Machinery and Hydraulic Presses Directive: A Guide to Compliance and Safety

In the metal forming industry, hydraulic press safety is not only a legal requirement, but a cornerstone of operational efficiency. Compliance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (and the transition to the new EU Regulation 2023/1230) is the essential standard for every manufacturer and user of industrial machinery.

Hydraulic Presses in Annex IV

Hydraulic presses for cold working metals, with manual loading and/or unloading, fall under Annex IV of the Machinery Directive. This means they are classified as "high-risk" machines. For these machines, the certification process is more rigorous and often requires the intervention of a Notified Body or strict compliance with harmonized standards.

Essential Safety Requirements (ESR)

To comply with the regulations, a hydraulic press must ensure protection against mechanical hazards, particularly crushing. Key elements include:

Control systems: They must be designed to prevent accidental starting. Two-hand control is a common standard to ensure the operator's hands are out of the danger zone.
Physical and optoelectronic protections: The use of Category 4 photoelectric barriers (infrared barriers) is essential to immediately stop the press cycle if an intrusion is detected.
Valve Monitoring: The hydraulic system must include monitored safety valves to prevent inadvertent descent of the piston in the event of a failure.
Mechanical blocks: For maintenance phases, it is mandatory to provide mechanical locking devices for the piston.

From Regulation 2006/42/EC to the new Regulation (EU) 2023/1230

It's crucial to understand that the regulatory landscape is changing. The new Machinery Regulation, which will become fully applicable on January 20, 2027, introduces innovations regarding the cybersecurity of control systems and artificial intelligence. Preparing today means ensuring that your machinery fleet doesn't become obsolete in the short term.

The importance of the CE marking and the Technical File

Every SICMI press is supplied with a CE Declaration of Conformity and the relevant Instruction Manual. The Technical File, retained by the manufacturer, is proof that every component—from the metalwork to the hydraulic system—has been subjected to a thorough risk assessment.

Conclusion

Investing in a press that complies with the Machinery Directive means protecting your human capital and your company from fines and production downtime. Safety shouldn't be a limit to productivity, but a driver for work quality.

Do you need to upgrade your machinery or are you looking for a certified press? Find out how SICMI hydraulic presses are manufactured in compliance with the Machinery Directive. Or request technical advice from our industrial security experts.