Overview
EN ISO 12643-4:2023 (identical to EN ISO 12643-4:2023 / ISO 12643-4:2023) sets out safety requirements for converting equipment and systems used in the corrugated board, package printing, converting and graphic technology industries. The standard addresses all significant hazards, hazardous situations and hazardous events relevant to converting machines when used as intended and under reasonably foreseeable misuse. It applies to converting equipment not already covered by other parts of ISO 12643 and does not apply to machinery or components manufactured before its publication.
Keywords: EN ISO 12643-4:2023, graphic technology, converting equipment, safety requirements, corrugated board, package printing, machinery safety.
Key topics and technical scope
The standard provides guidance and requirements across a broad range of converting machine elements and operations. Key topics include:
- Significant hazards and definitions relevant to converting equipment (see Clause 4).
- Emergency stop systems and control zone arrangements with stop/safe pushbuttons.
- Safety for specific machine areas such as unwinding stations, splicers, and dancer rollers.
- Protection measures for in‑running nips, corrugating rollers, rotary shear units, and knife shafts.
- Safety of preheaters, single facers, heating and pulling sections, and gluing machines, including guarding and hot-surface warnings.
- Mechanical and control considerations: braking and web aligning systems, pneumatic/hydraulic controls, and prevention of falling parts.
- Access and ergonomics: walkways, bridges, stairs, fall-off protection and signage.
- Ancillary issues: steam pipes, noise enclosures, waste removal and maintenance hazards.
The document also explains the interrelation with ISO 12643-1:2023 for general requirements and clarifies applicability to machines used primarily in converting or in combined printing/converting processes.
Practical applications and users
This standard is essential for:
- Machine designers and manufacturers of converting equipment (corrugators, splicers, sheeters, glue units, etc.)
- Safety engineers, plant managers and maintenance teams in corrugated board and package printing operations
- Compliance officers preparing CE marking documentation and risk assessments
- Integrators and OEMs modifying or commissioning converting systems
Benefits include improved machine safety, clearer manufacturer obligations for foreseeable misuse, reduced workplace incidents, and support for regulatory compliance in European and international markets.
Related standards
For implementation, consult the full EN ISO 12643-4:2023 text and related ISO/CEN guidance when conducting risk assessments or designing machine safeguards.
