ISO 15616-4:2008 provides minimum requirements for acceptance testing, using practical test methods, for CO₂-laser beam machines for high quality welding and cutting in two dimensions (2-D), having a fixed workpiece on the platen and moving optics.

ISO 15616-4:2008 is not applicable to CO₂-laser beam machines which use an articulated robot, nor to those which include a work station, such as a welding positioner, fixed board cutter, etc.

ISO 15616-4:2008 does not cover hazard protection devices, such as those for discharging chips and particles generated during welding and cutting.