Overview
EN ISO 15616-4:2021 (identical to ISO 15616-4:2008) defines minimum requirements and practical test methods for acceptance tests of CO2‑laser beam machines used for high‑quality welding and cutting with 2‑D moving optics (fixed workpiece on a platen, moving optics). The standard was adopted by CEN in 2021 and is part of the ISO 15616 series addressing acceptance testing for CO2 laser welding/cutting equipment.
The standard explicitly excludes machines that use an articulated robot, workstations such as welding positioners or fixed board cutters, and hazard protection devices (e.g., chip/particle discharge systems).
Key topics and technical requirements
EN ISO 15616-4:2021 focuses on machine performance verification and acceptance criteria, including:
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Classification
- Class A: laser source built into the moving machine
- Class B: laser source not built into the moving machine
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Acceptance test conditions
- Installation, power supply stability (±10% allowed fluctuation), cooling system and gas supply per manufacturer specifications, and provision of technical/user information.
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Machine accuracy verification (practical test methods)
- Trajectory accuracy: 800 mm × 800 mm pattern (or maximum effective range); measures deviation at intersections, meandering and arc deviations.
- Straightness of motion (X and Y): pen/low‑power beam marking, steel wire reference, measured at 1 m intervals.
- Squareness between X and Y axes: diagonal length difference on a 2 m square (or effective range).
- Positioning accuracy (X and Y): unidirectional 1 m moves, compare programmed vs measured distance.
- Machining speed accuracy: compare programmed vs actual at 1/4, 1/2 and full speeds.
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Acceptance limits (examples)
- Deviation of intersections: Class A ≤ 0.5 mm, Class B ≤ 0.2 mm
- Meandering of trajectory: Class A ≤ 0.2 mm, Class B ≤ 0.1 mm
- Straightness (X/Y): Class A ≤ 0.4 mm, Class B ≤ 0.1 mm
- Positioning accuracy: Class A ±0.2 mm, Class B ±0.1 mm
- Machining speed error: Class A ±5%, Class B ±2%
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Test report
- Templates/sample reports provided in annexes for Class A and Class B machines.
Applications and users
This standard is practical for:
- OEMs and manufacturers of CO2‑laser beam machines for specifying and proving machine performance.
- Commissioning and quality engineers performing acceptance testing at delivery.
- Integrators, test laboratories and purchasers who need objective, repeatable acceptance criteria.
- Procurement/specification writers creating supplier contracts and factory acceptance test (FAT) criteria.
Use EN ISO 15616-4:2021 when you need standardized, repeatable tests for 2‑D moving‑optics CO2 laser systems to verify trajectory, positioning and speed accuracy for high‑quality welding and cutting.
Related standards
- EN/ISO 15616 series:
- Part 1: General principles, acceptance conditions
- Part 2: Measurement of static and dynamic accuracy
- Part 3: Calibration of instruments for measurement of gas flow and pressure
Keywords: EN ISO 15616-4:2021, CO2‑laser beam machines, acceptance tests, 2‑D moving optics, trajectory accuracy, positioning accuracy, machining speed accuracy, welding and cutting standards.