Overview
SIST ISO 9959-1:1995 sets out a standardized drawing test method for evaluating the performance of numerically controlled draughting machines, specifically vector plotters. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and adopted by SIST (Slovenian Institute for Standardization), this standard ensures consistent assessment of graphical quality capabilities such as dynamic accuracy and required drawing time, regardless of the machine type. Importantly, static drawing accuracy is not addressed by this part of the standard, as it may be affected by environmental factors and is better measured at the point of drawing creation.
Key Topics
- Dynamic Accuracy: Methods for measuring the plotter's ability to accurately reproduce movements and shapes during operation, including lines, curves, circles, and symbols.
- Required Drawing Time: Evaluation of how long the plotter takes to complete a standardized test drawing, which offers insights into efficiency and speed.
- Drawing Test Procedure: A defined process using standard drawing formats (such as A4) and multiple plotting zones, allowing for repeatable and comparable results across different vector plotters.
- Graphical Quality Criteria: Assessments utilize a range of test patterns-borders, grids, parallel lines, diagonals, circles, curves, corners, dashed lines, symbols, and lettering-to identify deviations from expected outcomes (e.g., straightness, circularity, overshoot).
- Test Conditions and Reporting: Criteria such as test atmosphere, draughting tool, media, speed, and acceleration, as well as documentation of the procedure and results in a clear title block, enhancing traceability and repeatability.
Applications
Adherence to SIST ISO 9959-1:1995 is essential for:
- Plotter Manufacturers: Ensuring product consistency, validating machine performance, and providing benchmarking data for product development or marketing.
- Industrial Design and Technical Drawing: Guaranteeing precise and reliable plotting, which is critical in engineering, architecture, and product design workflows.
- Quality Assurance and Calibration: Testing and verifying the dynamic performance of numerically controlled plotting equipment during commissioning, maintenance, or after repairs.
- Comparison and Procurement: Offering a consistent basis for comparing different vector plotters, facilitating informed purchasing decisions for organizations seeking high-performance draughting machines.
Related Standards
- ISO 9179-1: Defines the vocabulary for numerically controlled draughting machines, supporting the precise communication of technical requirements.
- ISO 5457: Specifies sizes and layout of technical drawing sheets, ensuring compatibility with the test procedures of ISO 9959-1.
- ISO 554: Outlines standard atmospheres for conditioning and/or testing, relevant for establishing reliable test conditions.
- ISO 9959-2 (under preparation): Will address similar evaluations for raster plotters.
- ISO 3098-1: Provides guidelines for lettering used in technical drawings, relevant for test zones assessing symbol and text reproduction.
Conclusion
SIST ISO 9959-1:1995 is crucial for the standardized evaluation of vector plotters, focusing on dynamic performance and drawing efficiency. Through its clear procedures and quality criteria, it supports manufacturers, users, and procurement professionals in optimizing the use and assessment of numerically controlled draughting machines, promoting reliability and quality in technical documentation and design.
Keywords: numerically controlled draughting machines, vector plotters, SIST ISO 9959-1, drawing test, technical drawing, dynamic accuracy, plotting machines, graphical quality, performance evaluation, international standards.