Overview
ISO 3857-3:1989 is the International Standard vocabulary for pneumatic tools and machines. As Part 3 of the ISO 3857 series, it provides bilingual (English/French) terms and definitions specifically for pneumatic motors and pneumatic tools - including rotary and percussive tools. Published as the second edition in 1989 by ISO/TC 118, this standard harmonizes technical language used in design, testing, documentation and trade.
Key Topics
The standard defines key technical concepts and nomenclature used across pneumatic equipment, including:
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Pneumatic motors
- swept volume, displacement, clearance volume
- supply and discharge pressures (mean total absolute pressure)
- overall and internal expansion ratios
- torques: static starting, dynamic starting, loaded torque, maximum brake loaded torque, static/dynamic stall torque
- rotational frequencies: no-load and under-load
- power output and power-to-mass ratio
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Pneumatic tools (rotary and percussive)
- swept volume and displacement (per revolution or stroke)
- supply and discharge pressures and expansion ratio
- air consumption and specific air consumption
- direction of rotation definitions (right-hand/left-hand; forward/reverse)
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Measurement reference conditions noted (e.g., air consumption referred to an absolute pressure of 105 Pa and a temperature of 20 °C).
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Definitions are aligned with orientation and rotation systems referenced in ISO 1503.
Applications
ISO 3857-3 is practical for:
- Creating consistent technical documentation, datasheets and manuals for pneumatic motors and tools
- Specifying terminology in procurement contracts and product standards
- Supporting test laboratories and quality assurance in reporting performance (torque, speed, power, consumption)
- Training maintenance and service personnel on standardized definitions
- Facilitating international trade and regulatory compliance by harmonizing vocabulary across English and French markets
Who Uses It
- Mechanical and pneumatic engineers
- Manufacturers and product designers of air-powered tools and motors
- Technical writers and documentation teams
- Test labs, certification bodies and QA teams
- Procurement specialists and standards committees
Related Standards
- ISO 3857-1 - General (concepts, symbols, units)
- ISO 3857-2 - Compressors
- ISO 1503:1977 - Geometrical orientation and directions of movements (referenced for rotation definitions)
By standardizing core vocabulary for pneumatic tools and machines, ISO 3857-3:1989 improves clarity in specifications, testing, documentation and cross-border communication for the pneumatic equipment industry.
Open preview (PDF)Compressors, pneumatic tools and machines — Vocabulary — Part 3: Pneumatic tools and machines
