ISO 22093:2011

Overview

ISO 22093:2011 - Dimensional Measuring Interface Standard (DMIS) defines a neutral, machine-readable language for communication between information systems and Dimensional Measuring Equipment (DME). DMIS acts both as an execution language for measurement part programs and as an exchange format for metrology data (features, tolerances, measurement results). The standard specifies how product definitions, equipment definitions, measurement sequences, and reporting information are represented to support coordinate metrology and automated inspection.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Neutral language / execution language: DMIS provides a standardized syntax and structure for measurement programs that drive CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines), vision systems, and other DMEs.
• Product definitions: Includes nominal features, feature constructions, dimensional and geometric tolerances, functional datums, and part coordinate systems (PCS).
• Equipment definitions: Describes measurement sensors, measurement resources, carriages/axes, rotary tables, and machine parameters required to perform measurements.
• Measurement control and motion commands: Instructions for DME motions and measurement operations used for product acceptance, verification, and process validation.
• Data analysis and reporting: Methods to analyze coordinate data and tag measurement results to determine product and process quality.
• Conformance and interoperability: Defines conformance levels, application functional subsets, and conformance testing (including characterization/CHFile concepts) to ensure interoperable DMIS implementations.
• Language reference and statement set: Complete syntax, semantics, mathematical operators, and a comprehensive statement reference for programming measurement sequences.
• Associativity with CAD: Provisions for linking DMIS product definitions to CAD representations (e.g., IGES/STEP) to maintain associativity between design and inspection data.

Practical applications and who uses ISO 22093:2011

• Metrology labs and QA/inspection teams: Standardizes part-programs and reporting for consistent dimensional inspection and acceptance.
• CMM and DME manufacturers: Implement DMIS to enable standardized control and data exchange across platforms.
• Metrology software vendors and integrators: Use DMIS to import/export measurement programs, results, and link inspection to CAD.
• Manufacturers and process engineers: Employ DMIS for in-process verification (IPV), manufacturing process validation, and quality control automation.
• CAD/CAM/PLM integrators: Maintain associativity between design geometry and inspection definitions to support digital thread workflows.

Related standards

• STEP (ISO 10303) and IGES: CAD and product model exchange formats referenced for associativity with DMIS.
• Standards for industrial automation and metrology interoperability.

ISO 22093 (DMIS) is essential for anyone implementing standardized coordinate metrology workflows, enabling reliable measurement program exchange, automated inspection, and traceable quality reporting.