MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING Standards: A Comprehensive Overview of May 2025 (Part 1)

Looking back at May 2025, the Manufacturing Engineering sector experienced a dynamic period of standardization, with five pivotal standards shaping key areas like predictive maintenance, industrial automation safety, advanced manufacturing, and construction technologies. This retrospective overview synthesizes the period’s most noteworthy standards, exploring their technical requirements and significance for professionals aiming to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. Whether you are a quality manager, compliance officer, engineer, or procurement specialist, this analysis distills the essential updates and reveals the evolving priorities within Manufacturing Engineering.

Monthly Overview: May 2025

The month of May 2025 was particularly active for Manufacturing Engineering standards, with a thematic emphasis on the integration of digital technologies, worker safety, predictive maintenance, and the refinement of machine interfaces. In comparison to previous months, the breadth of subjects suggests an industry responding to increasing demands for automation, operational resilience, and occupational safety. Notably, the publication of standards covering predictive maintenance for industrial automation, advanced additive manufacturing machine safety, and comprehensive programming languages for controllers highlighted the sector's commitment to both modernization and risk management. The inclusion of updated and draft European standards for drilling and sawing equipment further signals a continued push towards harmonization of safety requirements and the adaptation to contemporary job site realities.

Overall, professionals reviewing May’s releases will find essential guidance for future-proofing operations through smarter maintenance, digital competence, and enhanced equipment safety protocols.

Standards Published This Month

EN IEC 63270-1:2025 - Predictive Maintenance of Industrial Automation Equipment and Systems – Part 1: General Requirements

Predictive Maintenance of Industrial Automation Equipment and Systems – Part 1: General Requirements

This foundational standard provides comprehensive guidance on establishing predictive maintenance frameworks for industrial automation. EN IEC 63270-1:2025 outlines the functional structure model, key procedures, interface requirements, and data specifications to support predictive maintenance initiatives for equipment, devices, and entire systems within automated environments. A significant focus is placed on integrating condition monitoring as a core mechanism—not just within scope, but as an essential input to predictive maintenance strategies.

Professionals in industrial sectors leveraging automation, including manufacturing and process industries, are the primary audience. Compliance supports organizations in their journey towards Industry 4.0 maturity, aligning diagnostics, fault management, and remaining useful life (RUL) predictions with international best practices. Notably, the standard connects predictive maintenance to maintenance management system integration, data compatibility requirements, and highlights practical application scenarios, such as flow meters and servo valves. Referencing key normative documents like ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010 (software/systems architecture), the standard ensures alignment with global interoperability goals.

Key highlights:

• Provides a structured model and workflow for predictive maintenance in industrial automation
• Details requirements for condition monitoring, fault diagnosis, and RUL prediction
• Integrates predictive maintenance with broader maintenance management systems for enhanced lifecycle decision-making

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 63270-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO/ASTM 52938-1:2025 - Additive Manufacturing of Metals – Environment, Health and Safety – Part 1: Safety Requirements for PBF-LB Machines

Additive Manufacturing of Metals – Environment, Health and Safety – Part 1: Safety Requirements for PBF-LB Machines

ISO/ASTM 52938-1:2025 addresses a critical aspect of advanced manufacturing: the safety of additive manufacturing (AM) machines employing powder bed fusion using laser beams (PBF-LB). The standard provides robust technical and verification requirements to mitigate hazards across the entire life cycle of PBF-LB machines, addressing risks from mechanical, electrical, laser, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems. It also includes stipulations for operator ergonomics, safe handling of metallic powders, noise and vibration, and explosion/fire prevention.

Applicable to manufacturers, industrial end-users, health and safety officers, and maintenance teams working with or around AM metals PBF-LB equipment, the standard does not cover design-phase hazards or other AM technologies. Noteworthy is its integration with ISO 12100 for general machine safety and reference to several related standards (ISO 13849, ISO 11553, etc.), ensuring cross-compliance. The document also sets benchmarks for marking, instructions for use, and the verification of essential safety requirements.

Key highlights:

• Defines comprehensive safety measures for PBF-LB additive manufacturing machines
• Specifies requirements for verification, marking, and safe handling of powders and post-processing waste
• Integrates with global standards for occupational health, laser safety, and fluid power systems

Access the full standard:View ISO/ASTM 52938-1:2025 on iTeh Standards

IEC 61131-3:2025 - Programmable Controllers – Part 3: Programming Languages

Programmable Controllers – Part 3: Programming Languages

The fourth edition of IEC 61131-3 marks a significant update for programmable controllers (PCs) within industrial settings. This standard specifies the syntax and semantics of both textual (Structured Text, ST) and graphical languages (Ladder Diagram, LD; Function Block Diagram, FBD) for programming controllers. Additionally, it incorporates Sequential Function Chart (SFC) structuring, configuration element definitions, and enhanced mechanisms for communication between controllers and automated system components.

One of the most impactful changes introduced in the 2025 edition is the inclusion of UTF-8 string support and expanded associated functions, directly supporting internationalization and modern digital manufacturing ecosystems. The updated Annex B details additions, removals, and deprecated features compared to the 2013 edition, providing implementers with a clear migration path.

The standard is indispensable for engineers and system integrators responsible for designing, specifying, or verifying control systems. It also supports interoperability and lifecycle management in large-scale automation projects.

Key highlights:

• Defines unified programming language suite (ST, LD, FBD, SFC) for programmable controllers
• Introduces UTF-8 strings and details compliance with recent feature changes
• Facilitates communication, integration, and future-proofing across diverse automated environments

Access the full standard:View IEC 61131-3:2025 on iTeh Standards

FprEN 12348 - Core Drilling Machines on Stand – Safety

Core Drilling Machines on Stand – Safety

FprEN 12348 is a European draft standard (at the time of May 2025) that sets forth safety requirements for core drilling machines mounted on transportable stands, primarily those using diamond (or similar) core drill bits to create holes in stone, concrete, or similar materials. The specification covers manual, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic feed mechanisms and is primarily tailored to address all significant hazards during intended use, including risks from mechanical movement, electrical systems, noise, vibration, and fluid pressure.

The standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, job site operators, and safety managers dealing with construction or industrial projects involving stationary core drilling. Notably, it excludes percussive/rotary-percussive rock drills, handheld drills, and other mobile machinery—focusing strictly on stationary, stand-based core drills. The 2025 draft introduces updates to normative references, safety definitions, technical measures, and operator information provisions, aligning with the latest EU machinery directives and harmonized approaches.

Key highlights:

• Covers stationary core drilling machines and diamond tool safety measures for construction
• Details technical and operational requirements to mitigate mechanical, electrical, and ergonomic risks
• Enhanced alignment with EU directives, updated hazards, and operator instructions

Access the full standard:View FprEN 12348 on iTeh Standards

FprEN 15027 - Transportable Wall Saw and Wire Saw Equipment for Job Site – Safety

Transportable Wall Saw and Wire Saw Equipment for Job Site – Safety

FprEN 15027 elaborates safety and operational requirements specifically for transportable wall saws (rail-guided) and wire saws utilized at job sites. It addresses equipment using diamond tools for cutting concrete, mineral materials, and composites—excluding quarrying equipment and stationary natural stone saws. The standard delineates safety measures concerning mechanical, thermal, electrical, and hydraulic/pneumatic hazards, and offers guidance on noise and dust mitigation, tool guard requirements, and regular maintenance protocols.

This draft, current as of May 2025, is critical for equipment manufacturers, construction companies, health and safety teams, and maintenance services. The updates reflect broader harmonization with other European standards, extending to warning signs, operator documentation, and technical verification of noise emissions and surface temperature.

Key highlights:

• Defines technical safety protocols for transportable wall and wire saws with diamond tools
• Covers major hazards (mechanical, noise, dust, hydraulics/electrics) at job sites
• Updated provisions for marking, maintenance, and compliance with construction safety norms

Access the full standard:View FprEN 15027 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

Several patterns emerged from the May 2025 standards publications for Manufacturing Engineering:

• Integration of Predictive and Condition-Based Maintenance: EN IEC 63270-1:2025 underscores a sector embrace of predictive diagnostics, blending IoT-inspired monitoring with actionable maintenance management. This shift offers resilience against unplanned downtime and promotes data-driven operations.

• Safety for Advanced Manufacturing Equipment: ISO/ASTM 52938-1:2025 and the two FprEN (12348/15027) standards reflect a robust response to emerging risks, especially those tied to complex, high-powered machinery and new material-handling paradigms (e.g., metal powders, diamond tools).

• Digitalization and Programming Evolution: IEC 61131-3:2025 demonstrates a focus on programming language modernization, interoperability, and internationalization, meeting the needs of globalized manufacturing and digital transformation.

• Alignment With Directives & Updated Practice: Both EN/CEN drafts illustrate heightened engagement with harmonized European safety directives, essential for those trading or operating across the EU.

These themes signal a commitment to safer, smarter, and more adaptable manufacturing environments, with a strong undercurrent favoring digital maturity and regulatory harmonization.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For organizations affected by the May 2025 standards, several best practices emerged:

1. Gap Analysis and Roadmapping

   • Conduct detailed assessments to measure current practices against new or revised requirements, especially for predictive maintenance (EN IEC 63270-1:2025) and AM metal safety standards (ISO/ASTM 52938-1:2025).

2. Prioritize Safety System Upgrades

   • Update machinery, process protocols, safety signage, and operator training in line with FprEN 12348 and FprEN 15027 requirements.
   • For additive manufacturing operations, review materials handling, hazard protection, and emergency preparedness as specified.

3. Leverage Digital Tools

   • Plan migration to updated programming language features from IEC 61131-3:2025 for programmable controllers; embrace UTF-8 support and extended function block options for cross-border or multi-lingual deployments.

4. Engage with Compliance Timelines

   • Note national adaptation deadlines (e.g., EN standards enforcement dates) to ensure timely transition.
   • For organizations exporting to the European Union, early alignment with CEN standards prevents costly market delays.

5. Access Authoritative Resources

   • Use comprehensive standards platforms (such as iTeh Standards) to access authorized texts, cross-reference related harmonized standards, and stay informed on implementation guidance.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from May 2025

May 2025 saw a suite of influential standards that have begun to reshape the Manufacturing Engineering landscape. From foundational advancements in predictive maintenance and digital programming (EN IEC 63270-1:2025, IEC 61131-3:2025) to high-stakes safety frameworks for additive manufacturing and construction equipment (ISO/ASTM 52938-1:2025, FprEN 12348, FprEN 15027), the period offers critical updates for forward-thinking professionals.

Recommendations:

• Prioritize review and incorporation of predictive maintenance and programming updates for automation investments.
• Ensure all machinery and job site operations meet or exceed new safety standards, particularly where high-powered or cutting-edge equipment is used.
• Monitor compliance timelines closely, especially in regulated markets like the EU.
• Explore all referenced standards in detail on iTeh Standards to ensure complete and up-to-date compliance.

Staying current with these standards is critical—not only for risk reduction and resource optimization but for sustaining innovation and competitiveness in the Manufacturing Engineering field. To deepen your understanding or download the full standards, visit iTeh Standards and keep your organization at the forefront of global best practice.