TS ISO 4378-1

TS ISO 4378-1 is a vocabulary standard for plain bearings, covering the most commonly used terms, their definitions, and the classification used for design, bearing materials, and material properties. Plain bearings are fundamental machine elements that support motion between contacting surfaces by sliding rather than rolling. This standard helps establish a common technical language for designers, materials specialists, and users working with bearing systems.

A common framework for design and material terminology

The standard is concerned not only with bearing types in general, but also with the terminology used to describe their design and the properties of the materials employed. In practice, that means concepts such as bearing structure, lining, sliding surface, and material characteristics are treated within one consistent vocabulary. As a terminology document, it also provides short forms for some terms and word combinations, but only where they are unambiguous.

In broader engineering context, plain-bearing performance is closely tied to load carrying capacity, friction behavior, wear resistance, lubrication compatibility, and material selection under the intended operating conditions. Defining design terms together with material terms is important because these aspects are tightly linked in real applications. The standard also notes that some self-explanatory terms are given without definitions, which supports concise and practical use of the vocabulary in technical communication.

• Standardises terminology for plain bearings.
• Focuses on design, bearing materials, and material properties.
• Provides short forms where meanings are unambiguous.
• Leaves self-explanatory terms without definitions.