This International Standard establishes a code for the designation of turning and copying tool holders and cartridges with a rectangular shank, having a standardized dimension, f (see ISO 5610-1, ISO 5610-2, ISO 5610-3, ISO 5610-4, ISO 5610-5, ISO 5610-6, ISO 5610-7, ISO 5610-8, ISO 5610-9, ISO 5610-10, ISO 5610-11, ISO 5610-12, ISO 5610-13, ISO 5610-14 and ISO 5610-15 and ISO 5611), intended for use with indexable inserts, thus simplifying orders and specifications for such tools.

The designation of boring bars (tool holders with cylindrical shank) is given in ISO 5609-1.