Overview
ISO 9959-1:1992 - Numerically controlled draughting machines - Part 1: Vector plotters - defines a standardized drawing test to evaluate the graphical quality and dynamic performance of electromechanical vector plotters. The test is intended to assess factors such as dynamic accuracy and required plotting time, independently of specific machine types. It explicitly does not evaluate static drawing accuracy (dimensional changes in drawing media may affect static results).
Key topics and requirements
- Test method: A single standardized test drawing (preferably A4) divided into 14 plotting zones. Zones exercise grids, diagonal lines, circles, curves, meanders, dashed lines, symbols, lettering and tool-change sequences.
- Performance metrics:
- Dynamic accuracy (deviation from straightness, circularity, perpendicularity)
- Static positioning repeatability
- Line-width uniformity and mismatch at tangents or intersections
- Over/undershoot and corner behaviour
- Alignment of dashed line endpoints and symbol symmetry
- Tool-change positioning and uniformity of line quality
- Legibility of lettering (recommended type B, 5 mm, per ISO 3098-1)
- Plotting time (measured from start cross in zone 0 through completion and return)
- Test conditions: Specify test atmosphere (temperature, relative humidity per ISO 554), draughting tool and media, plotting speed and acceleration settings, and any optional details (ink type, pressure).
- Evaluation: Visual inspection with a x10 magnifier and, if necessary, comparison with model drawings. Test results should be recorded in a title block (plotter type, operator, date, conditions).
Practical applications - who uses this standard
- Plotter manufacturers - for product development, quality control and performance claims.
- Test laboratories and QA teams - to perform repeatable acceptance and comparative tests.
- Procurement and specification writers - to define objective requirements when buying plotters or specifying service levels.
- R&D and calibration engineers - to benchmark dynamic behaviour, tune motion control and optimize draughting tool selection.
- Standards bodies and technical document authors - to harmonize test procedures and report formats.
Related standards
- ISO 554 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing
- ISO 5457 - Technical drawings - Sizes and layout of drawing sheets
- ISO 9179-1 - Numerically controlled draughting machines - Vocabulary (vector plotters)
- ISO 3098-1 - Lettering for technical drawings (recommended lettering type for the test)
Keywords: ISO 9959-1, vector plotters, numerically controlled draughting machines, drawing test, performance evaluation, dynamic accuracy, plotting time, plotting zones, test drawing.