If you connect two or more machines to perform a particular function then the new Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC requires it to be certified as a whole new assembly.

Machines are frequently connected to perform a variety of functions, including packaging, bottling and canning, and the new directive identifies these connected machines as Integrated Manufacturing Systems (IMS). In effect, machines joined together make a new machine and the new machine needs its own certification.

This is covered in detail by the recently released EN ISO 11161 and more information can be found in an excellent article published here on MachineBuilding.net. For those who need to know a bit more MachineBuilding.net has published a free guide to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and you can request your copy here. It’s highly recommended.