What must be on the type plate of a machine?

What does the Machinery Directive require?

The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC still applies for now. Annex I, section 1.7.3, states that each machine must be marked visibly, legibly and indelibly with at least:

1. the business name and full address of the manufacturer and, where applicable, of the authorised representative;
2. the designation of the machinery;
3. the CE marking;
4. the designation of the series or type;
5. the serial number, if any;
6. the year of construction, that is the year in which the manufacturing process was completed.

It is prohibited to put a year of construction other than the correct one next to the CE marking. A machine designed for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere must also be marked accordingly. If a part has to be moved with lifting equipment, its mass is shown on it clearly and indelibly. The machine must also carry all the information needed for safe use.

What changes with the Machinery Regulation?

Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces the Machinery Directive. It applies from 14 January 2027 (Article 54); the directive is repealed on that date (Article 51). Machines placed on the market under the directive before that date may still be made available after it (Article 52).

The requirements for the plate are no longer in one list in Annex III, section 1.7.3, but in Articles 10 and 24. The machine must be marked visibly, legibly and indelibly with:

• a designation of the model, the series or the type, the year of construction (the year in which the manufacturing process was completed) and a batch or serial number, or another element that allows the machine to be identified (Article 10(5));
• the name, registered trade name or registered trade mark of the manufacturer, the postal address and a website, email address or other digital contact details; the address names a single point at which the manufacturer can be contacted, in a language easily understood by users and market surveillance authorities (Article 10(6));
• the CE marking, before the machine is placed on the market, followed by the number of the notified body if one was involved in the assessment (Article 24).

If this does not fit on the machine, it may be on the packaging or in an accompanying document (for the CE marking: if that is not possible or not warranted). The machine must also carry the information needed for safe use, the marking for a potentially explosive atmosphere where this applies, and the mass of a part that is moved with lifting equipment.

What do we make?

Type plates and machine plates with your details, engraved or printed.

• Material: stainless steel, aluminium or engraving laminate. Brass and copper are also possible, engraved and filled in black.
• Finish: engraved or printed, with or without mounting holes.
• Size: to size. In the quote screen you enter the text lines yourself, such as TYPE, SERIAL NUMBER, YEAR and VOLTAGE.
• Serial number: on request, your own consecutive serial number per plate.
• Logo or drawing: you can send a drawing or logo, for example your company logo.
• Colour for engraving laminate: you choose the top layer and the engraving from a range of combinations, or you ask for another colour.

As a rule you receive a working drawing for approval within 2 working days after you accept the quote. We only start production once you approve it. Delivery follows as a rule within 5 to 10 working days after approval of the working drawing.

Frequently asked questions

Which details are mandatory on a type plate?

That depends on the date. Until 14 January 2027 the Machinery Directive applies: name and full address of the manufacturer, designation of the machine, CE marking, series or type, serial number if any, and the year of construction. From 14 January 2027 the Machinery Regulation applies: model, series or type, year of construction and a batch or serial number, name and postal address with a digital contact address, and the CE marking. The manufacturer of the machine remains responsible for the content.

Can you engrave a serial number per plate?

Yes. You give the first number and the quantity. We count up from that number.

Must the type plate be made of metal?

The law does not prescribe a material, but it does require the details to be visible, legible and indelible. You choose the version that suits your machine.