~ What do the new vibration standards mean for the industry? ~
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) could have gone by many different acronyms depending on the local language — IOS in the UK, OIN in Spain, even MOC in Russia. To avoid instability, it did what it does best and standardised its own name. Machines can’t choose their names, but they do show instability in their own way, such as through excessive vibration. Here, Beth Ragdale, software business manager at Beckhoff UK, examines how the updated ISO 20816 standards aim to ensure machinery runs smoother, more reliably and with less risk of failure.
Vibration monitoring has always been a part of industrial maintenance, but for manufacturers relying on servo motors, 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 lifespan and disrupt synchronised motion — issues that are particularly important in precision manufacturing and automated transport systems.
ISO 20816 builds on ISO 10816, refining how vibration levels are classified and assessed. The new standard doesn’t change the fundamental principles of vibration analysis, but it does introduce more specific criteria for different types of machinery, recognising that a high-speed servo-driven transport system doesn’t behave like a centrifugal pump or a gearbox.
For manufacturers operating servo-based automation, it provides a more relevant framework for condition monitoring, helping to catch performance drift before it leads to system-wide inefficiencies.
Servo motors and LTS
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, ball screws 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.
Out with the old?
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 data-driven, the need for more specific vibration criteria has grown. This new standard aligns vibration monitoring with modern manufacturing methods, giving engineers a better framework for assessing performance and preventing faults.
For manufacturers looking to integrate ISO 20816-compliant condition monitoring into their automation systems, Beckhoff UK offers tools that make real-time assessment seamless. Whether you’re operating servo-driven production lines, automated transport systems, or high-precision assembly stations, having the right data at the right time can make all the difference in improving performance.
For a demonstration of Beckhoff condition monitoring in action, visit the company’s YouTube channel. Or, for details on how the new standards might affect existing systems, talk to a Beckhoff UK specialist today.
