FprEN 6046

Aerospace series - Bearing, spherical, plain, in corrosion resisting steel - Narrow series - Dimensions and loads - Inch series

This document specifies the characteristics of inch based spherical plain bearing, metal to metal, in corrosion resisting steel, narrow series.
They are intended for use in fixed or moving parts of the aircraft structure and their control mechanisms.
They are used in the temperature range as determined by the grease capability as below:
-   code A: greased as per MIL-PRF-23827 Type I, operating temperature range −73 °C to 121 °C;
-   code B: greased as per MIL-PRF-81322, operating temperature range −54 °C to 177 °C.
The range of application for bearings lubricated with grease per code A is limited to 121 °C.
In both cases the spherical surface of the outer or inner ring are provided with a dry-film lubricant as per MIL-PRF-46010 or equivalent (anti-seizing protection).
The slide hole treatment either at the outer ring or inner ring.

Luft- und Raumfahrt - Gelenklager aus korrosionsbeständigem Stahl - Schmale Reihe - Maße und Belastungen - Inch-Reihe

Série aérospatiale - Rotule lisse en acier résistant à la corrosion - Série étroite - Dimensions et charges - Série en inches

Le présent document spécifie les caractéristiques des rotules lisses en inches, métal sur métal, en acier résistant à la corrosion, série étroite.
Elles sont destinées à être utilisées pour les parties fixes ou mobiles de la structure de l’aéronef et leurs mécanismes de commande.
Elles doivent être utilisées dans la plage de températures déterminée en fonction des capacités de la graisse suivantes :
—   code A : graisse conforme au type I de la MIL PRF 23827, plage de températures de fonctionnement de −73 °C à 121 °C ;
—   code B : graisse conforme à la MIL PRF 81322, plage de températures de fonctionnement de −54 °C à 177 °C.
La plage d’application des rotules lubrifiées à l’aide de graisse suivant le code A est limitée à 121 °C.
Dans les deux cas, la surface sphérique de la bague extérieure ou intérieure doit être pourvue d’un lubrifiant à film sec selon la MIL PRF 46010 ou équivalente (protection anti grippage).
Le traitement des trous de coulissement se situe au niveau de la bague extérieure ou de la bague intérieure.

Aeronavtika - Kroglični drsni ležaji iz korozijsko odpornega jekla - Ozki tip - Mere in obremenitve - Palčne mere

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 18-Mar-2026
• ICS: 49.035 - Components for aerospace construction
• Technical Committee: ASD-STAN - Aerospace
• Drafting Committee: ASD-STAN/D 3/S 1 - Parts of Mechanical Systems
• Current Stage: 5060 - Closure of Vote - Formal Approval
• Start Date: 18-Dec-2025
• Completion Date: 18-Dec-2025
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN 6046:2025 - Aerospace series - Bearing, spherical, plain, in corrosion resisting steel - Narrow series - Dimensions and loads - Inch series

Relations

• Revises: EN 6046:2020 - Aerospace series - Bearing, spherical, plain, in corrosion resisting steel - Narrow series - Dimensions and loads - Inch series
• Effective Date: 30-Aug-2023

Overview

The FprEN 6046 standard defines the specifications for inch-based spherical plain bearings made of corrosion-resisting steel in the aerospace sector. These narrow series bearings are metal-to-metal components designed for fixed or moving parts within aircraft structures and control mechanisms. Their robust design supports operation across a wide temperature range, depending on the grease lubrication used.

The standard addresses key parameters such as dimensions, loads, tolerances, materials, and surface treatments, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in demanding aerospace applications. The inclusion of dry-film lubricants on spherical surfaces enhances anti-seizing protection, vital for aerospace safety and longevity.

Key Topics

• Bearing Type: Spherical plain bearing, narrow series, inch dimensions.
• Material: Corrosion-resistant steel meeting aerospace-grade hardness (EN 2030 for inner rings and EN 3161 for outer rings).
• Grease Codes & Temperature Ranges:
  • Code A: MIL-PRF-23827 Type I, operational range −73°C to 121°C
  • Code B: MIL-PRF-81322, operational range −54°C to 177°C
• Surface Treatment:
  • Dry-film lubricant per MIL-PRF-46010 or equivalent for anti-seizing.
  • Optional cadmium plating with chromating on outer rings (Code Z).
• Load Capacities: Specified permissible static and ultimate static radial and axial loads.
• Dimensional Specifications: Detailed diameter codes (d in 1/16 inch), clearances (normal and reduced), tolerances, and masses for precise engineering integration.
• Marking & Traceability: Compliance with EN 2424 marking standards, ensuring identification and quality control.

Applications

• Aerospace Structures: Integration in fixed or moving structural components requiring precise load handling and corrosion resistance.
• Control Mechanisms: Utilized in aircraft control systems where reliable, smooth bearing operation is critical.
• High-Temperature Use: Bearings suited for varied temperature environments within aircraft, selected by grease type according to operational limits.
• Anti-Seize Protection: Bearings treated to prevent seizing and galling, essential for maintenance-free longevity in challenging aerospace conditions.

This standard supports manufacturers and engineers in the aerospace field by providing clear, consensus-based technical requirements for spherical bearings critical to flight safety and structural performance.

Related Standards

• EN 2030: Specification for hardened and tempered corrosion-resistant steel bars (X105CrMo17).
• EN 3161: Standard for precipitation-treated corrosion-resistant steel for aerospace.
• EN 2133: Cadmium plating specifications for steels and alloys to enhance corrosion protection.
• EN 2337: Technical specifications for spherical plain bearings in aerospace applications.
• EN 2424: Marking requirements for aerospace products to ensure traceability and standard identification.
• ISO 1132-1: Defines bearing tolerances and relevant terminology.
• ISO 8075: Surface treatment guidelines for hardenable stainless steel parts in aerospace.
• TR 4475: Aerospace vocabulary specifically covering bearings and mechanical transmissions.

Adherence to FprEN 6046 in combination with these complementary standards ensures that spherical bearings meet the rigorous demands of aerospace engineering, contributing to safer, more reliable airframe and control system designs.

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By referencing the FprEN 6046 standard, aerospace professionals can confidently select and apply corrosion-resistant spherical plain bearings that meet international quality and safety benchmarks. This standard provides vital guidance on dimensions, load ratings, surface treatments, and lubrication considerations, supporting optimal bearing performance in critical aviation environments.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 6046:2024
01-julij-2024
Aeronavtika - Kroglični drsni ležaji iz korozijsko odpornega jekla - Ozki tip - Mere
in obremenitve - Palčne mere
Aerospace series - Bearing, spherical, plain, in corrosion resisting steel - Narrow series -
Dimensions and loads - Inch series
Luft- und Raumfahrt - Gelenklager aus korrosionsbeständigem Stahl - Schmale Reihe -
Maße und Belastungen - Inch-Reihe
Série aérospatiale - Rotule lisse en acier résistant à la corrosion - Série étroite -
Dimensions et charges - Série en inches
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 6046
ICS:
21.100.01 Ležaji na splošno Bearings in general
49.035 Sestavni deli za letalsko in Components for aerospace
vesoljsko gradnjo construction
oSIST prEN 6046:2024 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN 6046:2024
oSIST prEN 6046:2024
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 6046
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2024
ICS 49.035 Will supersede EN 6046:2020
English Version
Aerospace series - Bearing, spherical, plain, in corrosion
resisting steel - Narrow series - Dimensions and loads -
Inch series
Série aérospatiale - Rotule lisse en acier résistant à la Luft- und Raumfahrt - Gelenklager aus
corrosion - Série étroite - Dimensions et charges - Série korrosionsbeständigem Stahl - Schmale Reihe - Maße
en inches und Belastungen - Inch-Reihe
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee ASD-
STAN.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 6046:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

oSIST prEN 6046:2024
prEN 6046:2024 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms, definitions and symbols . 5
4 Requirements . 6
4.1 Configuration, dimensions, tolerances and mass . 6
4.2 Surface roughness . 6
4.3 Material . 6
4.4 Surface treatment . 6
4.5 Loads and clearances . 6
5 Designation . 14
6 Marking . 15
7 Technical specification . 15
8 Quality management systems. 15
Bibliography. 16

oSIST prEN 6046:2024
prEN 6046:2024 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 6046:2024) has been prepared by the Aerospace and Defence Industries
Association of Europe — Standardization (ASD-STAN).
After enquiries and votes carried out in accordance with the rules of this Association, this document has
received the approval of the National Associations and the Official Services of the member countries of
ASD-STAN, prior to its presentation to CEN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 6046:2020.
prEN 6046:2024 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to EN 6046:2020:
— normative references updated;
— value of alpha for diameter codes 14 and 16 in Table 1 corrected.
oSIST prEN 6046:2024
prEN 6046:2024 (E)
Introduction
This document is published at edition P7. Former editions P1 to P6 and drafts may exist for Airbus
development only but without any ASD-STAN official publication. In consequence configuration
management discrepancies with these unofficial documents are under Airbus responsibility.
oSIST prEN 6046:2024
prEN 6046:2024 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies the characteristics of inch based spherical plain bearing, metal to metal, in
corrosion resisting steel, narrow series.
They are intended for use in fixed or moving parts of the aircraft structure and their control
mechanisms.
They are used in the temperature range as determined by the grease capability as below:
— code A: greased as per MIL-PRF-23827 Type I, operating temperature range −73 °C to 121 °C;
— code B: greased as per MIL-PRF-81322, operating temperature range −54 °C to 177 °C.
The range of application for bearings lubricated with grease per code A is limited to 121 °C.
In both cases the spherical surface of the outer or inner ring are provided with a dry-film lubricant as
per MIL-PRF-46010 or equivalent (anti-seizing protection).
The slide hole treatment either at the outer ring or inner ring.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 2030, Aerospace series — Steel X105CrMo17 (1.3544) — Hardened and tempered — Bars —
D ≤ 150 mm
e
EN 2133, Aerospace series — Cadmium plating of steels with specified tensile strength ≤ 1 450 MPa,
copper, copper alloys and nickel alloys
EN 2337, Aerospace series — Spherical plain bearings — Technical specification
EN 2424, Aerospace series — Marking of aerospace products
EN 3161, Aerospace series — Steel FE-PM3801 (X5CrNiCu17-4) — Air melted, solution treated and
precipitation treated, bar a or D ≤ 200 mm, R ≥ 930 MPa
m
ISO 1132-1, Rolling bearings — Tolerances — Part 1: Terms and definitions
ISO 8075, Aerospace — Surface treatment of hardenable stainless steel parts
TR 4475, Aerospace series — Bearings and mechanical transmissions for airframe applications —
Vocabulary
3 Terms, definitions and symbols
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in TR 4475 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
oSIST prEN 6046:2024
prEN 6046:2024 (E)
Symbols of limit deviations are in accordance with definitions of ISO 1132-1.
𝛼𝛼 maximum angle of tilt of the outer ring with respect to the inner ring, with the spherical
surface of the outer ring being completely in contact with the inner ring
C permissible static axial load
a
C permissible static radial load
s
∆ single plane mean bore diameter deviation
dmp
∆ single plane mean outside diameter deviation
Dmp
∆ deviation of a single bore diameter
ds
∆Ds deviation of a single outside diam
...