EN 3046:1993

Overview

EN 3046:1993 is a European aerospace standard published by the CEN (European Committee for Standardization) that specifies the technical requirements for rigid single row ball bearings used in aircraft structures. These bearings are made of steel with a cadmium plating and cover diameter series 0 and 2, focusing on the reduced clearance category. The standard defines dimensions, loads, and performance characteristics intended for slow rotation and oscillation applications within airframes.

This standard is essential for ensuring the reliability, safety, and compatibility of bearings used in critical aerospace components, particularly where precise fit and minimal runout are necessary due to multiple bearings mounted on the same shaft. EN 3046:1993 supports consistent manufacturing and inspection methods in the aerospace industry for airframe rolling bearings.

Key Topics

• Rigid Single Row Ball Bearings: The standard applies to single row bearings designed for fixed and moving parts of the airframe, ensuring structural integrity under load.
• Material and Plating: Bearings covered are made from steel with a cadmium plating to provide corrosion resistance and durability in harsh aerospace environments.
• Diameter Series 0 and 2: This refers to specific bearing size categories standardized for aerospace applications.
• Reduced Clearance Category: Bearings with minimized internal clearance to reduce axial and radial runout, critical for applications requiring precise rotational behavior.
• Dimensional Specifications: Defines exact physical dimensions to guarantee interchangeability and proper fit in airframe assemblies.
• Load Capacity: Specifies the loads these bearings are designed to withstand during slow rotations or oscillations, ensuring operational safety.
• Application in Control Mechanisms: Emphasizes bearings’ use in aircraft structures and controls where multiple bearings might be mounted on the same shaft axis.

Applications

EN 3046:1993 bearings are primarily used in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance for various structural and mechanical components, including:

• Airframe Structural Joints: Facilitating slow rotation and oscillation movements in wing assemblies, fuselage attachments, and landing gear mechanisms.
• Flight Control Systems: Providing reliable rolling elements in control linkages requiring precise alignment and reduced movement tolerances.
• Shaft Assemblies: Supporting multiple bearing mounts on a shaft axis with minimal clearance to avoid misalignments and vibrations.
• Maintenance and Replacement: Standardized dimensions and load ratings simplify the sourcing and replacement of worn or damaged bearings in aircraft servicing.

The focus on reduced clearance ensures enhanced stiffness and minimal play, critical for maintaining safety, smooth operation, and extending the service life of aerospace components under dynamic conditions.

Related Standards

EN 3046:1993 complements several other aerospace bearing and equipment standards, including:

• EN 2946 - Aerospace series - Ball bearings of nominal series 1 and 3 for airframe rolling applications.
• EN 16003 - Aerospace series - Bearings, rolling, general requirements and test methods.
• ISO 492 - Rolling bearings - Radial bearings, tolerances, and clearance classifications.
• MIL-STD-810 - Environmental engineering considerations for aerospace components.
• ASTM F2096 - Standard guide for aerospace cadmium plating.

Compliance with EN 3046:1993 ensures interchangeability and mechanical compatibility across the aerospace supply chain and supports adherence to international aerospace safety and quality standards.

Keywords: EN 3046:1993, aerospace bearings, rigid single row ball bearings, cadmium plated bearings, reduced clearance bearings, airframe rolling bearings, aircraft bearing dimensions, aerospace standard bearings, aircraft control mechanism bearings, diameter series 0 and 2, aerospace component standards.