ISO 15616-4:2008

Overview

ISO 15616-4:2008 - Acceptance tests for CO2-laser beam machines for high quality welding and cutting - Part 4: Machines with 2‑D moving optics - defines minimum requirements and practical test methods for acceptance testing of CO2 laser machines that perform high‑quality 2‑D welding and cutting with a fixed workpiece and moving optics. It excludes machines using articulated robots, work‑stations (welding positioners, fixed board cutters), and hazard protection devices.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Machine classification
  • Class A: laser source built into the moving machine
  • Class B: laser source not built into the moving machine
• Pre‑test conditions
  • Proper installation (minimized vibration and temperature variation)
  • Power supply within ±10% of nominal
  • Cooling, gas supply and quality to manufacturer specifications
  • Provision of operating and safety instructions
• Accuracy and performance tests (practical methods described)
  • Trajectory accuracy - draw a specified pattern (typically 800 × 800 mm or maximum effective range) to measure:
    • deviation at intersections
    • meandering from straight lines
    • deviation of arc trajectories
  • Straightness of motion in X and Y - pen/low‑power beam trace measured against a taut reference (steel wire)
  • Squareness between X and Y - diagonal measurement of a 2 m square (or machine range)
  • Positioning accuracy - unidirectional 1 m moves in X and Y versus programmed values
  • Machining speed accuracy - verify actual vs programmed speeds at 1/4, 1/2, and full speed
• Acceptance limits (examples) - different allowances for Class A and B (excerpt):
  • Deviation of intersection: Class A ≤ 0.5 mm, Class B ≤ 0.2 mm
  • Meandering: Class A ≤ 0.2 mm, Class B ≤ 0.1 mm
  • Straightness (X/Y): Class A ≤ 0.4 mm, Class B ≤ 0.1 mm
  • Positioning accuracy: Class A ±0.2 mm, Class B ±0.1 mm
  • Machining speed error: Class A ±5%, Class B ±2%
• Measurement equipment must be calibrated (standard scale, dial gauge, steel wire, etc.)
• Test reporting - templates and required report items are provided (model/serial, test data, instrument calibration, dates, personnel)

Applications and practical value

• Ensures delivered CO2 laser cutting and welding machines meet precision, repeatability and speed expectations for high‑quality production.
• Used during factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT) for sheet metal fabrication, electronics chassis, HVAC, aerospace subcomponents, and other 2‑D cutting/welding applications.
• Supports procurement, quality assurance, installation validation and machine acceptance by manufacturers, integrators, end users and third‑party test labs.

Who should use this standard

• Machine manufacturers and OEMs
• Production engineers and quality inspectors
• System integrators and test laboratories
• Purchasing and maintenance teams accepting CO2 laser equipment

Related standards

• ISO 15616 (Parts 1–3) - general principles, accuracy measurement, gas flow calibration
• Referenced documents in the bibliography: ISO 463, ISO 841, ISO 9013, ISO 11145

Keywords: ISO 15616-4:2008, CO2 laser, acceptance tests, 2‑D moving optics, laser welding, laser cutting, trajectory accuracy, positioning accuracy.