ISO 3:1973

Overview

ISO 3:1973, titled Preferred numbers - Series of preferred numbers, is an international standard established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Published in 1973, this standard defines a systematic series of preferred numbers created by rounding off the terms of geometric series. These series include integral powers of 10 and special ratios, facilitating consistency in design, manufacturing, and engineering applications worldwide.

Preferred numbers simplify the selection of product sizes, components, and materials by standardizing the numerical values in a way that supports compatibility, interchangeability, and efficient inventory management. ISO 3 replaces the earlier ISO Recommendation R 3-1954 and introduces standardized series symbols such as R5, R10, R20, R40, and the exceptional R80 series, detailing their properties and applications.

Key Topics

• Definition and Scope:
  ISO 3 specifies series of preferred numbers based on geometrical progressions and integral powers of 10, designed for unlimited use in various decimal ranges. Preferred numbers are rounded values suitable for simplification and standardization.

• Basic Series of Preferred Numbers:
  The standard highlights multiple series identified as R5, R10, R20, and R40. These series differ by the ratio or factor between consecutive numbers, with R5 series values being generally preferred over R10, and so forth. These basic series consist of values that meet practical percentage tolerances and maintain geometrical progression.

• Exceptional R80 Series:
  An extended set known as R80 is also defined, which includes values beyond the basic series. The basic series should be prioritized in preference over the exceptional R80 series to ensure uniformity.

• Derived Series:
  Derived series stem from the basic series by selecting every second, third, or p-th term, creating sub-series with specific designations (e.g., R10/3 or R5/2). These are useful when finer graduations or particular ranges are required. Derived series can be limited to certain ranges within the standard.

• Designation and Notation:
  The standard prescribes a systematic way to denote series and derived series, including limits if the series are confined to certain numerical ranges. This enables precise communication and documentation within technical fields.

Applications

• Engineering and Design:
  Preferred numbers serve as a foundation for choosing standard sizes of machined parts, fasteners, electrical components, and other industrial elements. Using ISO 3 series enables designers to minimize the variety of parts while meeting dimensional and functional needs.

• Manufacturing and Inventory:
  Implementing series of preferred numbers simplifies production planning, reduces tooling complexity, and lowers inventory costs by standardizing component sizes.

• Quality Control and Testing:
  Using a recognized set of preferred values ensures consistent testing conditions and measurement parameters, improving reproducibility and comparability across manufacturers and borders.

• Interchangeability in International Trade:
  Harmonized preferred numbers promote global compatibility of parts, fostering international cooperation and streamlining import-export procedures.

Related Standards

• ISO 286-1 (Geometrical Product Specifications – ISO System of Limits and Fits):
  Complements ISO 3 by addressing tolerances and fits for standardized sizes.

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems):
  References preferred numbers indirectly through requirements for product design and process standardization.

• IEC 60063 (Preferred Number Series for Electronic Components):
  Applies the concept of preferred numbers specifically to electronic components, further expanding on the geometric series concept in electrical engineering.

• DIN 69871 (Machine Tool Spindle Tapers):
  Utilizes preferred numbers for taper sizes, showing practical applications in mechanical engineering.

Keywords: ISO 3, preferred numbers, series of preferred numbers, geometric series, R5 series, R10 series, R20 series, R40 series, R80 series, derived series, standardization, engineering design, manufacturing standards, international standards, preferred values, numerical standardization.