TS 7860

TS 7860 is a terminology standard for plain bearings, bringing together terms and definitions related to design, bearing materials, and the properties of those materials. In engineering practice, this kind of document helps ensure that the same concepts are used consistently across design offices, manufacturers, and technical documentation, especially when discussing bearing geometry, operating behaviour, and material characteristics.

What the terminology covers in plain-bearing engineering

Plain bearings support a rotating or moving part by direct surface contact rather than rolling elements. As a result, design terminology is closely tied to concepts such as load carrying capacity, friction, clearance, alignment, and lubrication. Material terminology, on the other hand, covers subjects such as alloys, composite structures, surface layers, and wear behaviour. Based on the scope of this standard, its role is to organise the names and definitions used in these technical areas, rather than to prescribe a test method or design calculation.

Why design and material terms are grouped together

Plain-bearing performance depends not only on geometry but also on the mechanical and tribological properties of the bearing material. Design choices are therefore linked to properties such as deformation under load, conformability, thermal conductivity, and resistance to wear. Bringing design, material, and property terms into one vocabulary standard reduces ambiguity and supports consistent use in drawings, specifications, catalogues, and maintenance documents.

This document is the TSE-equivalent entry to ISO 4378-1:1983 and is recorded as withdrawn in TSE status. Even so, it remains useful for understanding the terminology behind plain-bearing technology and for reading legacy technical documents accurately.