February 2026: Updates to Plain Bearing Standards for Polymer Materials

The landscape of mechanical systems and components for general use has taken a significant leap forward with the publication of ISO 7148-2:2026. Released in February 2026, this updated international standard introduces advanced guidelines for the tribological testing of polymer-based plain bearing materials—a critical element for engineers, quality managers, and compliance professionals across a wide spectrum of industries.

With only one new standard in this edition, the focus is on depth: this update brings rigor and reproducibility to the testing of bearings, offering enhanced methodologies that address the nuances of polymer material performance. Whether you’re sourcing components, designing systems, or overseeing quality, these advancements matter for operational reliability, longevity, and regulatory compliance.

Overview / Introduction

The sector of mechanical systems and components forms the backbone of countless industrial applications, from transportation and energy systems to manufacturing processes. In this field, plain bearings—particularly those made of polymer-based materials—are integral for reliable motion, reduced friction, and extended service life of machinery.

International standards deliver not only common language but also measurable benchmarks for quality, safety, and performance. For professionals involved in the design, testing, procurement, or use of mechanical components, such standards ensure that polymer bearings meet expectations under specific loads, velocities, temperatures, and lubrication states. This article delves into the 2026 update, equipping readers with knowledge to improve compliance, reduce risk, and enhance engineering outcomes.

In this article, you will learn:

• What the updated ISO 7148-2:2026 covers
• Technical requirements and key changes
• Who should comply and why it matters
• Best practices for implementing the new guidelines
• Industry implications and compliance strategies

Detailed Standards Coverage

ISO 7148-2:2026 - Testing of Polymer-Based Plain Bearing Materials

Plain bearings — Testing of the tribological behaviour of bearing materials — Part 2: Testing of polymer-based bearing materials

This critical revision standardizes the tribological testing of polymer-based plain bearing materials under controlled conditions, both with and without lubrication. It defines a series of test methods simulating practical operating environments—examining load, sliding velocity, temperature, and lubrication state—to generate reliable, comparable data on the friction and wear performance of these materials.

Scope and Approach

ISO 7148-2:2026 targets all polymer material combinations used in plain bearings, including metal-polymer and polymer-polymer contacts. The standard establishes how to collect reproducible measurements for friction coefficient, linear and volumetric wear rates, and surface conditions. This ensures suppliers and users have a transparent, common basis to compare materials and products, vital for safety-critical components in machinery, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

The document covers:

• Six primary tribology test methods (pin-on-disc, block-on-ring, rotation under thrust load, sphere-on-prism, plain bearing-on-shaft, and linear guidance system)
• Detailed requirements for test specimens, including fiber orientation and condition matching the end-use application
• Environmental and conditioning controls (humidity, temperature, moisture absorption, etc.)
• Normative references to related standards on terms, definitions, and material properties
• Test procedure reporting and measurement parameters for comparability and traceability

Key Requirements and Specifications

• Test Methods: The standard prescribes specific setups for evaluating sliding contacts under thrust, radial, and oscillatory loads, reflecting real-world bearing applications.
• Surface Preparation: Test specimen surfaces must replicate practical manufacturing conditions (e.g., machined vs. injection-molded), and fiber orientation in composite polymers must mirror finished product geometry.
• Lubrication Modes: Results must be reported for both dry, grease, oil, and solid-lubricated states, recognizing the diversity of real-world lubrication challenges.
• Data Reporting: Standardized test reporting eliminates ambiguity. Results include friction coefficient, wear rates, material data, and environmental conditions for direct cross-comparison.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Controls for thermal expansion, moisture absorption, and temperature are emphasized, reflecting polymers’ unique sensitivities compared to metals.

Target Users and Compliance

Industries relying on plain bearings—such as automotive, railway, machinery manufacturing, and energy—must comply with this standard when specifying, testing, or certifying components. Distributors, material suppliers, and contract manufacturers are also directly impacted, as buyers will demand data conforming to ISO 7148-2:2026 for technical due diligence and product qualification.

Practical Implications

• Offers greater confidence when approving polymer bearings for safety- or mission-critical use
• Reduces costly field failures by ensuring materials are selected and tested using the most representative, stringent protocols
• Supports innovation, enabling manufacturers to qualify new polymer formulations under harmonized, globally accepted test scenarios
• Streamlines procurement and specification processes via standard test result templates and data sheets

Notable Changes from Previous Editions

• Enhanced test method definitions, including new comparative tables and illustrations
• Updated specimen conditioning and preparation requirements
• Integration of new environmental and dimensional control criteria
• Updated nomenclature, symbols, and expanded reporting requirements for greater clarity
• Minor procedural revisions to improve the precision and comparability of results

Key highlights:

• Six comprehensive test methods designed to replicate practical use scenarios
• Rigorous controls on environmental and specimen conditioning variables
• Explicit guidance for specimen preparation and test reporting to ensure repeatability and transparency

Access the full standard:View ISO 7148-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Why this standard matters:

• Assured Reliability: By ensuring materials are tested to shared, rigorous protocols, organizations reduce the risk of component failure in service, protecting reputations and minimizing recalls.
• Global Market Access: Compliance with ISO 7148-2:2026 is increasingly required by clients worldwide, easing international trade and customer acceptance.
• Legal and Regulatory Confidence: Adhering to harmonized standards is vital for demonstrating due diligence—protecting against liability in the event of bearing failures.

Compliance Considerations:

• Transition Period: Organizations must review their current testing regimes and material specification templates to align with the new reporting and methodological requirements. Coordination with certification bodies and suppliers is advised to avoid disruptions.
• Training and Awareness: Labs and quality teams will need updated training in new test setups and data reporting, ensuring full traceability from specimen preparation to analysis.
• Supplier Qualification: Consider requiring suppliers to provide ISO 7148-2:2026-compliant data sheets for all polymer bearing materials.

Benefits of Adopting:

• Superior documentation for product qualification and lifecycle analysis
• Shorter product development timelines thanks to standardized, efficient testing
• Increased customer trust and competitive advantage in tenders and technical sales

Risks of Non-Compliance:

• Exposure to claims or disputes due to insufficient or non-standardized testing
• Increased likelihood of in-field failures or underperformance
• Potential exclusion from regulated or quality-driven supply chains

Technical Insights

Polymer-based bearing materials introduce complexity beyond metallic counterparts due to their pronounced sensitivities to temperature, humidity, and processing history. ISO 7148-2:2026 addresses these realities with:

• Comprehensive Test Methods:
  • Pin-on-disc: Simplifies basic tribology research; ideal for ranking new materials
  • Block-on-ring and sphere-on-prism: Assess contact geometries common in high-wear applications
  • Plain bearing-on-shaft and linear guidance system: Offer greatest practical relevance, replicating true service conditions
• Surface and Conditioning Controls:
  • Surface finishes and fiber orientations must match those in end-use products, capturing the anisotropic behavior of composites
  • Moisture absorption, particularly for polyamides, is measured and controlled, removing a major source of result variability
• Environmental Parameters:
  • Both dry and lubricated testing are mandatory, revealing performance trade-offs and permitting more robust design choices
• Measurement and Reporting:
  • Friction coefficients, wear rates, and temperature at the sliding interface are all tracked and explicitly reported together with test conditions
  • Clear, unambiguous data supports benchmarking and part selection

Implementation Best Practices:

1. Audit current internal test protocols and cross-reference with ISO 7148-2:2026 methods
2. Work with suppliers to ensure all test data follows the new reporting format and conditioning protocols
3. Update product qualification documents and procurement specifications to reference the latest standard
4. Invest in staff competency—ensure engineers and lab personnel can execute and analyze all six primary test methods
5. Consider engaging third-party labs accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and versed in plain bearing tribology for critical applications

Testing and Certification Considerations:

• Accreditation of testing facilities and personnel is strongly recommended
• Consistent, periodic recertification helps maintain integrity and comparability internationally
• Ensure traceability of materials, batches, test conditions, and outcomes in all documentation

Conclusion / Next Steps

ISO 7148-2:2026 delivers an essential update for anyone involved in mechanical systems and polymer bearing applications. Its robust, reproducible methods simplify the challenge of material selection, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance in an increasingly performance and safety-focused world.

Key takeaways:

• The new standard enhances consistency and reliability in tribological testing of polymer-based plain bearing materials
• Practical, in-depth test procedures reflect real-world use and operational challenges
• Full, transparent reporting and specification create a level playing field for manufacturers and buyers

Recommendations for Organizations:

• Immediately review your company’s test and qualification process for plain bearings
• Engage with your supply chain to ensure all polymer material suppliers are compliant
• Train technical staff and quality teams to understand and implement the latest testing procedures

Stay Ahead: For ongoing updates, access the full standard and explore related documents through iTeh Standards to maintain your technical edge, safeguard product quality, and maximize competitiveness in the global marketplace.