Overview - EN ISO 9013:2017 (Thermal cutting)
EN ISO 9013:2017 defines geometrical product specifications and quality tolerances for the classification of thermal cuts in materials suitable for oxyfuel (flame), plasma and laser cutting. The standard is applicable to:
- Flame (oxyfuel) cuts: 3 mm to 300 mm thickness
- Plasma cuts: 0.5 mm to 150 mm thickness
- Laser cuts: 0.5 mm to 32 mm thickness
The document sets out how to specify and assess cut geometry and surface quality when referenced on drawings or in delivery conditions. It does not address flatness defects as such - users must refer to the current material standards for flatness requirements.
Key Topics and technical requirements
- Terms, definitions and figures: Clear terminology for cutting head, kerf, cut thickness, torch angles, start/end of cut and cut types (vertical, bevel, contour).
- Form and location tolerances: Rules for specifying positional and angular tolerances of cut features on workpieces.
- Measurement procedures: Measuring conditions, measuring points and procedural steps are described; profile measurement references (stylus instruments) are included.
- Quality of cut surface: Characteristic values used to assess surface quality (for example Rz5 - mean height of the profile) and perpendicularity/ angularity tolerance (u) are defined with measuring ranges.
- Dimensional tolerances: Tolerances for parts both without finishing and with finishing (including machining allowance guidance).
- Designation and documentation: How to indicate cut quality classes and tolerances on technical drawings and in title blocks.
- Informative annexes: Annex A lists achievable cut qualities for different processes; Annex B summarizes process principles.
Practical applications
EN ISO 9013:2017 is used to:
- Specify acceptable surface quality and geometric tolerances for thermally cut parts on engineering drawings and delivery terms.
- Provide acceptance criteria during inspection and quality control of oxyfuel, plasma, and laser cut components.
- Help manufacturers and fabricators select appropriate cutting processes and finishing allowances based on required tolerances and achievable surface quality.
- Standardize communication between designers, suppliers and inspectors to reduce disputes and rework.
Who uses this standard
- Mechanical and structural designers specifying cut parts
- Fabrication and cutting shops (oxyfuel, plasma, laser)
- Quality engineers and inspectors performing surface and geometric assessments
- Procurement and contract managers writing delivery conditions
- Standards and compliance professionals in manufacturing
Related standards
- ISO 1302: Indication of surface texture in technical documentation
- ISO 3274: Surface texture - profile method - nominal characteristics of contact instruments
- ISO 4288: Surface texture - profile method - rules for assessment
- ISO 8015: GPS fundamentals - concepts, principles and rules
Using EN ISO 9013:2017 ensures consistent specification and evaluation of thermal cut quality across design documents, manufacturing, and inspection processes.
