ASTM F2444-04(2018)

Standard Practice for Damage Prevention of Bearings, and Bearing Components Through Proper Handling Techniques

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice covers bearings and bearing components of all material compositions and grades. It may be used to develop a process for adequately handling bearings.  
4.2 Unless the proper conditions of an adequate facility, equipment, and trained personnel are available, it may be better not to inspect the bearings in-house. The danger of contaminating and damaging the bearings may be much greater than the possibility of receiving bearings that will not function.  
4.3 Bearings are easily damaged at the customers' receiving and test areas. In most cases, bearings should be accepted based on the bearing manufacturer’s certification. Certificates of quality (conformance) supplied by the bearing manufacturer may be furnished in lieu of actual performance of such testing by the receiving activity of the bearings. The certificate shall include the name of the purchaser, contract number/PO number, name of the manufacturer or supplier, item identification, name of the material, lot number, lot size, sample size, date of testing, test method, individual test results, and the specification requirements.  
4.4 This practice does not cover clean room requirements of miniature and instrument precision bearings. These bearings require clean room environments in accordance with ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers requirements for the handling of all bearings and bearing components.  
1.2 This is a general practice. The individual bearing handling requirements shall be as specified herein or as specified in the contract or purchase order. In the event of any conflict between requirements of this practice and the individual bearing requirements of an OEM drawing, procurement specification, or other specification, the latter shall govern. Many companies, organizations, and bearing users have excellent facilities, equipment, and knowledgeable personnel for handling bearings. The thrust of this practice is for users that do not have this knowledge of bearings.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Aug-2018
• ICS: 21.100.01 - Bearings in general
• Technical Committee: F34 - Rolling Element Bearings
• Drafting Committee: F34.03 - Preservation, Cleaning and Packaging

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2444-04(2012) - Standard Practice for Damage Prevention of Bearings, and Bearing Components Through Proper Handling Techniques
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2018

Overview

ASTM F2444-04(2018): Standard Practice for Damage Prevention of Bearings, and Bearing Components Through Proper Handling Techniques provides essential guidelines for the correct handling, inspection, storage, and preservation of bearings and bearing components. This international standard, developed by ASTM, aims to minimize the risk of contamination and physical damage that can occur during the lifecycle of bearing products. It covers bearings of all materials and grades, except for specific clean room requirements for miniature and precision instrument bearings (which are instead covered by ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2). By implementing proper bearing handling techniques, organizations can significantly extend product life, ensure optimal performance, and enhance quality management within manufacturing and maintenance environments.

Key Topics

• Handling Guidelines: The standard outlines specific precautions to prevent damage, including the use of gloves or appropriate tools, secure containers, and clean, controlled environments.
• Training and Documentation: Personnel involved in receiving, inspecting, and handling bearings must be trained and certified. All procedures should be documented, and records maintained for compliance and auditing.
• Inspection and Acceptance: Emphasizes minimal in-house inspection unless proper facilities, equipment, and trained personnel are available, as improper handling can increase risk of contamination or damage.
• Facility and Equipment Requirements: Recommends controlled environments with non-shedding materials for construction, filtered air, and proper lighting to prevent dust or moisture ingress.
• Packaging and Storage: Details on protective packaging, appropriate storage conditions, and rotation policies to avoid corrosion or lubricant degradation.
• Rejection and Disposition: Procedures for segregating, marking, and handling non-conforming or rejected bearings.
• Safety and Regulatory Considerations: Guidance on implementing safety, health, and environmental practices, recognizing users’ responsibility to address all relevant concerns and regulatory requirements.
• Cleanroom Exclusions: Specific exclusions for clean room requirements pertinent to miniature and instrument bearings, directing users to relevant ISO standards.

Applications

ASTM F2444-04(2018) standard is indispensable in industries where the integrity and longevity of bearings are critical, including:

• Aerospace and Defense: Ensures reliability and minimizes bearing-related failures in high-precision applications.
• Automotive Manufacturing: Supports quality assurance in automated assembly lines and component supply chains.
• Industrial Equipment: Protects against premature wear or malfunction in heavy machinery and robots.
• Rail and Transportation: Maintains high safety and operational standards for rolling stock and associated components.
• Quality Management Systems: Integrates with ISO 9001 for consistent process improvement, supplier management, and audit preparedness.

By following this standard, organizations ensure proper bearing handling practices throughout the supply chain, reduce waste, and safeguard product quality from receipt to installation.

Related Standards

• ISO 14644-1 & ISO 14644-2: Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments (applicable to precision and miniature bearings).
• ABMA 1: Bearing terminology, referenced for consistent understanding of terms.
• ISO 9001: Quality management system requirements, aligning procedural and training requirements for bearing handling.
• Other ASTM and OEM Specifications: In case of conflict, OEM drawings and procurement specifications take precedence over general practices outlined here.

Practical Value

ASTM F2444-04(2018) offers a systematic approach to damage prevention in bearings by:

• Reducing the risk of contamination and mechanical damage
• Standardizing training and facility requirements
• Streamlining acceptance testing and certification processes
• Improving overall reliability, safety, and lifespan of bearing assemblies

Adherence to this standard not only safeguards investments in bearing inventory but also strengthens trust with customers and supply partners through a clear, auditable framework for quality assurance in bearing handling.

Keywords: bearing handling, bearing inspection, bearing damage prevention, ASTM F2444, bearing storage, quality management, bearing certification, industrial bearings, precision bearings, bearing packaging.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2444 − 04 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Practice for
Damage Prevention of Bearings, and Bearing Components
Through Proper Handling Techniques
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2444; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope ISO 14644-2 Cleanrooms and Associated Controlled
Environments—Part 2: Specifications for Testing and
1.1 This practice covers requirements for the handling of all
Monitoring to Prove Continued Compliance with ISO
bearings and bearing components.
14644-1
1.2 This is a general practice. The individual bearing han-
ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems—Requirements
dling requirements shall be as specified herein or as specified
3. Terminology
in the contract or purchase order. In the event of any conflict
between requirements of this practice and the individual
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
bearing requirements of an OEM drawing, procurement
practice, refer to ABMA 1.
specification, or other specification, the latter shall govern.
4. Significance and Use
Many companies, organizations, and bearing users have excel-
lent facilities, equipment, and knowledgeable personnel for
4.1 This practice covers bearings and bearing components
handlingbearings.Thethrustofthispracticeisforusersthatdo
of all material compositions and grades. It may be used to
not have this knowledge of bearings.
develop a process for adequately handling bearings.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 Unless the proper conditions of an adequate facility,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
equipment,andtrainedpersonnelareavailable,itmaybebetter
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
not to inspect the bearings in-house. The danger of contami-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
nating and damaging the bearings may be much greater than
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the possibility of receiving bearings that will not function.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.3 Bearings are easily damaged at the customers’ receiving
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
and test areas. In most cases, bearings should be accepted
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
based on the bearing manufacturer’s certification. Certificates
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
of quality (conformance) supplied by the bearing manufacturer
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
may be furnished in lieu of actual performance of such testing
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
by the receiving activity of the bearings. The certificate shall
2. Referenced Documents include the name of the purchaser, contract number/PO
number, name of the manufacturer or supplier, item
2.1 ABMA Standard:
identification, name of the material, lot number, lot size,
ABMA 1 Terminology
sample size, date of testing, test method, individual test results,
2.2 ISO Standards:
and the specification requirements.
ISO 14644-1 Cleanrooms and Associated Controlled
Environments—Part 1: Classification of Air Cleanliness 4.4 This practice does not cover clean room requirements of
(DOD Adopted)
miniature and instrument precision bearings. These bearings
require clean room environments in accordance with ISO
14644-1 and ISO 14644-2.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F34 on Rolling
Element Bearings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F34.03 on
5. Reasons for Not Handling Bearings
Preservation, Cleaning and Packaging.
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally
5.1 When bearings are received, the following questions
approvedin2004.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2012asF2444–04(2012).DOI:
must be asked:
10.1520/F2444-04R18.
Available from American Bearing Manufacturers Association, 330 N. Wabash
5.1.1 What amount of inspection checks will be performed
Ave, Ste 2000 Chicago, IL 60611, http://www.americanbearings.org.
on the bearings? Do we need to do any checks?
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
5.1.2 What will it cost to establish and maintain equipment
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org. and facilities to inspect and test bearings?
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2444 − 04 (2018)
5.1.3 What is the established history of the bearing? If there 7. Training of Bearing Personnel
has never been a rejection, is inspection warranted?
7.1 All personnel handling bearings shall be trained and
5.1.4 What type of test is required and how detailed is it?
must demonstrate the ability to perform visual inspections of
5.1.4.1 Rough spin,
bearings. This training shall be documented on the employee
5.1.4.2 Destructive,
training record.
5.1.4.3 Nondestructive (NDT),
7.2 The training may be divided into two parts. Classroom
5.1.4.4 Disassembly,
training may be Part I and performance training may be Part II.
5.1.4.5 Test requires recleaning, relubrication, and repack-
7.3 Personnel must complete all of the training require-
aging of the bearings,
ments.
5.1.4.6 Test requires a clean room environment,
7.4 The bearing supplier is responsible for performance of
5.1.4.7 Dimensional, or
all of the testing and inspection requirements. The receiving
5.1.4.8 Performance.
activity may use assigned certified personnel and equipment or
5.1.5 What type of documentation is required?
any other suitable facility with trained personnel in the
5.1.6 Are trained personnel available?
performance of the acceptance tests or inspections.
5.1.7 Are adequate equipment and facilities available?
5.1.8 Do we have knowledge of the bearing manufacturer’s
8. General Handling Rules (Recommended Precautions)
quality system?
8.1 Never touch bearings with the bare hands. Acid mois-
ture deposited by fingers will corrode bearings, and particles of
6. Equipment and Facilities
skin on the surface of the bearings are very hard to remove.
6.1 The list below provides some conditions that must be
Use tweezers, tongs, powder free rubber gloves, and finger
considered by the bearing user. The bearing user must deter-
cots.
mine if they have the necessary in-house capability to perform
8.2 Abearing should never be placed directly on a contami-
inspections and tests of bearings.
nated surface.
6.2 It is recommended that the bearing areas have a con-
8.3 The use of headgear or hairnets is recommended to
trolled environment.
protect the bearings from hair contamination.
6.3 Theconstructionofthebearinghandlingareasshouldbe
8.4 Personnel handling bearings should change their per-
made of materials that do not lend themselves to accumulating
sonalclothingwhenitbecomessoiledorcontaminatedbysolid
dust. It is recommended that plastic materials or other non-
or liquid materials.
shedding materials be used for walls and ceilings. The floors
8.5 Personnelshouldwearshoesorbootsthatarefreeofdirt
should be of a material that will not require waxing, has very
or other contamination. Shoe brushes may be provided in these
few seams if any, and a non-abrasive surface.
areas so that footgear can be cleaned.
6.4 Bearing handling areas should be away from doors and
8.6 Personal items such as jackets, sweaters, papers, food,
windows to prevent dust from entering the area when the doors
or drinks should not be in areas of close proximity to the
or windows are opened.
bearings.
6.5 The room must be well-lit.
8.7 Lint-free rags and cloths should be used when cleaning
6.6 Containers with covers are recommended for use during
bearings
inspection and tests of bearings. Racks, trays, and handling
8.8 No smoking is allowed in any inspection, test, or
containers should be made of glass, solvent resistant plastic, or
assembly area where bearings are handled.
non-magnetic materials.
8.9 No paper should be allowed to touch bearings because
6.7 Tweezers and tongs should have blunt points and
of possible contamination from paper lint. Some paper is also
rounded edges, and be made of non-magnetic stainless steel.
acidic and could cause corrosion. The use of non-shedding
Other suitable materials may be used.
paper is desirable for making notes and recording data. Plastic
6.8 Compressed air, if any is used in the room for gauging, document protectors may be used to enclose paper documen-
cleaning,ordryingbearings,shouldbefilteredanddehydrated.
tation such as routing tickets, labels, etc.
8.10 No erasers or rubber bands should be permitted around
6.9 Inspection equipment required would depend on what
and how much inspection is to be performed. It could consist bearings. These items are a source of particulate contamina-
tion.
of microscopes for visual inspection, air gages for checking
boresandoutsidediameters,electronicormechanicalgagesfor
8.11 Personnel should use ballpoint pens.
checking width, and special gages for checking radial play,
8.12 Personnel handling bearings should wash and dry
torque, axial play, and preload. Not all of these gages are used
hands frequently, especially after eating or smoking.
on all bearings. Many of these tests can only be performed at
the manufacturer’s facility. Many dimensions can only be 8.13 Do not carry tweezers or other working equipment in
checked as component parts. These are made before the pockets.Pocketsarealargesourceofcontamination.Garments
bearings are assembled. without pockets are desirable.
F2444 − 04 (2018)
8.14 Clean all gages and working equipment before using. 9.2 Bearings should be brought into a suitable inspection
area in the smallest unit container that has the complete
8.15 Use only clean containers for holding bearings. Be
marking and identification information.
careful not to use a container that may have held bearings with
a different lubricant. 9.3 Shipping and intermediate containers, if applicable,
should be removed before the bearings are brought to the
8.16 The use of abrasive paper around bearings is not
inspection area.
recommended.
9.4 Do not open more vials or packages than are required to
8.17 Table tops and workbenches should be cleaned with
obtain the inspection sample.
lint free cloths or sponges and appropriate cleaner.
9.5 Care should be taken so that plastic particles are not a
8.18 Dust-proof cabinets may be used for storing bearings.
source of contamination when vials must be cut open with
No paper products should be allowed in the dust cabinets.
razor blades, knives, or other sharp-edged instruments.
Inkpads and stamps should not be placed in dust cabinets.
9.6 All bearing packages should be thoroughly cleaned on
8.19 Fans should not be permitted in areas where bearings
the outside to remove contamination. Cut plastic bags contain-
are handled.
ing bearings with a razor blade or scissors.
8.20 Appropriate hand lotions containing moisturizers may
9.7 When bearings are serialized, care must be taken to
be used in any of the bearing handling areas.
prevent any mix up. The same care needs to be taken on
bearings that are coded or classified in any manner.
8.21 Areas should be kept neat and orderly.There should be
covered trash containers available for disposal of waste prod-
9.8 When separable bearings are being inspected, care
ucts.
should be taken not to interchange the inner and outer races, as
they are usually matched. If the races become mixed, the
8.22 Bearings and components released by machines must
bearings must be scrapped.
be controlled to prevent damage.
9.9 One of the first operations in preparing for inspection of
8.23 If components or bearings drop on the floor, they must
bearings should be demagnetization. Magnetized bearings are
be inspected.
highly susceptible to contamination. The manufacturer will
8.24 When emptying components into another container,
demagnetizethebearingsbeforeshipping,buttheywillpickup
prevent sharp hitting.
magnetism en route. There are several types of demagnetizers
8.25 Components and bearings must be handled with care
available,butprecautionsshouldbetakenintheirproperuseto
during measurements. insure the operator does not actually magnetize the bearings.
The demagnification should be verified with a gaussmeter. A
8.26 When removing components from tumblers, do not
maximum of 5 gauss is recommended.
pour or drop components.
8.27 Place components gently into containers between ma-
10. Sampling
chining operations.
10.1 Sampling for visual and dimensional testing of bear-
8.28 Components segregated for regrind are to be handled ings and bearing components shall be done in accordance with
just as acceptable items.
thepurchaseorderorcontract.Theunitofproductforsampling
purposes shall be one bearing as applicable. Acceptance
8.29 Do not shake, drop, or move containers abruptly.
number shall be zero for all sample series unless otherwise
8.30 Place components and bearings in baskets by layering
specified.
with dividers.
10.2 Remember that “each” handling operation detracts
8.31 During operations that may generate agitation, use
from the quality of the bearing. The benefits to be obtained
caution to avoid part movement.
from sampling are: less damage to the bearings caused by
handling, reduction of inspection errors caused by fatigue and
8.32 Duringplacementandremovalofcontainersfromcarts
a reduced inspection time. Personnel performing the inspection
and wagons, handle gently.
and testing shall meet the specific training requirements of the
8.33 Items subject to corrosion during fabrication or storage
organization.
require special processing.
11. Receiving Inspection
8.34 Preserve and package items in controlled areas as
required.
11.1 Handling of all bearing components and bearing as-
semblies requires care, patience, knowledge, and common
8.35 Ensure that all bearings and components are properly
sense.
identified at all times.
11.2 Use clean, burr-free tools that are designed for the job.
9. Preparation for Inspection
The tools should not be painted or metal-plated. Use non-
magnetic tools for miniature and instrument bearings.
9.1 Bearings are easily damaged at the customer’s receiving
inspection or test area. The damage is usually caused by the 11.3 Bearings should not be removed from the original
lack of training on how to properly handle bearings. packaging until they are ready for inspection, test, or use.
F2444 − 04 (2018)
11.4 Protect unwrapped bearings by keeping them covered 12.9 Caution should be used any time a bearing is placed on
and dry at all times. or removed from the test fixture to prevent scratches in any
critical areas.
11.5 Miniature bearings, miniature precision bearings, and
instrument bearings must be handled in a clean room environ-
12.10 If the proper conditions of facility, equipment and
ment.
trained personnel are not available, it may be better to not
inspect the bearings. The danger of contamination and damag-
11.6 Containers used for components and assemblies should
ingthebearingsmaybegreaterthanthepossibilityofreceiving
bedesignedtoavoiddents,nicks,andpart-to-partimpact.Size,
defective bearings.
type, and weight are important considerations when selecting
containers for storage and movement of parts.
13. Disassembly
11.7 Assembled bearings shall be handled individually at
13.1 Properly trained personnel should be used for disas-
receiving. Packaged bearings shall be removed from the
sembly of bearings.
packagingandplacedintotebinsforinspection.Bearingsshall
be moved to other areas in the tote bins or may be individually
13.2 Use proper disassembly puller tools for removal of
placed in bags, vials, or racks. Bulk handling may be suitable
bearings from shafts and housings. Never use hammers, and
forbearings30mmorlessindiameter.Alllargerbearingsshall
avoid sharp blows to the bearings.
be individually handled.
13.3 Make sure that bearing rings are removed evenly from
11.8 Inspect bearings using the unaided eye. Higher magni-
shafts and housings to prevent cocking and distortion.This can
fication is normally allowed to evaluate defects.
damage the bearings or the assembly.
11.9 Plated, coated, and dry-film lubricated parts such as
13.4 When removing bearings, clean the surrounding sur-
rings, retainers, and cages may require special handling. The
faces first. Isolate the used bearings and inspect them carefully
manufacturer does not have these manufacturing processes
before being reused or reprocessed. Make sure that bearings
in-house very often.Typically, the process supplier shall return
are free of heavy dirt and foreign contamination before placing
the parts in the same containers that they received them in.
them into containers.
Consideration must be given to the vibration the parts will
13.5 Bearing containers will be provided in the disassembly
receive from transport and handling.After inspection, the parts
area to keep bearings identified and segregated, and also to
shall be returned to the appropriate packing to prevent un-
keep them from falling or hitting each other, causing additional
wanted part-to-part contact.
damage.
12. Dimensional Inspection and Performance Tests
13.6 Matched sets of bearings should be identified by
tagging to keep bearings as a matched set.
12.1 Personnel performing the dimensional inspection and
performance testing shall meet the training requirements of the
13.7 Rolling elements such as balls, rollers, needles, and so
organization.
forth shall be placed in plastic vials, plastic bags, cardboard
12.2 The facility and environment conditions must be de- boxes, or a similar container that will not cause damage
termined prior to performing measurements and other tests. because of part-to-part contact. The large rolling elements are
extremely sensitive to bulk transfers and storage and must be
12.3 Segregate acceptable bearings from non-acceptable
suitably segregated from each other to prevent damage. Plastic
bearings and mark or tag accordingly.
mesh should be used if the components are layered.
12.4 All bearings and bearing components that are rejected
must have disposition such as: return to vendor, rework, repair,
14. Assembly
scrap, or other.
14.1 Properlytrainedpersonnelshouldbeusedforassembly
12.5 Certain bearings have extremely thin radial ring sec-
of bearings.
tions that can be easily be deformed by testing gage loads. A
14.2 Use proper assembly presses and heat in techniques to
maximumgagepressuremustbeestablishedforallmechanical
assemble bearings. Never use hammers, and avoid sharp blows
gage measurements. The user is strongly advised to obtain
to the bearings.
specific correlation with each bearing supplier when using a
gage load.
14.3 Make sure that bearing rings are started evenly on
shafts or in housings to prevent cocking and distortion. This
12.6 Bearings should never be hammered or forced on test
can damage the inspection equipment, bearings, and equip-
arbors or test fixtures. This can produce brinelling, race
ment.
cracking, and damage to retainers.
12.7 All bearings being tested should be lubricated to 14.4 Apply force only to the ring being press fitted. Never
strike the outer ring to force the inner ring onto the shaft.
prevent damage.
Unusual force may cause brinelling that results in high torque,
12.8 Extreme caution should be used any time a bearing has
noisy operation, and shortened bearing life.
a load placed on it on a test fixture. Any loading of a bearing
that is cocked on the fixture will tend to produce brinelling in 14.5 Assemble only clean parts that are free of burrs and
the races. raised metal.
F2444 − 04 (2018)
14.6 When installing bearings, clean the surrounding sur- 16.2 Lubricants should be filtered. This must be done with
faces first. Inspect the bearings carefully for damage before caution to prevent removal of some of the important additives
installing. in the lubrication such as oil lubricants.
16.3 Usebearingqualitylubricants.Keepthebearingsclean
14.7 Bonded molded rubber seals shall be inspected before
during lubricating operations and covered between operations
installation to insure that there is no binding and distortion of
and after fully lubricated.
the rubber.
14.8 Bearingsmovedtotheassemblyareashallbeplacedin 17. Packaging and Package Marking
the original packaging or in plastic vials, plastic bags, or a
17.1 The bearings shall be cleaned, dried, preserved and
similar container that will not cause damage.
packaged in accordance with a controlled process. The level of
preservation and packaging shall protect the bearings until the
15. Cleaning
next process or operation.
15.1 Bearings must be cleaned by a controlled process.
17.2 The number of bearings or bearing components per
Bearings shall be demagnetized before cleaning to remove
unit container shall be in accordance with the customer
small steel particles that may adhere to the bearing surface.
requirement.
17.3 In addition to any special identification marking re-
15.2 Never use chlorinated so
...