ISO 230-4-2022 PDF

Full title and description

Test code for machine tools — Part 4: Circular tests for numerically controlled machine tools. This international standard specifies methods for testing and evaluating circular and radial contouring errors produced when two or more machine-tool axes (linear and/or rotary) are coordinated to produce circular or constant-radius trajectories, and provides related test procedures and annex guidance for setup and evaluation.

Abstract

This document provides methods for the determination of the contouring performance of numerically controlled machine tools. It specifies methods for evaluating bi-directional circular error, mean bi-directional radial error, circular error and radial error for circular paths produced by simultaneous movement of axes, and extends to coordinated combinations of linear and rotary axes. The standard also includes explanatory annexes covering differences between circular and radial errors, influences of typical machine errors, precautions for rotary-axis test setups, example adjustments of diameter and contouring speed, and tests using feedback signals.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 22 February 2022 (Edition 3, 2022).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 25.040.20 (Numerically controlled machines / machine tools).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2022).
• Number of pages: 26 pages (third edition, 2022).

Scope

ISO 230-4:2022 specifies standardized test procedures to determine contouring (dynamic) errors when numerically controlled machine-tool axes are coordinated to generate circular or constant-radius motion. The scope covers two-axis circular tests and extends to any coordinated combination of linear and rotary axes where the tool–workpiece relative position is maintained; it provides measurement, evaluation and reporting methods intended for machine manufacturers, test laboratories and end users seeking reproducible assessments of contouring performance.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and distinction between circular errors and radial errors (with explanatory Annex A).
• Methods to measure bi-directional circular deviation, mean bi-directional radial deviation, circular deviation and radial deviation for circular paths produced by two linear axes.
• Procedures for testing deviations of circular/constant-radius trajectories for coordinated combinations of linear and rotary axes.
• Test setup precautions for rotary-axis involvement, and guidance on instrumentation and feedback-signal usage (Annexes C and E).
• Examples and practical guidance for selecting test diameters and contouring speeds (Annex D) and analysis of typical machine error influences (Annex B).
• Requirements for reporting results so they are comparable and reproducible between laboratories and suppliers.

Typical use and users

Used by machine tool manufacturers, CNC control developers, metrology and test laboratories, quality and process engineers, and technical purchasers to assess and specify contouring performance of numerically controlled machines. It supports factory acceptance testing, design verification, research into dynamic accuracy and routine performance checks. End users who require validated contouring performance (e.g., aerospace, mold & die, precision engineering) typically adopt these test procedures.

Related standards

ISO 230-4 is part of the ISO 230 "Test code for machine tools" series. Relevant related parts include (non-exhaustive): ISO 230-1 (geometric accuracy), ISO 230-2 (positioning accuracy and repeatability of NC axes), ISO 230-3 (thermal effects), ISO 230-7 (geometric accuracy of axes of rotation), ISO 230-10 and ISO 230-12 (measuring/probing and accuracy of finished test pieces). Users typically consult these parts together to obtain a complete test and evaluation program for machine-tool accuracy.

Keywords

circular tests, contouring error, radial error, circular error, numerically controlled machine tools, CNC, machine-tool testing, test code, coordinated axes, metrology, ISO 230 series.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 230-4:2022 is the third-edition international standard that defines test procedures for circular/contouring performance of numerically controlled machine tools.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers measurement and evaluation methods for circular and radial errors of circular paths produced by coordinated axes (two linear axes and combinations including rotary axes), plus annex guidance on interpretation, setup and use of feedback signals.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Machine tool manufacturers, CNC/control suppliers, metrology labs, quality engineers, and end users in precision manufacturing who need standardized, reproducible contouring performance data.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 230-4:2022 is published and in force; it supersedes the previous ISO 230-4:2005 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO 230 Test Code for Machine Tools series; other parts address geometric accuracy, positioning, thermal effects, probing performance and related machine-tool test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Circular test, contouring error, radial error, bi-directional circular error, coordinated axes, numerically controlled, machine-tool testing, ISO 230.