ISO 10110-7:2017

Overview

ISO 10110-7:2017 - part of the ISO 10110 series on optics and photonics - defines how to indicate surface imperfections on technical drawings for optical elements and assemblies. The standard specifies notation and acceptance levels for localized imperfections (digs, scuffs, fixture marks), edge chips, long scratches, and coating blemishes within a defined test region. It supports both dimensional (area/width-based) and visibility (appearance-based) tolerance methods and ties drawing notations to accepted inspection practices.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and test region: Applies to transmitting and reflecting finished optical surfaces (coated or uncoated) and to optical assemblies. If no test region is shown, the effective aperture is used.
• Drawing codes: Use 5/ for individual optical elements and 15/ for imperfections in optical assemblies.
• Dimensional specification: Notation format 5/N × Ag (or 15/...), where N = allowed number of imperfections and Ag = grade number (square root of the maximum imperfection area, in mm). Grade values follow the Renard R5 series (examples: 4, 2.5, 1.6, 1.0, 0.63, 0.4, 0.25, 0.16, 0.10, 0.063, 0.04, 0.025, 0.016, 0.01).
• Maximum width and length control: Optional width designation W (e.g., 5/1 × 0.25; W0.04) limits imperfection width; combining area and width constrains length implicitly.
• Coating and long-scratch notation: Coating blemishes use CN × Ac after a semicolon; long scratches use LN × Al with specific width choices (Renard-derived values such as 0.1, 0.063, 0.04, … down to 0.004 mm).
• Edge chips: Specified separately using an EA notation following other imperfection indications.
• Visibility specification: An alternative method that permits acceptance based on the visibility/contrast of imperfections rather than measured size.
• Inspection levels and test methods: Notations reference inspection approaches described in ISO 14997 (visual/subjective comparison or objective measurement). ISO 14997 defines inspection levels (visual review, comparison standards, and measurement-based inspection).

Applications and users

ISO 10110-7 is used by:

• Optical designers and drawing drafters to document acceptance criteria on manufacturing drawings.
• Lens and mirror manufacturers for production and quality control.
• Assembly engineers specifying permissible imperfections in glued or cemented subassemblies.
• Quality inspectors and test labs implementing pass/fail criteria during incoming inspection.
• Procurement teams and contract writers who need unambiguous cosmetic and functional acceptance clauses.

Practical applications include lens fabrication, mirror production, coating acceptance, and optical system assembly where both functional imaging and cosmetic appearance must be controlled.

Related standards

• ISO 10110 (all parts) - drawing conventions for optics
• ISO 10110-1 - general rules
• ISO 14997 - test methods for surface imperfections
• ISO 9211-1 and ISO 9802 - referenced terminology and coating defect classifications

Keywords: ISO 10110-7, surface imperfections, optical drawings, optics and photonics, scratches and digs, edge chips, dimensional specification, visibility specification, ISO 14997, Renard R5.