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ISO

What is ISO?

ISO, which stands for International Organization for Standardization, is an international standardization organization that develops and publishes various standards for many industries. The organization was founded in February 1947 and operates independently of any national governments. ISO standards help harmonize practices and improve the quality of products and services worldwide.

The History of ISO

ISO’s roots go back to 1926, when it was known as the International Federation of the National Standardizing Associations (ISA). ISA focused mainly on mechanical engineering. After World War II, ISA’s activities were suspended, but the UN Standards Coordinating Committee (UNSCC), established by the United Nations, proposed creating a new global standardization body. As a result, in October 1946, representatives from ISA and UNSCC of 25 countries met in London and agreed to establish ISO. The organization’s official operations began on February 23, 1947.

ISO Members and Operations

ISO’s members are national standardization organizations, with only one member organization representing each country. In Finland, this role is held by the Finnish Standards Association (SFS). ISO members and their representatives meet annually at a general assembly to discuss the organization’s strategic goals. The work of ISO is centrally organized through its secretariat located in Geneva. In addition, a council consisting of 20 members is responsible for overseeing and governing the organization, including setting the annual budget.

The technical management of the organization is handled by a board that oversees more than 250 technical committees. These committees develop ISO standards that cover a wide range of different industries and operations. One significant area is standards for the mechanical engineering industry.

Different Types of ISO Membership

ISO has three membership categories, each with different rights and obligations:

  1. Member bodies: These are national entities which are the leading standardization organizations in their countries. They are the only ISO members with voting rights.
  2. Correspondent members: These are countries without their own standardization organizations. These members receive information about ISO’s work but do not participate in the creation of standards.
  3. Subscriber members: These include countries with small economies. They pay lower membership fees but can still follow the development of standards.

Well-Known ISO Standards in Machine Shops

ISO standards are an essential part of machine shops and machining workshops. Some of the best-known and most important ISO standards used in the mechanical engineering industry include:

  • ISO 286: This standard covers accuracy classes and tolerances for different machine parts, ensuring that different components fit together properly.
  • ISO 261: This standard defines the ISO system for metric thread types, helping harmonize threaded parts across different countries.
  • ISO 13399: This standard concerns the computer modeling of cutting tools, making it easier to document and communicate tool features and specifications.
  • ISO 9001: This is one of the best-known ISO standards, focusing on quality management systems. It helps companies develop and maintain high-quality management practices.

Summary

ISO is a significant international organization that has a broad impact across various industries, including mechanical engineering. ISO standards help harmonize processes and ensure the high quality of products and services globally. The organization’s members and technical committees are continually working to develop new and more effective standards. In the mechanical engineering industry, well-known standards such as ISO 286, ISO 261, ISO 13399, and ISO 9001 are practical examples that improve industry operations and competitiveness.