ISO 14137 specifies, with reference to ISO 230-1, ISO 230-2 and ISO 230-4, geometric tests, tests of accuracy and repeatability of numerically controlled positioning axes, machining test and circular tests for general purpose, normal-accuracy wire electrical-discharge machines (wire EDM). It also specifies applicable tolerances corresponding to the above-mentioned tests.

ISO 14137 is applicable to single column machines of cross slide table type and double column type machines.

ISO 14137 deals only with the testing of accuracy of the machine. It does not apply to the testing of the machine operation (vibration, abnormal noise, stick-slip motion of components, etc.) nor to machine characteristics (such as speeds, feeds, etc.), which should generally be carried out before testing the accuracy.

ISO 14137 provides the terminology used for the principle components of the machine and the designation of the axes in accordance with ISO 841.