Overview
ISO 13041-6:2009 - "Test conditions for numerically controlled turning machines and turning centres - Part 6: Accuracy of a finished test piece" specifies a series of cutting tests, under finishing conditions, and the characteristics and dimensions of standard test pieces. Referencing ISO 230‑1, this part of ISO 13041 provides the minimum requirements for assessing the cutting accuracy of NC turning machines and turning centres for acceptance, comparison, maintenance and performance evaluation.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and reference: Tests are defined with explicit reference to ISO 230‑1 for machine installation, warm‑up, measurement methods and result presentation. Other normative references include ISO 1101 and related ISO 13041 parts.
- Test pieces and machining conditions: Defines geometry, sizes and allowable re‑use limits of standard test pieces; specifies that material, tooling and cutting parameters must be recorded and agreed between supplier and user.
- Measurement units and instruments: Linear dimensions in millimetres; linear sensors with 0.001 mm resolution or better. Typical instruments: roundness measuring machine (for circularity) and micrometer (for diameter consistency).
- Typical machining tests: Examples include M1 (turning a cylindrical test piece - circularity and consistency of machined diameters) and M2 (flatness perpendicular to the spindle axis). Tolerances for circularity and diameter consistency are given by machine type, configuration and size category.
- Machine size categories: Classifies machines (horizontal, vertical, inverted vertical spindles) into size ranges used to select appropriate test dimensions and tolerances.
- Essential test record data: Material and dimensions of test piece and tool, cutting speeds, feedrates, depth(s) of cut, axes used, fixturing/clamping conditions and cutting fluid.
Practical applications and users
ISO 13041-6:2009 is used by:
- Machine tool manufacturers for design validation and factory acceptance testing.
- Purchasing and quality engineers for acceptance testing of NC turning machines and turning centres.
- Metrology and inspection labs performing comparative machine performance assessments.
- Maintenance teams conducting benchmarking and periodic accuracy verification.
Typical applications include acceptance testing of new machines, comparative performance benchmarking, verification after repair or relocation, and supplier–user agreements on machine capabilities.
Related standards
- ISO 230‑1 - Test code for machine tools (geometric accuracy, no‑load/finishing conditions)
- ISO 1101 - Geometrical tolerancing (form, orientation, location)
- Other parts of the ISO 13041 series (Parts 1–5, 7–8) covering geometric tests, axis accuracy, feeds/speeds, contouring and thermal distortion.
Keywords: ISO 13041-6:2009, numerically controlled turning machines, turning centres, test conditions, accuracy of a finished test piece, cutting tests, circularity, diameter consistency, ISO 230-1.