48 n MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS September 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com What do the new vibration standards mean for industry? Vibration monitoring has always been a part of industrial maintenance, but for manufacturers relying on servomotors, linear transport systems and high-speed automation, it’s about more than just avoiding mechanical failure. Excessive vibration can interfere with positioning accuracy, reduce machine lifespans and disrupt synchronised motion – issues that are particularly important in precision manufacturing and automated transport systems. Starting in 2016, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has been publishing a series of new standards, collectively called ISO 20816, that cover the measurement and evaluation of vibration from a variety of industrial machines. The standards build on and merge the earlier ISO 10816 and 7919 standards, refining how vibration levels are classified and assessed. The new standards don’t change the fundamental principles of vibration analysis, but do introduce more specific criteria for different types of machinery, recognising that a high-speed servo-driven transport system doesn’t behave in the same way as a centrifugal pump or gearbox. For manufacturers operating servo-based automation, the new standard provides a more relevant framework for condition monitoring, helping to catch performance drift before it leads to system-wide inefficiencies. Different vibes One of the key differences in ISO 20816 is its recognition that different types of machines experience vibration in different ways. Traditional vibration monitoring typically focusses on rotating machines, with thresholds based on motor speed, housing vibrations and bearing conditions. Linear motion systems, servo actuators and direct-drive automation systems don’t fit neatly into that model. By refining measurement locations, frequency ranges and vibration thresholds, ISO 20816 enables more accurate assessments of vibration in systems where linear guides, ballscrews and actuators are critical. Instead of relying on generic vibration limits, manufacturers can now monitor the components that actually affect precision and longevity in their specific type of machinery. For example, in high-speed electronics assembly, even minor vibration inconsistencies can throw off alignment, leading to higher defect rates. In automated product transport, unwanted vibration in conveyor belts or rail-mounted systems can cause positioning errors and excessive wear. ISO 20816 provides a more structured way to evaluate vibration in these systems, helping manufacturers set meaningful limits rather than relying on one-size-fits-all guidelines. The introduction of ISO 20816 doesn’t mean that ISO 10816 was ineffective; it just reflects how industrial machinery has evolved. As automation systems have become faster, more precise and more datadriven, the need for more specific vibration criteria has grown. The new standard aligns vibration monitoring with modern manufacturing methods, giving engineers a better framework for assessing performance and preventing faults. If you are looking to integrate ISO 20816compliant condition monitoring into your automation systems, Beckhoff UK offers tools for real-time assessment. Whether you’re operating servo-driven production lines, automated transport systems, or highprecision assembly stations, having the right data at the right time can make all the difference in improving performance. n The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has introduced a series of standards that align vibration monitoring with modern manufacturing methods. Beth Ragdale, software business manager at Beckhoff UK, examines how the ISO 20816 standards aim to ensure machinery runs smoother, more reliably and with less risk of failure. The new ISO standards introduce criteria for different types of machinery
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