ISO 19085-6:2024 - Woodworking machines

Standard No.: ISO 19085-6:2024
Release Date: 2024
Published By: International Organization for Standardization (ISO) IX / ISO
Latest: ISO 19085-6:2024

Introduction

Background and Technological Evolution of Standard Development

Single-axis vertical milling machines (commonly known as "toupie" or "shaper") are widely used equipment in the woodworking industry for processes such as shaping, grooving, and tenoning. With the increasing automation of woodworking machinery and increasingly stringent safety regulations, ISO/TC 39/SC 4 has made technical revisions to the original 2017 version of the standard. The new version, ISO 19085-6:2024, has been simplified in structure, and the list of major hazard categories has been moved to Annex A (informational), while the noise testing specifications (Annex F) have been updated to better reflect actual production conditions.

This standard belongs to Category C (as defined by ISO 12100) and specifically addresses the safety requirements for single-axis vertical milling machines. Its core objective is to eliminate or reduce the mechanical, electrical, noise, and dust hazards generated during the design, operation, maintenance, and foreseeable misuse of the machine.

Scope of Application and Major Changes

This standard applies to single-axis vertical milling machines used for continuous production, capable of cutting solid wood and similar woody materials. The machine can be equipped with various add-ons, such as adjustable spindle height, tilting mechanisms, manual tenon slides, glass bead saw units, quick tool change systems, etc. This standard does not apply to models equipped with external bearings, powered front extension tables, or powered tenon slides.

Compared to ISO 19085-6:2017, the main technical changes in the 2024 version include:

Clarifying that the machine is suitable for continuous production;
Moving the list of major hazard categories to Annex A;
Simplifying and modifying the structure of the protective section (5.6);
Updated noise testing requirements, adding a complete noise testing specification (Annex F).

Control System Safety Requirements

The control system is the core of ensuring the safe operation of the machine.

The standard sets out specific performance level (PLr) requirements for starting, stopping, braking, speed switching, direction selection, and power adjustment.

Safety Features	PL_rRequirements	Key Measures
Anti-Start Prevention	c	Ensure all protective devices are in place and effective before starting
Starting and Protective Interlock	c	Do not start if safety protection is not in place
Normal Stop	c	Equipped with a normal stop button to cut off power
Emergency Stop	c	Complies with ISO 13850, accessible from all working positions
Tool Braking	c	Braking time complies with 5.4.2, and brake release requires interlocking
Tool Change/Tool Change Rod Interlocking	c	Tool release can only be performed when the spindle is stopped
Spindle Tilt Interlocking	c	Tilting can only be performed when the spindle is stopped
Power Adjustment Movement Restriction	b or c	Use hold-run control, simultaneous multi-axis movement is prohibited

In addition, the standard has strict regulations on spindle direction switching: if the spindle can only rotate in one direction, it must be counterclockwise (viewed from top to bottom); if it can rotate in both directions, it must be equipped with a direction selector and a yellow indicator light, and clockwise rotation requires additional manual operation to start.

Mechanical Hazard Prevention Measures

Cutting Tool and Tool Holder Design

The standard provides clear limits for tool holder materials (tensile strength ≥ 580 N/mm²), maximum service length, and tool diameter (see Table 1). The tool holder must be equipped with a locking device to prevent relative movement, such as a lock nut with an integral tool holder ring or a tool holder screw. For quick-change systems, tool release must prevent accidental start-up (PL_r=c).

Table 1—Maximum Usable Dimensions (Unit: mm)

Tool Barrel Diameter d1	Maximum Utility Length l1	Maximum Tool Diameter d2 (Forming)	Maximum Tool Diameter d2 (Tenon)
19.05≤d<30	125	180	—
30≤d<40	140	210	250
40≤d<50	160	275	300
50	160	400	350

Protective Devices

The standard specifies protective requirements for straight-line machining, curved machining, tenoning, and glass bead saw units:

Straight-line machining:A baffle and tabletop pressure pad must be provided. The pressure pad must be spring-loaded, vertically and horizontally adjustable, and meet the rigidity test (Appendix H). The non-cutting area behind the baffle should be enclosed by a fixed protective cover and a hinge cover.
Curved machining:Use an adjustable protective cover and hand protector. The protector must be parallel to the tabletop and pass the rigidity test.
Tenoning:An adjustable protective cover is installed on the sliding table, in conjunction with a self-adjusting protective cover on the fixed protective cover.
Glass Bead Saw Unit: The non-cutting portion of the saw blade is shielded by a fixed protective cover and equipped with a self-adjusting protective cover to prevent horizontal approach.

Anti-Rebound Measures

The standard requires a fixed interface (T-slot or hole) for anti-rebound devices (such as adjustable end stops). For glass bead saw units, a bead separator, guide groove, pressure device, and anti-rebound pawl must be provided. The pawl must be made of steel, with a tip radius ≤0.5 mm, an angle of 30°~60°, and effective within the range of 85°~55°.

Noise and Dust Control

The standard requires noise reduction through design and measurement and declaration according to the noise test specifications in Appendix F. Operating conditions include: cutter projection 45 mm, feed rate 6-8 m/min, spindle speed approximately 6000 r/min, and the use of a 125 mm diameter MAN right-angle end mill.

The measurement time is 30 seconds (including three cuts). Regarding dust emissions, all protective systems must be equipped with a dust extraction interface, and the minimum airflow must be determined based on the worktable aperture: 800 m³/h for ≤190 mm and 1100 m³/h for >190 mm. For bidirectional rotating spindles, the dust extraction efficiency should remain consistent. Ergonomics and Usage Information The worktable height should be between 850 mm and 950 mm (from floor to worktable). All operating handles and levers should be located in front of the operator and not behind the machine. The standard also requires the provision of push bars and push blocks. The instruction manual must contain extensive safety information, such as: use only manual feed tools conforming to EN 847, appropriate speed selection (40-70 m/s), correct use of protective devices (pressure pads, anti-rebound devices, contour templates, etc.), training requirements, etc. Furthermore, for quick-change systems, the clamping force must be checked regularly.

Standard Framework Comparison Table (New and Old Versions)

Project	ISO 19085-6:2017	ISO 19085-6:2024
Scope	Continuous Production Not Specified	"Continuous Production Use" Specified
List of Major Hazards	Originally Appendix A (Normative)	Moved to Appendix A (Informative)
Structure	Relatively Complex	Simplified, especially in section 5.6 Protection
Noise Testing	Simple Description	Add Appendix F for Complete Noise Testing Specification
Performance Level Requirements	Some parts are not clear	Appendix B Summary Table is more complete
Glass Bead Saw Unit	Basic Requirements	Add Detailed Design Parameters for Anti-Rebound Pawl
Usage Information	General Requirements	Add Reminders for Quick Change System Inspection, Speed Range, etc.

Implementation Suggestions

To help enterprises successfully implement this standard, the following suggestions are made:

Control System Upgrade:Check whether the PLC and safety relays of the existing equipment meet the PLC requirements, especially the functions of start-up and protection interlock, emergency stop, and braking interlock.
Certified safety components are recommended. **Protective Device Modification:** The pressure pads for straight-line machining must pass a rigidity test (Appendix H). Aluminum alloy or plastic materials are recommended, and the adjustment range must cover all machining scenarios. Hand protectors for curved machining must be parallel to the worktable and have sufficient rigidity. **Anti-rebound Device:** For glass bead saw units, anti-rebound pawls conforming to Figure 14 must be installed, and their angle and sharpness verified. Regularly check for wear. **Noise and Dust:** Measure and label noise according to Appendix F. Optimize the airflow of the dust extraction system, especially maintaining efficiency during bidirectional rotation. **Instruction Manual Update:** Based on the new content in 7.3.2, supplement the quick-change system inspection cycle, speed selection, and correct use of protective devices. **Training:** Ensure operators receive adequate training, including safety settings, workpiece clamping, protective device adjustment, and emergency stop procedures. In summary, ISO 19085-6:2024 provides comprehensive safety technical specifications for single-axis vertical milling machines. Enterprises should, based on their own product characteristics, promptly upgrade to meet these standards to improve equipment safety levels and comply with international regulations.

ISO 19085-6:2024 Referenced Document

EN 847-1:2017 Tools for woodworking - Safety requirements - Part 1: Milling tools@ circular saw blades
EN 847-2:2017 Tools for woodworking - Safety requirements - Part 2: Requirements for the shank of shank mounted milling tools/circular saw blades
EN 847-3:2013 Tools for woodworking - Safety requirements - Part 3: Clamping devices*， 2026-06-05 Update
ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery - General principles for design - Risk assessment and risk reduction
ISO 13857:2019 Safety of machinery — Safety distances to prevent hazard zones being reached by upper and lower limbs
ISO 19085-1:2021 Woodworking machines - Safety - Part 1: Common requirements

ISO 19085-6:2024 history

2024 ISO 19085-6:2024 Woodworking machines
2017 ISO 19085-6:2017 Woodworking machines — Safety — Part 6: Single spindle vertical moulding machines ("toupies")

ISO 19085-6:2024Woodworking machines