Overview
ISO 2806:1994 - Industrial automation systems: Numerical control of machines - Vocabulary is an international standard that defines the terminology used in numerical control (NC) of machine tools. Published in English and French, this second edition updates and restructures the original 1980 edition to improve clarity, remove obsolete entries, add new terms, and include an informative annex on coordinate systems. The standard is intended to facilitate international communication among users, manufacturers and integrators of NC/CNC systems.
Key topics
ISO 2806 organizes its content into a short general section and a comprehensive terms-and-definitions section. Important technical topics covered include:
- General concepts: definitions for NC (numerical control), CNC (computerized numerical control), and DNC (distributed numerical control).
- Machine geometry and motion: terms for axes, coordinate systems, absolute and incremental coordinates, and tool path.
- Programming and data: vocabulary for part programs, machine programs, least input increment, least command increment, post processors, and general-purpose processors.
- Control methods: entries for interpolation, adaptive control, and modes of operation.
- Measurement and sensing: definitions for sensors and positioning/measuring terminology.
- Annex A: illustrative figures for coordinate systems and positions used in NC/CNC contexts.
- Normative references: links to related terminology and NC program-format standards (for example ISO 841, ISO 6983 parts, ISO 10241, ISO 1087, and relevant ISO/IEC vocabulary standards).
The standard follows terminology development rules in ISO 10241 and includes an alphabetical index for quick lookup.
Applications
ISO 2806:1994 is practical for anyone who needs clear, standardized language around numerical control:
- Manufacturers and designers of machine tools and CNC controllers - to ensure consistent product documentation.
- Systems integrators and automation engineers - to reduce ambiguity in specifications and integration.
- Technical writers and trainers - for accurate manuals, training materials and course curricula.
- Procurement and quality teams - to write unambiguous requirements and verify conformity.
- Standards developers and translators - as a reference vocabulary for harmonized terminology.
Using ISO 2806 improves interoperability, reduces misunderstandings in international projects, and supports compliance with other NC/CNC standards.
Related standards
Relevant cross-references included in ISO 2806:1994 (normative) are:
Keywords: ISO 2806:1994, numerical control vocabulary, CNC vocabulary, industrial automation, machine tool terminology, coordinate systems, NC standards.
