ISO 6899:1984

Overview

ISO 6899:1984 - "Acceptance conditions of open front mechanical power presses - Testing of the accuracy" sets out the geometrical tests and permissible tolerances used to verify the dimensional accuracy of open-front (C-frame) mechanical power presses. It applies to general-purpose presses of normal accuracy with capacities up to 2 500 kN. The standard deals only with accuracy verification (geometric measurements) and explicitly excludes functional running tests (vibrations, abnormal noises, stick‑slip behavior) and performance characteristics (speeds, feeds, deflection), which should be checked prior to accuracy testing.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope limited to geometric tests on C‑frame (open front) mechanical power presses up to 2 500 kN capacity.
• References the test code ISO/R 230 for installation, temperature conditioning, measuring methods and instrument accuracy.
• Specifies common measurement methods and instruments:
  • Straightedge and feeler gauges for flatness checks
  • Dial comparators / dial gauges for parallelism and runout
  • Squares, shim gauges and mandrels for perpendicularity and tool-holding checks
• Examples of specified tolerances (as given in the standard):
  • Flatness of ram (coulisseau) and removable die table surfaces: typically 0.01 mm over the measured lengths.
  • Perpendicularity and movement alignment tolerances expressed per unit length (e.g., 0.05 mm per 100 mm for tooling bore perpendicularity).
  • Parallelism and perpendicularity limits vary by machine capacity bands (e.g., different limits for <630 kN and 630–2 500 kN).
• Test selection is flexible: buyer and manufacturer agree which verifications to perform; not all checks are required in every case.
• Pre‑checks recommended before accuracy testing: machine leveling, ram balancing (if fitted), and calibration of test instruments.

Applications and users

Who uses ISO 6899:1984:

• Press manufacturers for factory acceptance testing and quality control
• Buyers and procurement teams to define acceptance criteria in purchase contracts
• Inspection and test laboratories performing acceptance/commissioning checks
• Maintenance and quality engineers verifying alignment after repair or relocation

Typical uses:

• Acceptance inspection on delivery and commissioning
• Contractual acceptance criteria for new presses
• Periodic checks after major maintenance, refurbishment or relocation

Related standards

• ISO/R 230 - Code of test procedures for machine tools (installation, measurement methods, instrument accuracy)
• ISO 6898 - Dimensions and capacities for C‑frame mechanical presses

Keywords: ISO 6899:1984, open front mechanical power presses, acceptance conditions, testing of the accuracy, geometric tests, tolerances, press inspection, machine acceptance.