SIST EN 6046:2026
(Main)Aerospace series - Bearing, spherical, plain, in corrosion resisting steel - Narrow series - Dimensions and loads - Inch series
- Abstract
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.
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 30-Jul-2024
- Technical Committee
- I13 - Imaginarni 13
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 19-Oct-2026
- Due Date
- 24-Dec-2026
SIST EN 6046 is the Slovenian standard for inch-based spherical plain bearings, metal to metal, in corrosion resisting steel, narrow series. It specifies the bearing dimensions, loads, clearances, materials, surface treatments, marking and designation for aerospace use, mainly in fixed or moving parts of aircraft structure and control mechanisms. It is written for designers, manufacturers, purchasers and quality teams that need to select or supply this bearing type with the right grease code, hole arrangement and surface protection.
What does SIST EN 6046 specify?
SIST EN 6046 specifies the characteristics of inch-based spherical plain bearings in corrosion resisting steel for aerospace applications. The scope covers the bearing type, intended use, operating temperature ranges linked to grease codes, and the required dry-film lubricant on the spherical surface.
The document is organized into:
- Scope
- Normative references
- Terms, definitions and symbols
- Requirements
- Designation
- Marking
- Technical specification
- Quality management systems
Clause 4 is the main technical section. It ties the bearing geometry to Figures 1 to 5 and Tables 1 to 3, so users can identify the correct size, treatment and load/clearance class.
What are the key requirements of SIST EN 6046?
SIST EN 6046 bases compliance on the bearing configuration, material, surface treatment and declared performance values. In practice, a supplier must match the selected codes to the drawing, the tables and the marking.
Geometry, dimensions and mass
Clause 4.1 requires the configuration, dimensions, tolerances and mass to follow Figure 1, Figure 2 and Table 1. Dimensions and tolerances are given in millimetres and inches, and the values apply after surface treatment. For the reader, this means the finished part has to fit the mating structure after coating and processing, not just in the machined state.
Surface condition
Clause 4.2 sets surface roughness requirements using Figure 1 and Figure 2, with values stated before surface treatment. Clause 4.4 adds the surface treatment rules: the inner ring uses ISO 8075 treatment before swaging, and code Z adds cadmium plating of the outer ring followed by chromating. This matters because friction, wear and corrosion resistance depend on the finished surface, not only on the base metal.
Materials and hardness
Clause 4.3 assigns the inner ring to EN 2030 steel with hardness 55 < HRC < 62, and the outer ring to EN 3161 steel with hardness 28 < HRC < 38 before swaging. That tells manufacturers which steel grades and heat-treatment state to use, and it gives buyers a clear material basis for incoming inspection.
Swaging and grease-hole options
Clause 4.4 distinguishes code S without swaging grooves and code R with swaging grooves. Figures 3 to 5 define grease hole codes E, F and G, including the hole locations and lubricating groove arrangements. In practice, this is the build option that affects how the bearing is installed and how grease reaches the sliding surfaces.
Loads and clearances
Clause 4.5 refers to Tables 2 and 3 for permissible static loads, ultimate static loads and clearance values. Table 2 also states that the load definition and testing follow EN 2337 and TR 4475, and that the values apply to loose spherical bearings. This helps engineers choose a bearing that can carry the required radial or axial load and still meet the intended fit.
Designation and marking
Clause 5 gives the designation structure, combining the standard number with grease code, clearance code, diameter code, grease-hole code, swaging-groove code and surface-treatment code. Clause 6 requires marking at least in accordance with EN 2424, style A. This is what enables traceability on drawings, purchase orders and delivered parts.
Quality and qualification
Clause 8 requires an approved production organization for aerospace products and a maintained quality management system such as EN 9100 or an equivalent accepted system. It also requires the qualification procedure, for example EN 9133 or an equivalent procedure, to be used and documented according to the specified tests unless otherwise agreed. For buyers, this is the production-control part of the standard.
What terms does SIST EN 6046 define?
- Code A - grease code for lubrication per MIL-PRF-23827 Type I, with an operating temperature range from −73 °C to 121 °C.
- Code B - grease code for lubrication per MIL-PRF-81322, with an operating temperature range from −54 °C to 177 °C.
- α - the maximum angle of tilt of the outer ring relative to the inner ring when the spherical surfaces are fully in contact.
- Csub>s - permissible static axial load, used to state the axial load limit for selection and verification.
- dmp - single plane mean bore diameter deviation, a dimensional tolerance term taken from ISO 1132-1.
- Dmp - single plane mean outside diameter deviation, used to control the outer diameter size.
- Code E/F/G - grease-hole arrangement codes that define whether grease holes are absent, placed in the inner ring or placed in the outer ring.
Who uses SIST EN 6046?
SIST EN 6046 is used by aerospace bearing designers, airframe manufacturers, control system designers, suppliers of spherical plain bearings, and quality and procurement teams. They use it to specify the bearing size, lubrication condition, surface treatment and load class for fixed or moving parts of aircraft structure. Test and qualification teams also use it when verifying load capability, clearance and conformity to the required aerospace production system.
What changed in SIST EN 6046 from the previous edition?
SIST EN 6046 replaces EN 6046:2020. The stated technical changes are:
- updated normative references
- corrected value of alpha for diameter codes 14 and 16 in Table 1
Which standards are used with SIST EN 6046?
The normative references in SIST EN 6046 provide the material, marking, terminology and test basis for the bearing definition.
- EN 2030 - defines the corrosion resisting steel used for the inner ring.
- EN 2133 - sets cadmium plating requirements for the outer ring when code Z is used.
- EN 2337 - provides the technical specification and the load/clearance test basis.
- EN 2424 - gives the marking style for aerospace products.
- EN 3161 - defines the steel used for the outer ring.
- ISO 1132-1 - supplies tolerance terms and symbols.
- ISO 8075 - specifies surface treatment for hardenable stainless steel parts.
- TR 4475 - provides vocabulary and definitions for aerospace bearings and mechanical transmissions.
What does the SIST EN 6046 document contain?
SIST EN 6046 contains Figures 1 to 5 and Tables 1 to 3, which are the core technical content. The figures show the bearing configurations, swaging-groove variants and grease-hole arrangements, while the tables give the dimensional data, load values and clearance ranges. Table 2 links the bearing size to permissible and ultimate static loads, and Table 3 links the diameter code to radial and axial clearance classes.
The document also includes the designation format, so users can build a complete bearing code from the grease, clearance, diameter, hole, groove and surface-treatment options. Clause 6 covers marking, and Clause 8 covers the production and qualification system needed for aerospace supply.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 21-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 14-Oct-2026
- Effective Date
- 30-Aug-2023
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Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN 6046:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Aerospace series - Bearing, spherical, plain, in corrosion resisting steel - Narrow series - Dimensions and loads - Inch series". This standard covers: 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.
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.
SIST EN 6046:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 21.100.01 - Bearings in general; 49.035 - Components for aerospace construction. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN 6046:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 2030:2014, SIST EN 3161:2026, SIST EN 2133:2026, SIST EN 2337:2009, SIST EN 2424:2008, SIST ISO 1132-1:2002, SIST EN 6099:2021, SIST EN 6046:2020. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN 6046:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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
...