This part of ISO 3686 specifies, with reference to ISO 230-1, both geometric tests and machining tests on vertical spindle, portal type coordinate drilling and boring machines. It also specifies the applicable tolerances corresponding to the above-mentioned tests.

It should be noted that, besides drilling and boring operations, it may be possible to carry out light milling operations with these machines. However, this part of ISO 3686 does not deal with jig boring machines or machining centres.

This part of ISO 3686 deals only with the verification of accuracy of the machine. It does not apply to the testing of the machine operation (vibrations, abnormal noises, stick-slip motion of components, etc.), nor the machine characteristics (such as speeds, feeds, etc.), which should generally be carried out before testing the accuracy.

This part of ISO 3686 provides the terminology used for the principle components of the machine and indicates the designation of the axes in accordance with ISO 841.