TS 7860 ISO 4378-1

TS 7860 ISO 4378-1 is a terminology standard for plain bearings that brings together terms, definitions, and classification related to design, bearing materials, and their properties. In practical engineering use, this kind of document helps teams describe the same component in the same way, compare material behaviour consistently, and maintain a shared technical language across bearing types.

What the plain-bearing terminology covers

The standard deals with commonly used terms for plain bearings and explains how they are defined and classified. Design-related terms help distinguish structural elements such as the bearing arrangement and working surfaces, while material-related terms support the description of properties linked to friction, wear, load carrying ability, and conformity. In general technical context, this separation matters because plain-bearing selection depends not only on geometry, but also on service conditions and the material character of the bearing system.

Why design, materials, and properties are grouped together

Plain bearings provide controlled contact between a rotating or oscillating shaft and the supporting surface. As a result, the language of design and the language of materials are closely connected: geometry, support structure, and material features such as lining or alloy choice are often assessed together. The classification approach addressed by this standard supports clearer comparison between different bearing solutions and more consistent technical documentation.

• Provides a common technical vocabulary for plain bearings.
• Focuses on design, bearing materials, and material properties.
• Helps ensure definitions and classifications are used consistently.
• Supports comparison across different plain-bearing solutions.