The aim of this part of ISO 230 is to standardize methods of testing the accuracy of machine tools, operating either under no-load or under finishing conditions, by means of geometric and machining tests. The methods may also be applied to other types of industrial machines where geometric and machining tests are concerned.

This part of ISO 230 covers power-driven machines, not portable by hand while working, which can be used for machining metal, wood, etc. by removal of chips or swarf or by plastic deformation.

This part of ISO 230 relates only to the testing of geometric accuracy. In particular, it deals neither with the operational testing of the machine tool (vibrations, stick-slip motion of components, etc.) nor with the checking of characteristics (speeds, feeds), as these checks should rrormafly be carried out before testing of the accuracy of the machine tool.

When a measurement method not described in this standard can be shown to offer equivalent or better facilities for measuring the attributes to be studied, such a method may be used.