This International Standard describes, with reference to ISO 230-1 and ISO 230-2, geometric tests, machining tests and tests for accuracy and repeatability of numerically-controlled positioning axes on general purpose and normal accuracy turret and single spindle automatic lathes. It also specifies the applicable tolerances corresponding to the above-mentioned tests.

This International Standard applies only to lathes with a multi-tool turret. This turret can be manually indexed, semi-automatically indexed by motion of the turret slide or automatically indexed by an independent control including numerical control. Lathes with sliding headstock are excluded from the scope, but lathes with numerical control are included as far as the contents of this International Standard are applicable.

This International Standard deals only with the verification of accuracy of the machine. It does not apply to the operational testing of the machine (vibration, abnormal noise, stick-slip motion of components, etc.) nor to machine characteristics (such as speeds, feeds, etc.) as such checks are generally carried out before testing the accuracy.