This standard specifies dimensions. requirements and test methods for heat-treated hexagon head and slotted head thread cutting screws with an ISO metric thread as specified in DIN 13-12, with cutting flutes extending from the point of the screw to its head, and designed to cut their mating thread during assembly. See the relevant DIN Standards for head styles, ISO 8992 for general requirements, and ISO 3269 for acceptance inspection.

The specifications of this standard are intended to ensure that thread cutting screws ere capable of performing the above functions without their own thread fracturing or becoming deformed. To that end. requirements have been specified for thread cutting capability, surface hardness, tensile strength and torsional strength.