Overview
EN ISO 15616-3:2003 - Acceptance tests for CO2-laser beam machines for high quality welding and cutting - Part 3 covers the calibration and examination procedures for instruments used to measure process-oriented gas parameters (gas flow and gas pressure). It applies to acceptance testing of CO2-laser beam machines operating in two directions (2D) in accordance with EN ISO 15616-1:2003. The standard ensures that gas supply instruments give reliable, reproducible readings required for high-quality laser welding and cutting.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope: Measurement of process-oriented gas parameters (gas flow in litres per minute [l/min], gas pressure in two ranges: < 1 MPa (< 10 bar) and > 1 MPa (> 10 bar)).
- Instrument selection: Measuring devices must be suitable for the required range, maximum value and accuracy for the test application.
- Accuracy requirement: Test instruments shall have a limit error of at least ±2% of their maximum scale reading.
- Gauge ranges guidance: For pressure gauges, recommended instrument ranges are 10/16 (up to 10 bar) and 20/40 (up to 20 bar) to minimize measurement error.
- Measurement conditions: Tests are performed with flowing gas and without the laser beam or workpiece present. The first reading is taken after 2 seconds and values are recorded continuously for 1 minute. Measurements should cover the machine’s intended working range.
- Test setup and safety: All components (fittings, hoses, pickups) must be compatible with the gas and pressure used. Equipment must be leak-checked, systems purged before switching gases, and fume extraction used during testing.
- Gas flow testing: Flow gauges should be chosen per test needs; where flow meters require pressure compensation, pressure pickups must be placed close to the flow meter. Manufacturer corrective factors are applied when evaluating results.
Applications and Users
Practical uses of EN ISO 15616-3:2003 include:
- Acceptance testing during commissioning of CO2-laser welding and cutting machines.
- Periodic verification and calibration of gas flow and pressure instruments in production lines.
- Quality assurance to maintain reproducible welding/cutting results by ensuring stable gas supply.
- Support for machine manufacturers, system integrators, calibration laboratories, test engineers, quality managers, and inspection bodies responsible for compliance and performance validation.
Related Standards
- EN ISO 15616-1:2003 - Acceptance tests for CO2-laser beam machines - Part 1: General principles, acceptance conditions.
- EN ISO 15616-2:2003 - Part 2 covers measurement of static and dynamic accuracy (part of the same acceptance test series).
Keywords: EN ISO 15616-3:2003, CO2-laser beam machines, gas flow measurement, gas pressure calibration, acceptance tests, laser welding, laser cutting, instrument calibration, process-oriented gas parameters.