ISO 1059-1973 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 1059:1973 — Numerical control of machines — Punched tape fixed block format for positioning and straight‑cut machining. This entry describes the original 1973 ISO publication and the PDF product (first edition) that specifies a fixed‑block punched‑tape data format used for positioning and simple straight‑cut machining operations on numerical control (NC) machines.

Abstract

ISO 1059:1973 defines a fixed‑block punched‑tape format for numerical control of machine tools intended for positioning and straight‑cut (parallel to axes) machining. The standard specifies format classification (shorthand and detailed), the layout and contents of data fields, rules for representing linear and angular dimensions (units and implicit decimal placement), and references coding of preparatory (G) and miscellaneous (M) functions to related standards. The document includes annexes with format examples and guidance for implementation.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn — superseded by later NC program format standards (see Related standards).
• Publication date: 1 December 1973 (first edition).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva.
• ICS / categories: 25.040.20 — Numerically controlled machines (information processing / NC systems).
• Edition / version: First edition (1973).
• Number of pages: 9 pages (original PDF/print edition).

Scope

The standard applies to fixed‑block punched tapes used to transmit NC program data for positioning moves and straight‑cut machining. It standardizes the block format, field ordering and classification, numeric representation (units and implicit decimal placement), and the structure required for reliable interpretation by NC equipment. Coding of preparatory and miscellaneous functions is handled by associated standards referenced within ISO 1059.

Key topics and requirements

• Fixed‑block punched‑tape format specification: classification shorthand, detailed shorthand, and itemized data sections.
• Rules for numeric fields: linear dimensions in millimetres or inches, angular dimensions in decimal revolutions or degrees, and implicit decimal sign (no explicit decimal point).
• Field ordering and most‑significant‑digit conventions to ensure consistent parsing.
• Reference to coding of preparatory (G) and miscellaneous (M) functions (see ISO 1056 and related documents).
• Annex examples (including a tab fixed‑block format) and explanatory guidance for implementers.
• Interoperability intent: format designed for consistent reading across NC machines and tape readers of the era.

Typical use and users

Originally used by NC/CNC programmers, machine tool manufacturers, control system designers and retrofit engineers implementing punched‑tape input. Today the document is primarily referenced by standards librarians, industrial historians, archival projects, and engineers or consultants working with legacy NC systems or data conversion of historical programs.

Related standards

ISO 1059:1973 was a transformation of earlier ISO/R 1059 (1969) and was later superseded by standards that consolidated NC program formats, notably ISO 6983‑1:1982 (Numerical control of machines — Program format and definition of address words — Part 1: Data format for positioning, line motion and contouring control systems). It also references ISO 1056 for coding of preparatory and miscellaneous functions. The ISO 6983 series and later CNC/NC program format standards are the principal successors.

Keywords

numerical control, NC, punched tape, fixed block format, positioning, straight‑cut machining, tape format, ISO 1059, G/M functions, legacy CNC, program format

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 1059:1973 is an International Standard that specifies a fixed‑block punched‑tape data format for numerical control of machines used for positioning and straight‑cut machining. It was published as the first edition in December 1973.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers block layout, field classification (shorthand and detailed), numeric representation rules (units and implicit decimal placement), handling of preparatory/miscellaneous function coding via related standards, and includes example formats in annexes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: When current (1970s–1980s), NC programmers, machine tool builders and control manufacturers used it. Today it is mainly of interest to standards archivists, researchers, and engineers dealing with legacy NC systems or program conversion.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 1059:1973 is withdrawn and has been superseded by later NC program format standards — notably ISO 6983‑1:1982 and subsequent revisions that consolidated and extended NC/CNC program format definitions. The withdrawal/completion of replacement work occurred in the early 1980s.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ISO 1059 sits within ISO work on numerical control/program formats and is related to ISO/R 1059 (the earlier recommendation) and to the ISO 6983 series (which later became the principal NC program format standard family). It also references ISO 1056 for function coding.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Numerical control, punched tape, fixed block format, NC program format, positioning, straight‑cut machining, G/M coding, legacy CNC.