GOST 26.008-85 PDF

Full title and description

GOST 26.008-85 — "Lettering for inscriptions applied by engraving method. Executive dimensions" (Russian: "Шрифты для надписей, наносимых методом гравирования. Исполнительные размеры"). The standard specifies the executive (working) dimensions, character sets and basic design rules for fonts intended to be applied by engraving on measuring instruments, automation equipment, radio‑electronic and computing devices, and other products.

Abstract

This national standard defines two instrument font styles for engraving (commonly referenced as Pr3 — straight normal bold — and Pr41 — straight narrow light), lists included characters (letters, figures and marks), prescribes nominal heights and allowable ranges for engraved lettering, basic stroke/profile forms (incised or raised) and recommended interline spacing and placement rules for inscriptions applied by engraving methods. The document includes dimensional tables and application notes for instrument marking.

General information

• Status: Multiple databases list the standard as historically issued and available; commercial distributors commonly show it as "active/available", while some national registries note it as withdrawn/annulled in their jurisdictions (records vary by country).
• Publication date: Approved by USSR standards bodies in December 1985 (12/20/1985) and officially published/issued 01 January 1987.
• Publisher: USSR State Committee for Standards (Gosstandart of the USSR) — published as a GOST national standard.
• ICS / categories: Instrumentation and marking / printing and reproduction equipment — common classifiers reference ICS areas for publishing, reproduction equipment and instrument lettering.
• Edition / version: Original issue designated GOST 26.008-85 (approved 1985); several amendments were recorded (examples cited as amendments in 1987, 1989 and 1992 in supplier records).
• Number of pages: 27 pages (typical commercial PDF/print copies list 27 pages).

Scope

The standard applies to fonts used for inscriptions produced by engraving methods on measuring and automation instruments, radio‑electronic apparatus, computing equipment and other products where durable, legible engraved marking is required. It does not cover certain specialized marking for linear/angle measuring instruments or glass inscriptions when specific alternate standards apply. The document establishes dimensional specifications and permitted ranges for engraved character sizes and spacing.

Key topics and requirements

• Designation of two primary instrument font styles for engraving: Pr3 (straight normal bold) and Pr41 (straight narrow light).
• Character set requirements: Pr3 typically includes uppercase and lowercase Cyrillic, Latin and Greek letters, Roman and Arabic numerals, punctuation and mathematical signs; Pr41 commonly covers uppercase letters and Arabic numerals.
• Nominal character heights specified (common table: 1–16 mm) with permitted extension of parameters in practice (document and commentaries note allowable variants such as ranges down to ~0.6 mm and up to larger sizes depending on application).
• Profile of engraving: allowed as recessed (incised) or raised (relief) depending on product and marking technology.
• Recommended spacing rules, including typical interline distance approximately one‑half of the character height and guidance for placement relative to edges and features.
• Dimensional tables and tolerances for stroke widths, notch clearances and reference dimensions for toolmakers and marking equipment.

Typical use and users

Primary users include instrument and control equipment manufacturers, metrology and calibration device makers, radio‑electronic and computing hardware producers, engraving and marking services, label/plate fabricators and quality/standards engineers responsible for product identification and traceability marks. The standard is used when durable, standardized engraved inscriptions are required for readability and compliance on technical products.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced with or in relation to GOST 26.008-85 include GOST 26.020 (instrument font series and design rules for printed and engraved lettering), legacy GOST 2930 series (replaced or partially superseded in related font rules), and other GOST or regional standards governing marking, plate materials and engraving technologies. Users should check national registries for specific replacements or supersessions in their jurisdiction.

Keywords

engraving, lettering, instrument fonts, Pr3, Pr41, executive dimensions, marking, inscriptions, metrology, instrument labeling, GOST 26.008-85.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: GOST 26.008-85 is a Soviet/Russian national standard that specifies fonts and dimensional requirements for inscriptions applied by engraving methods on instruments and related products.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the designation of instrument font styles for engraving, the character sets included, nominal character heights and allowable ranges, engraving profiles (incised or raised), spacing rules and dimensional tables/tolerances for engraved lettering.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers of measuring and automation instruments, electronics and computing hardware, engraving/marking service providers, and standards/quality engineers who require durable, standardized engraved markings.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Publicly available records are mixed — many commercial standards suppliers continue to offer the original GOST 26.008-85 text (often marked "active/available" for purchase), while some national catalogues or registries indicate the standard was annulled or withdrawn in certain jurisdictions. Users should verify national status and any local replacements before applying the standard.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of a family of instrument lettering and marking standards (for example GOST 26.020 and related GOST documents addressing fonts and printing/marking methods). It is intended to work alongside related GOSTs that govern marking materials and specific instrument categories.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are: engraving, instrument fonts, executive dimensions, Pr3, Pr41, inscriptions, marking, metrology, GOST.