Overview
EN ISO 28927-12:2012 (ISO 28927-12:2012) defines a laboratory type-test method for measuring hand-transmitted vibration from hand-held portable die grinders. The standard specifies how to measure vibration at the tool handles under controlled conditions so manufacturers, test laboratories and safety professionals can quantify and compare vibration emission between models. It covers die grinders driven pneumatically or by other means, equipped with a collet and intended for deburring with hard metal burrs or mounted points, and is also applicable to low‑speed die grinders using flap wheels or cylindrical sleeves.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Measurement scope: Vibration emission measured at the gripping areas (handles) to establish hand-transmitted vibration magnitudes for type testing.
- Machine family description: Defines the family of die grinders and relevant machine characteristics for testing.
- Transducer positioning: Measurement in three axes and, where applicable, at both hand positions; defined transducer locations and orientations follow IEC/ISO principles for repeatability.
- Real grinding process: Test method uses a representative grinding operation rather than idle running to reflect actual vibration during typical use.
- Instrumentation and calibration:
- Requirements for transducers, mounting, frequency‑weighting filters and integration time
- Calibration procedures and auxiliary equipment specifications
- Operating conditions and test setup: Defined operating conditions, workpiece, attached equipment and task details to ensure comparable results across tests.
- Data handling: Reporting formats, declaration and verification of vibration emission values, model test report (Annex A) and guidance on uncertainty estimation (Annex B).
- Regulatory linkage: Annex ZA describes conformity with Essential Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC for machinery.
Applications and users
Who uses EN ISO 28927-12:2012:
- Manufacturers of die grinders for product development, design validation and declared vibration values.
- Independent test laboratories performing type tests and comparative evaluations.
- Occupational health & safety professionals assessing tool selection to reduce hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure.
- Procurement teams specifying low-vibration tools for industrial use.
- Regulatory and conformity assessors using the standard as evidence for CE marking and compliance with machinery directives.
Practical uses:
- Comparing vibration performance across die grinder models
- Supporting product documentation and safety data
- Informing ergonomic tool choice to minimise HAV risk
Related standards
- ISO 28927 (other parts) - test methods for other hand-held tools
- ISO 20643 - general specifications for vibration measurement of hand-held and hand-guided machinery
- ISO 12100 - safety of machinery (type-C standard context)
- IEC/EN 60745 series - related transducer positioning and measurement principles
Keywords: ISO 28927-12:2012, EN ISO 28927-12, die grinders, vibration emission, hand-transmitted vibration, test methods, type-test, collet, deburring, flap wheels, laboratory method.