ISO 5608:2012

Overview

ISO 5608:2012 specifies a standardized designation code for turning and copying tool holders and cartridges with a rectangular shank (standardized dimension f) intended for use with indexable inserts. The standard defines a compact 10‑position code (first nine positions compulsory, tenth optional) to describe holder and cartridge features - simplifying ordering, specification, cataloging and interchangeability of turning tools in manufacturing and procurement.

Key topics and requirements

• Designation code structure: a sequence of up to 10 symbols covering insert holding, insert shape, tool style, normal clearance, hand, tool height, width (or cartridge type), length and insert size. The 10th symbol (optional) indicates special tolerances.
• Compulsory symbols (positions 1–9):
  • (1) Insert holding method (e.g., C = top clamping, M = top & hole clamping, P = hole clamping, S = screw clamping).
  • (2) Insert shape (letters for shapes such as H, O, S, T, C, D, E, R (round), etc.).
  • (3) Tool style (letters indicating cutting edge angle, shank offset and whether for side or end cutting).
  • (4) Insert normal clearance (coded angles, e.g., A = 3°, B = 5°, N = 0°).
  • (5) Hand of tool (R, L or N).
  • (6) Tool height (numeric, shank or cutting edge height in mm; single‑digit values are zero‑prefixed).
  • (7) Tool width or cartridge type (numeric width in mm or two‑letter cartridge code beginning with C).
  • (8) Tool length (letter code from a defined table, or dash where a single standardized length applies).
  • (9) Indexable insert size (numeric designation derived from edge length or diameter, decimals discarded, zero‑prefix if single digit).
• Optional symbol (10): indicates special tolerances / qualified tools (codes such as Q, F, B for qualified faces).
• Manufacturer suffixes: up to three extra characters may be added after a dash for proprietary description (must not conflict with position (10) letters).
• Correlation guidance: Annex A maps ISO 5608 designation elements to the ISO 13399 data model where applicable.

Applications and users

• Practical for tool manufacturers, CNC programmers, procurement teams, toolroom managers, and CAD/CAM data managers who need unambiguous part identification.
• Used to standardize product catalogs, purchase orders, tooling libraries and digital tool databases, improving compatibility of turning tool holders, cartridges, and indexable inserts across suppliers.
• Facilitates interoperability with tool‑data systems that reference ISO 13399.

Related standards

• ISO 5610 (series) - dimensions and styles for rectangular shank tool holders
• ISO 5609 (series) - internal turning (boring bars) designation
• ISO 1832 - designation of indexable inserts
• ISO 13399 - cutting tool data representation and exchange

Keywords: ISO 5608:2012, turning tool holders, cartridges, indexable inserts, designation code, rectangular shank, tool designation, tooling standards.