EN ISO 10360-12:2016 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 10360-12:2016 (ISO 10360-12:2016) defines acceptance and reverification tests for articulated arm coordinate measurement machines (CMMs) - a subset of coordinate measuring systems (CMS). The standard specifies how to verify performance by measuring calibrated test lengths (traceable to the metre) and covers articulated arms using tactile probes and, optionally, optical distance sensors (e.g., laser line scanners/laser line probes). It enables manufacturers to declare maximum permissible errors (MPEs) and allows users to reverify that articulated arm CMMs meet those stated requirements. The standard does not set test intervals or allocate testing costs.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Performance requirements and MPEs: Defines performance parameters that can be assigned by the manufacturer or user.
• Acceptance and reverification procedures: Prescribes the manner of execution for tests that demonstrate conformance to declared performance.
• Test types covered:
  • Probing size and form errors - assessing probe-related contributions.
  • Articulated location errors - evaluating joint/pose accuracy across the arm workspace.
  • Length measurement errors - measuring point-to-point and concatenated lengths using calibrated artefacts.
• Measured evidence and rules for conformance: Procedures for data collection, rejection, repeated measurements and criteria for proving compliance.
• Operating conditions: Rated environmental and operating conditions under which tests are valid.
• Scanner accessory testing: Detailed test methods for scanning probing systems and scanner accessories (see Annex E).
• Documentation: Requirements for indicating test results and specifications in product literature and data sheets.

Applications and Who Uses It

• Manufacturers of articulated arm CMMs - to specify and declare performance (MPEs) and to support product claims.
• Calibration laboratories and metrology/service providers - to perform acceptance testing, reverification and calibration using traceable artefacts.
• Quality and inspection teams in industry - aerospace, automotive, tooling, heavy equipment, and reverse-engineering operations that rely on articulated arm measurements for part inspection, assembly verification, and portable inspection tasks.
• R&D and procurement - to compare articulated arm CMM performance when selecting systems or verifying supplier claims.

Practical benefits include traceable length verification, repeatable acceptance procedures, and standardized reporting that aids procurement, compliance, and process control.

Related Standards

• ISO 10360 series (other parts for different CMS types)
• ISO 14638 (GPS masterplan)
• ISO 8015 (fundamental GPS rules)
• ISO 14253-1 (decision rules for conformity assessment)

Keywords: ISO 10360-12, EN ISO 10360-12:2016, articulated arm CMM, coordinate measuring system, acceptance tests, reverification tests, tactile probe, laser line scanner, MPE, calibrated test length, traceability.