ISO 18457-2016 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18457:2016 — Biomimetics — Biomimetic materials, structures and components. Provides a framework for the development, characterization and industrial application of biomimetic materials, structures, surfaces, components and manufacturing technologies, including methodology for transferring biological principles to technical solutions.

Abstract

ISO 18457:2016 specifies the principles of biological systems relevant to biomimetic design and sets out a methodology (analysis, abstraction, analogy and transfer) for developing biomimetic materials, structures and components. It describes measurement methods and parameters for characterization and provides examples and guidance on industrial relevance and application.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed by ISO review).
• Publication date: September 2016 (Edition 1, 2016).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 07.080 (Biology. Botany. Zoology).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 37 (ISO original document).

Basic bibliographic and lifecycle details as published by ISO.

Scope

Applies to biomimetics as it concerns materials, structures, surfaces, components and manufacturing technologies: it defines relevant biological principles and performance characteristics, describes a development methodology that moves from biological analysis to technical abstraction and transfer, and outlines measurement and characterization approaches. The standard is intended to support designers, developers, researchers and industry stakeholders in applying biomimetic approaches across sectors.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and principles of biomimetic materials, structures and components.
• Methodology for biomimetic development: biological analysis, abstraction, analogy and transfer to technical solutions.
• Guidance on reasons and occasions for using biomimetic approaches in product and process development.
• Measurement methods and parameters for characterizing biomimetic materials and structures (informative annex with examples of analytical methods).
• Examples of biomimetic implementations and discussion of industrial relevance and sustainability considerations.

Core requirements are guidance-oriented rather than prescriptive test limits; the standard focuses on process, characterization and application examples.

Typical use and users

Used by engineers, product designers, materials scientists, R&D teams, academic researchers, technology transfer specialists and standard developers who are implementing or evaluating bio‑inspired designs and manufacturing techniques. Also useful for educators and policymakers seeking a structured approach to biomimetic innovation.

Related standards

Commonly used together with other ISO biomimetics deliverables produced by ISO/TC 266, for example ISO 18458:2015 (Terminology, concepts and methodology), ISO 18459:2015 (Biomimetic structural optimization) and ISO/TR 23845:2020 (Ontology‑Enhanced Thesaurus for biomimetics). These documents provide complementary definitions, optimization methods and subject indexing tools.

Keywords

biomimetics, biomimetic materials, biomimetic structures, bio‑inspired design, abstraction, analogy, materials characterization, ISO/TC 266, biological principles, transfer process

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18457:2016 is an international standard that provides a framework and methodology for creating and characterizing biomimetic materials, structures and components — i.e., technical solutions inspired by biological systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers principles derived from biological systems, a stepwise methodology for biomimetic development (analysis, abstraction, analogy, transfer), measurement and characterization approaches, and illustrative examples showing industrial relevance. It is guidance‑focused rather than a prescriptive test specification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Designers, materials scientists, engineers, R&D teams, educators, technology transfer specialists and organizations applying or evaluating bio‑inspired products and manufacturing methods. Standardization bodies and policy advisers in biomimetics also use it for harmonization.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition is the published edition; ISO records show the publication was reviewed and confirmed (i.e., remains current) as part of ISO's periodic review process. Users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards body for any amendments or newer editions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 18457 sits within a set of biomimetics standards developed by ISO/TC 266 (for example ISO 18458:2015 and ISO 18459:2015) plus related technical reports (for example ISO/TR 23845:2020) that together address terminology, methodology, optimization and subject indexing.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Biomimetics, biomimetic materials, bio‑inspired design, structures, components, methodology, characterization, abstraction, analogy.