the machine.
- Technical file: Test reports, diagrams, the list of critical components and the instructions go into the technical file.
- Declaration of conformity: EN 12417 is listed among the standards applied and the CE marking is affixed.
Compliance with the harmonised standard gives presumption of conformity with the relevant essential requirements of the Machinery Directive; see CE marking of machinery. Turkey applies the same rules through its own aligned regulation.
Standards applied together
- EN 60204-1: electrical equipment of machines
- EN ISO 14119: interlocking devices associated with guards
- EN ISO 14120: fixed and movable guards
- EN ISO 13849-1: safety-related parts of control systems
- EN ISO 13850: emergency stop function
Frequently asked questions
Does a CNC milling machine fall under this standard?
EN 12417 is for machining centres with automatic tool change. Milling machines without a tool changer have a separate type C standard; the right standard is chosen from the construction of the machine.
Can the machine run with a guard open?
Only in setting mode and with additional measures such as limited speed and hold-to-run control.
Which edition applies?
The edition cited in the EU Official Journal is EN 12417:2001+A2:2009. CEN has published a newer standard covering these machines (EN ISO 16090-1); for presumption of conformity the edition cited in the Official Journal is the reference. Check the current citation before testing starts.
Other standards in this group
- EN 1012-1: Air Compressors
- EN ISO 20430: Injection Moulding Machines
- EN 12622: Hydraulic Press Brakes
- EN ISO 16092-1: Presses General Safety Requirements
