Overview
EN ISO 15616-2:2003 - "Acceptance tests for CO2‑laser beam machines for high quality welding and cutting - Part 2: Measurement of static and dynamic accuracy" - defines procedures to measure the motion and positioning precision of CO2‑laser beam machines used for high‑quality welding and cutting. The standard covers measurement of the manipulation system precision, positioning accuracy, repeatability and trajectory exactness for 2D operation (X, Y directions), specifies suitable measuring equipment and test procedures, and establishes a classification system for motion‑system precision tied to application requirements.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope of measurement
- Precision of the manipulation system (moving table, moving optics, rotary fixtures)
- Positioning accuracy and repeatability of axes (uni‑ and bi‑directional)
- Trajectory exactness during simulated processing (dynamic behaviour)
- Measuring equipment
- Calibrated mechanical, optical (laser) and inductive measuring devices are recommended, chosen to meet application tolerances.
- Typical measurement methods
- Straightness and parallelism checks for X, Y, Z motions (dial gauges, straightedges)
- Squareness of travel between axes (steel square or cylinder references)
- Axial and radial run‑out of rotary fixtures (dial gauge measurements under load)
- Dynamic trajectory tests using geometrical test elements:
- Square (nominal side 80 mm) - measure corner rounding and overshoot
- Circle (nominal diameter 50 mm) - measure circularity error (inscribed vs circumscribed radii)
- 45° bevel line - measure linearity and return accuracy
- Test conditions and reporting
- Tests performed with specified loads (where applicable) and at specified trajectory velocities; both loaded and unloaded tests may be required.
- Results reported in tabular form with stated maximum allowable values and classification grade per the machine’s technical specification.
Applications and who uses it
EN ISO 15616-2:2003 is intended for:
- Laser machine manufacturers and integrators performing acceptance and commissioning tests
- Quality assurance and inspection labs validating machine precision for welding and cutting
- Procurement and specification engineers defining required motion accuracy for production systems
- Maintenance teams verifying repro‑ducible positioning and dynamic behaviour after service or upgrades
Practical uses include acceptance testing, performance classification, supplier verification, production qualification and preventive maintenance checks.
Related standards
- EN ISO 15616-1:2003 - General principles and acceptance conditions for CO2‑laser beam machines (normative reference)
- ISO 230‑2 - Referenced for characterization of positioning accuracy, reversal and repeatability parameters
Keywords: EN ISO 15616-2:2003, CO2‑laser beam machines, acceptance tests, static and dynamic accuracy, positioning accuracy, repeatability, trajectory exactness, manipulation system precision.