ISO 230-1:2012 specifies methods for testing the accuracy of machine tools, operating either under no-load or under quasi-static conditions, by means of geometric and machining tests. The methods can also be applied to other types of industrial machines.

It covers power-driven machines, which can be used for machining metal, wood, etc., by the removal of chips or swarf material or by plastic deformation. It does not cover power-driven portable hand tools.

ISO 230-1:2012 relates to the testing of geometric accuracy. It is not applicable to the operational testing of the machine tool (vibrations, stick-slip motion of components, etc.) or to the checking of characteristics (speeds, feeds).

It does not cover the geometric accuracy of high-speed machine motions where machining forces are typically smaller than acceleration forces.