The International Standard specifies, with reference to ISO 230-1 and 230-2, geometric tests, machining tests and tests for accuracy and repeatability of positioning axes on general purpose and normal accuracy external cylindrical centreless grinding machines. It also specifies the applicable tolerances corresponding to the above-mentioned tests.

This International Standard deals only with the verification of accuracy of the machine. It does not apply to the testing of the machine operation (vibrations, abnormal noise, stick-slip motion of components, etc.) nor to machine characteristics (such as speeds, feeds, etc.), which should generally be checked before testing of machine accuracy.

This International Standard provides the terminology used for the principal components of the machine and the designation of the axes with reference to ISO 841.