ASTM's rolling element bearing standards provide the specifications and test methods pertinent to the design, property, and performance requirements of the mechanical component known as the rolling element bearing. Mechanical bearings, in general, permit constrained relative motion between two other mechanical parts, typically linear or rotational. Rolling ball bearings, in particular, carry loads by placing spherical elements between the two pieces, wherein the relative motion of each causes the round elements to roll with very little tribological resistance. These rolling element bearing standards allow product manufacturers, industrial plants, and other producers and end-users of such mechanical parts to test ball bearings to ensure acceptability towards safe installation and use.
List of rolling element bearing standards developed by ASTM:
