Overview
ISO 14137:2015 - Test conditions for wire electrical-discharge machines (wire EDM) - Testing of the accuracy specifies standardized methods to verify the geometric accuracy, positioning accuracy and repeatability, and machining/circular test performance of general‑purpose and normal‑accuracy wire EDMs. It applies to cross‑slide table and double‑column wire EDM machine types and provides the terminology and axis designation (referencing ISO 841) used throughout the tests.
This standard is focused exclusively on accuracy verification of the machine; it does not cover operational checks such as vibrations, abnormal noises, stick‑slip motion, or performance characteristics (speeds, feeds), which should be checked prior to accuracy testing.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Geometric tests (G1–G8): Assess straightness, squareness, flatness and other geometric deviations of linear axes and work‑holding frames.
- Positioning tests (P1–P5): Determine accuracy and repeatability of numerically controlled axes; these apply only to CNC wire EDMs and reference ISO 230‑2 for methods and interpretation.
- Machining test (M1): Simple finishing machining (e.g., cylindrical hole) under finishing conditions to verify machining accuracy; may be substituted by the circular test.
- Circular test (C1): Verifies contouring and circular interpolation accuracy; references ISO 230‑4 for test conditions and results presentation. M1 and C1 are allowed substitutions for one another by agreement.
- Measurement units & instruments: Linear dimensions and tolerances are in millimetres, angular values primarily as ratios; linear displacement sensors should have at least 0.001 mm resolution. Minimum tolerance value is 0.005 mm when scaling tolerances for different measuring lengths.
- Software compensation: Use of built‑in compensation (geometric, thermal, contouring) must be agreed between user and manufacturer and reported in test results. Axes should not be locked when compensation is active.
- Test selection & sequence: Not all tests are mandatory; acceptance tests must be agreed in the purchase/inspection contract. Test order can be adapted for practical mounting and measurement access.
Practical applications and users
ISO 14137:2015 is intended for:
- Wire EDM manufacturers and OEMs for design validation and factory acceptance testing (FAT)
- Quality assurance and metrology labs performing acceptance or periodic verification
- Machine tool purchasers, contract manufacturers, and certification bodies verifying machine accuracy prior to production use
- Service and calibration providers conducting accuracy restoration or after‑repair verification
Using ISO 14137 helps ensure consistent, repeatable accuracy assessments and clear contractual acceptance criteria for wire EDM equipment.
Related standards
- ISO 230‑1 - Geometric accuracy test code (installation, warm‑up, measuring methods)
- ISO 230‑2 - Positioning accuracy and repeatability of NC axes
- ISO 230‑4 - Circular tests for NC machine tools
- ISO 841 - Axis designation and motion nomenclature
Keywords: ISO 14137:2015, wire EDM, wire electrical‑discharge machine, testing of the accuracy, geometric tests, positioning accuracy, machining test, circular test, ISO 230, ISO 841.
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