ISO 10360-10:2021

Overview - ISO 10360-10:2021 (Laser trackers)

ISO 10360-10:2021 is part of the ISO 10360 series of Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) and defines acceptance and reverification tests for laser trackers used as coordinate measuring systems (CMS). The standard describes how to verify a laser tracker’s performance by measuring calibrated test lengths and related artefacts, and it gives rules for proving conformity with manufacturer- or user-assigned performance requirements (MPEs). It applies to laser trackers using a retroreflector (SMR), or a retroreflector with a stylus or optical distance sensor, and supports both interferometric (IFM) and absolute distance measurement (ADM) modes.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope of tests: Defines acceptance tests (initial verification) and reverification tests (periodic checks) for laser trackers and similar spherical-coordinate systems that use cooperative targets.
• Test methods and artefacts: Uses calibrated test lengths, test spheres and flats; includes annexes on calibrated lengths and thermal compensation.
• Probing and probing-combination testing: Covers retroreflector-only probing and combinations with stylus or optical distance sensors; notes that non-tracking systems will not be tested for probing performance.
• Location and length error evaluation: Two-face (location) tests, probing size/form errors, and length-error procedures are defined, including how results are derived and reported.
• Conformity and MPEs: Specifies how manufacturers or users can assign Maximum Permissible Errors (MPEs) and the rules for proving conformity with those MPEs.
• Operating conditions and rated environment: Addresses rated operating conditions (environmental and operating) that affect acceptance and reverification.
• Guidance and annexes: Includes informative and normative annexes (e.g., interim testing, thermal compensation, testing stylus+retroreflector and optical-distance-sensor combinations).

Practical applications - who uses ISO 10360-10

• Laser tracker manufacturers - to specify and publish MPEs and provide traceable acceptance procedures.
• Calibration and metrology laboratories - to perform traceable acceptance/reverification tests and issue calibration reports.
• Industrial users - metrology engineers and quality managers in aerospace, automotive, heavy machinery, shipbuilding and large-part inspection who rely on laser trackers for large-volume dimensional verification.
• System integrators and providers of laser radar/spherical-coordinate measurement solutions that use cooperative targets.

Related standards

• ISO 10360 series (other parts for CMMs and optical sensors), notably ISO 10360-8 and ISO 10360-9.
• GPS framework documents: ISO 14638, ISO 8015, ISO 14253-1.
• Coordinate and angle conventions referenced in standards like ISO 80000-2.

Keywords: ISO 10360-10:2021, laser tracker acceptance tests, reverification tests, GPS, coordinate measuring systems, retroreflector, calibrated test lengths, MPE, interferometric measurement, absolute distance measurement.