ISO 9345-2019 PDF

Full title and description

Microscopes — Interfacing dimensions for imaging components (ISO 9345:2019). This International Standard specifies optically and mechanically related dimensions for imaging components of microscopes, including imaging distances, tube lens focal length conventions, screw thread types for objective mounting, and diameters of interchangeable eyepieces and corresponding viewing tubes.

Abstract

ISO 9345:2019 defines standardized interfacing dimensions to ensure mechanical and optical compatibility between microscope components from different manufacturers. It consolidates and replaces earlier part-based documents by specifying imaging distances for common tube-length and infinity-corrected systems, objective-to-nosepiece thread dimensions, and eyepiece/viewing-tube diameters to facilitate interchangeability and correct optical performance.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed in 2024)
• Publication date: 22 March 2019
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 37.020 (Optical equipment)
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2019)
• Number of pages: 14

Scope

ISO 9345:2019 applies to imaging components of light microscopes and specifies both optical distances and mechanical dimensions necessary for proper interfacing. The standard covers (a) imaging distances related to objectives and eyepieces for tube-length systems (e.g., 160 mm equivalence), (b) imaging distances and normal tube-lens focal-length conventions for infinity-corrected optical systems, (c) screw thread types used to connect microscope objectives to nosepieces, and (d) diameters and fits for interchangeable eyepieces and corresponding viewing tubes.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized imaging distances for objectives and eyepieces (160 mm tube-length equivalence and infinity-corrected systems).
• Specification of normal tube-lens focal-length conventions for infinity systems to ensure correct image formation.
• Designation and dimensions of objective mounting screw threads to promote mechanical interchangeability.
• Defined diameters and tolerances for interchangeable eyepieces and viewing tubes to ensure secure fit and optical alignment.
• Clear consolidation of previously separate part-based dimensions into a single, harmonized document.
• Guidance for manufacturers and laboratories to verify component compatibility and maintain optical performance across systems.

Typical use and users

Primary users are microscope and optical-component manufacturers, design and mechanical engineers, quality and production control personnel, calibration and test laboratories, equipment procurement specialists, repair and service technicians, and standards committees. The standard is used when designing or specifying objectives, eyepieces, tube lenses, nosepieces, and viewing tubes to ensure cross-manufacturer compatibility and reliable optical performance.

Related standards

ISO 9345:2019 consolidates and replaces earlier standards and parts, including ISO 9345-1:2012, ISO 9345-2:2014, ISO 8038:2013 and ISO 10937:2000. It was developed under ISO/TC 172/SC 5 (optical instruments) and should be used alongside other optical-instrument standards where applicable.

Keywords

microscopes, interfacing dimensions, imaging distances, tube length 160 mm, infinity-corrected, tube lens, objective thread, eyepiece diameter, viewing tube, optical compatibility, interchangeability, ISO 9345:2019

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 9345:2019 is an International Standard that specifies optically and mechanically related interfacing dimensions for microscope imaging components to ensure compatibility and correct optical performance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers imaging distances for objectives and eyepieces (including 160 mm tube-length equivalence and infinity-corrected systems), focal-length conventions for normal tube lenses, screw thread dimensions for objective mounting, and diameters/tolerances for interchangeable eyepieces and viewing tubes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of microscopes and optical components, design and mechanical engineers, test and calibration laboratories, procurement and service teams, and standards bodies use the standard when specifying, designing, validating, or replacing microscope components.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 9345:2019 is the current consolidated standard published on 22 March 2019. According to ISO review information it was confirmed in 2024 and remains the active edition, replacing earlier part-based standards.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 9345:2019 replaces earlier series parts (ISO 9345-1 and ISO 9345-2) and related standards (ISO 8038 and ISO 10937). It represents the consolidated specification for interfacing dimensions rather than a numbered multipart series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include microscopes, interfacing dimensions, imaging distances, objective thread, eyepiece diameter, tube lens, infinity-corrected, tube length 160 mm, optical compatibility, interchangeability.