August 2026 Brings Major Updates to Manufacturing Engineering Standards

The August 2026 publication cycle marks a significant wave of new standards for manufacturing engineering, reshaping best practices for process measurement, control, and equipment reliability. With five major standards released this month, professionals and organizations have powerful new resources to ensure quality, traceability, and compliance across manufacturing processes. This in-depth Part 2 overview features standards critical for equipment evaluation, process stability, electromagnetic compatibility, and substrate preparation—each bringing actionable guidance to industry leaders.

Overview

Manufacturing engineering continually evolves, with organizations under increasing pressure to deliver products efficiently while maintaining top-tier quality and compliance. International standards are at the heart of this mission, offering consensus-driven benchmarks that drive consistency, innovation, and risk reduction. Understanding and implementing the latest standards is critical for process engineers, quality professionals, compliance officers, and procurement specialists.

This article explores five recently published standards—from process measurement and control to arc welding EMC and steel substrate preparation—that will help you:

• Improve instrumentation accuracy and comparability
• Meet heightened safety and electromagnetic compatibility expectations
• Ensure optimal surface prep for advanced coatings and paints

Read on for a detailed breakdown of each new standard, its technical requirements, industry scope, and the real-world benefits for manufacturing operations.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN IEC 61298-1:2026 – General Considerations for Process Measurement and Control Devices

Process measurement and control devices – General methods and procedures for evaluating performance – Part 1: General considerations

This foundational standard lays out the principles and methodologies for testing and evaluating the performance of process measurement and control devices, excluding process measurement transmitters (PMTs). Covering both analogue and digital devices, EN IEC 61298-1:2026 serves as the bedrock for conducting comprehensive performance assessments, promoting uniformity and comparability across devices and manufacturers.

Key aspects include:

• General criteria for testing under realistic operating conditions
• Standardization of test methods, documentation, and reporting
• Procedures for preparing samples, calibration, and addressing anomalies during testing
• Considerations for environmental conditions, supply tolerances, mounting, and vibrations

Who should comply? This standard is indispensable for device manufacturers, process engineers, test laboratories, and anyone developing future standards for process instrumentation. Its adoption helps ensure consistency and reliability in performance reporting—critical for quality assurance and process optimization.

Key highlights:

• Defines universal terminology and test categories for performance evaluation
• Sets best practices for test lab preparation, measurement uncertainty, and traceability
• Establishes documentation protocols for repeatable, comparable results

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 61298-1:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 61298-2:2026 – Reference Condition Testing for Process Devices

Process measurement and control devices – General methods and procedures for evaluating performance – Part 2: Tests under reference conditions

The second part of the EN IEC 61298 series introduces detailed methods for evaluating devices’ functional and performance characteristics under defined reference conditions. It applies to process measurement and control devices, both analogue and digital, excluding PMTs, and is essential for establishing device baseline performance before considering external influences.

Requirements covered include:

• Procedures for range selection, preconditioning cycles, and the number of test cycles
• Dynamic behavior metrics: frequency and step response analysis
• Functional characteristics: input resistance, insulation strength, power consumption, and more
• Methods for documenting dead band, drift, switching differential, and adjustment limits

Applicable sectors include device manufacturers, calibration labs, and end-users requiring rigorous quality control. The precise delineation of test environments ensures fair comparisons, avoids variability, and underpins traceability in global supply chains.

Key highlights:

• Exhaustive accuracy and functionality assessments under tightly controlled conditions
• Dynamic tests for real-world response measures
• Comprehensive drift and stability evaluations for long-term reliability

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 61298-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 61298-3:2026 – Evaluating the Effects of Influence Quantities

Process measurement and control devices – General methods and procedures for evaluating performance – Part 3: Tests for the effects of influence quantities

EN IEC 61298-3:2026 examines the robustness and accuracy of process measurement and control devices when exposed to various external and operational influences. As manufacturing environments can involve temperature shifts, electromagnetic noise, mechanical strain, and power supply variations, this standard addresses performance under stress, ensuring devices remain fit for real-world manufacture.

What’s inside:

• Testing protocols for environmental variables: temperature, humidity, vibration, and shock
• Evaluation of power supply integrity: voltage/frequency variations, interruptions, and transients
• Procedures for electromagnetic compatibility, including magnetic fields, radio frequency, and electrostatic discharge
• Assessment of mounting position, output loads, and process medium effects

Industries affected include any sector deploying measurement/control devices in fluctuating or adverse environments—process industries, plant maintenance, and control system integrators.

Key highlights:

• Comprehensive EMC and mechanical stress tests
• Realistic process media and atmospheric simulation
• Results ensure suitability for demanding manufacturing and industrial settings

Access the full standard:View EN IEC 61298-3:2026 on iTeh Standards

IEC 60974-10:2020 – Arc Welding Equipment: Electromagnetic Compatibility Requirements

Arc welding equipment – Part 10: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements

The latest edition of IEC 60974-10 delivers a pivotal reference for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in arc welding equipment. Covering everything from power sources to ancillary systems like wire feeders and liquid cooling, this standard raises the bar for safe, interference-free welding environments.

Key updates in the 2026 revision:

• Extended requirements for battery-powered arc welding equipment
• Mandatory compliance for machines integrated with radio transmitters/receivers
• Expanded test set-ups for EMC emission and immunity across different categories

Who should comply? Manufacturers and integrators of arc welding systems, industrial maintenance teams, and safety engineers will find the requirements crucial for conforming to regional and international EMC regulations, minimizing production interference, and protecting equipment lifespan.

Key highlights:

• Enhanced emission and immunity test protocols
• Clear performance criteria (A/B/C) for fault tolerance during EMC stress
• Covers both stationary and portable welding equipment with updated limits for noise, ripple, and disturbances

Access the full standard:View IEC 60974-10:2020 on iTeh Standards

ISO 11124-1:2026 – Metallic Blast-Cleaning Abrasives for Steel Substrate Preparation

Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Specifications for metallic blast-cleaning abrasives — Part 1: General introduction and classification

A vital standard for surface preparation, ISO 11124-1:2026 introduces international specifications for metallic blast-cleaning abrasives used prior to coating steel substrates. It standardizes abrasive classification by type, shape, and size, creating a reliable framework for preparing surfaces in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, and heavy manufacturing.

Core provisions include:

• Classification of abrasives by chemical composition and initial particle shape
• Standardization of particle size ranges for process optimization
• Package identification, labeling protocols, and lot traceability requirements

Who benefits? Paint applicators, steel fabricators, and surface treatment companies seeking to optimize adhesion, coverage, and corrosion resistance will benefit from uniform abrasive selection and defined quality metrics.

Key highlights:

• Consistent designation and quality control for metallic abrasives
• Supports compliance with global surface preparation standards (e.g., ISO 8504-2, ISO 8501-1)
• Facilitates traceability in supply chains, reducing the risk of improper substrate treatment

Access the full standard:View ISO 11124-1:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

These five standards together deliver a comprehensive update for manufacturing engineering. Strict compliance is expected as they underpin:

• Product consistency and interoperability in global supply chains
• Workplace safety, especially in high-risk environments (e.g., welding, process control)
• Competitive differentiation through rigorous quality and performance assurance
• Regulatory alignment for international trade and certification

Compliance Considerations and Timelines Early adoption is recommended, as industry regulators and procurement contracts increasingly reference the latest standards editions. Manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors should review the requirements, integrate them into existing quality management systems, and schedule retraining for relevant personnel.

Benefits of Adoption

• Minimized equipment downtime and process variability
• Reduced risk of non-conformity in audits and client inspections
• Accelerated product development and market acceptance
• Enhanced reputation by demonstrating alignment with international best practices

Risks of Non-Compliance

• Potential regulatory penalties and contract disputes
• Increased product recalls or failures
• Loss of market access in regulated sectors

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements Across these standards, several core technical themes emerge:

• Standardized test methods, with traceable reference equipment and defined environmental parameters
• Detailed procedures for calibration, adjustment, and reporting to ensure repeatability
• Consideration of influence factors (temperature, vibration, power supply integrity, EMC)
• Mandated documentation for traceability, inspection, and audits

Implementation Best Practices

1. Audit all process and measurement devices for standard conformance
2. Update calibration and maintenance protocols to align with new testing and documentation requirements
3. Train staff on the nuances of EMC testing, drift analysis, and stress simulation
4. Engage with certification bodies early for transitional guidance

Testing and Certification

• Use accredited laboratories and reference equipment with traceable calibration
• Document all test procedures and results meticulously, adhering to each standard's reporting requirements
• For welding equipment, ensure all ancillary and radio devices are covered in EMC scope

Conclusion & Next Steps

The August 2026 batch of manufacturing engineering standards represents a pivotal upgrade for process control, equipment performance, and surface preparation worldwide. Aligning with these specifications not only strengthens quality and compliance but also empowers innovation and operational excellence in competitive markets.

Key Takeaways:

• Integrate these standards into your quality and procurement policies
• Educate your teams and supply partners about new compliance requirements
• Leverage iTeh Standards to access the latest documents and stay ahead in the manufacturing engineering field

Explore these new standards and ensure your organization is fully prepared for the evolving demands of modern manufacturing.

For further resources and the latest international standards, visit iTeh Standards.