ISO 230-6:2002

Overview - ISO 230-6:2002 (Diagonal displacement tests)

ISO 230-6:2002 is the part of the ISO 230 series that specifies diagonal displacement tests for machine tools to estimate their volumetric performance. Instead of measuring along single linear axes, this test measures positioning accuracy along the body diagonals and optionally face diagonals of the machine working volume. The method reduces time and cost compared with complete volumetric testing while providing key indices (bi-directional systematic deviation and reversal value) useful for acceptance testing and performance reassurance.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and purpose
  • Estimate volumetric performance of three- and two-axis machines using diagonal traverses.
  • Not inherently diagnostic, though face diagonal tests can directly measure axes squareness.
• Test geometry
  • Measurements along four body diagonals for 3-D machines; two face diagonals for 2-D machines. Additional face diagonals may be added by agreement.
• Target positions and sampling
  • Minimum of five equally spaced targets per metre of diagonal length, with an overall minimum of five target positions.
  • Each target position is attained five times in each travel direction.
• Measured parameters
  • Diagonal bi-directional systematic deviation (E_d) and diagonal reversal value (B_d) for body diagonals; analogous E_d(ab) and B_d(ab) for face diagonals.
• Instrumentation and set-up
  • Use of a laser interferometer or other measuring systems with comparable accuracy (Annex A provides a laser interferometer set-up procedure).
  • Position of non-tested axes, temperature sensors and measurement uncertainty must be recorded.
• Test conditions
  • Feed rate between targets agreed by supplier and user (not to exceed 20% of maximum feed).
  • Consideration of warming-up, environmental temperature gradients and combined measurement uncertainty.

Practical applications and users

• Who uses ISO 230-6:
  • Machine tool manufacturers and suppliers (acceptance testing)
  • OEMs and production engineering teams (performance verification)
  • Metrology labs, QA and maintenance teams (periodic reassurance, pre-delivery checks)
• Typical uses:
  • Acceptance tests and contractual performance verification
  • Quick estimation of volumetric accuracy for multi-axis machining
  • Supplementary testing to ISO 230-2 (axis positioning/repeatability) and ISO 230-4 (contouring/circular tests)
  • Direct squareness checks when face diagonals are included

Related standards

• ISO 230 series: ISO 230-1, ISO 230-2, ISO 230-3, ISO 230-4, ISO 230-7 - referenced for installation, instrumentation, thermal effects and contouring tests.

ISO 230-6 is a practical, time-efficient standard for evaluating multi-axis machine volumetric performance using diagonal displacement tests, providing clear procedures, reporting items and interfacing requirements with other ISO 230 parts.