Overview
ISO 8826-2:1994 - Technical drawings - Rolling bearings - Part 2: Detailed simplified representation specifies rules for depicting rolling bearings in technical drawings when it is unnecessary to show their exact shapes and fine details. Intended for use on assembly and layout drawings, this part of ISO 8826 defines a detailed simplified representation that shows important bearing features (rows, alignment capability, load-bearing type) while saving drafting time and improving clarity.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Applies to a variety of rolling bearings where simplified depiction is acceptable (e.g., assembly drawings).
- General rule: Use only one type of simplification on a drawing (either general - ISO 8826‑1 - or detailed - ISO 8826‑2) to avoid misunderstandings.
- Bounding area: The drawing space occupied by a bearing shall be circumscribed by a square or rectangle, even if an inner or outer ring is absent.
- Axis and element symbols: The representation uses defined axis lines (long continuous straight line or arc) and short cross lines or simple shapes to indicate:
- number of rows and position of rolling elements,
- possibility of alignment (axis arc when alignment allowed),
- type of rolling element (circle for balls, wide rectangle for rollers, narrow rectangle for needle rollers/pins).
- Orientation rules: Radial bearings are typically shown above the horizontal axis; thrust bearings use specific vertical-axis conventions.
- Tables and examples: The standard provides element tables and many example depictions (ball, cylindrical, tapered, spherical, needle and combined bearings, single- and double-row, thrust bearings) to guide consistent drawing practice.
Applications and users
ISO 8826-2 is practical for:
- Mechanical designers and detailers creating assembly and installation drawings.
- CAD engineers and technical drafters who need unambiguous, simplified bearing symbols for schematics and layouts.
- Manufacturing, maintenance, and procurement teams that rely on clear documentation without full 3D detail.
- Technical standards authors and document controllers who enforce drawing conventions across projects.
Benefits include faster drafting, consistent communication of bearing function (load type, rows, alignment), and reduced drawing clutter while preserving essential information.
Related standards
Relevant and cited documents include:
- ISO 8826-1 (General simplified representation)
- ISO 15 (radial bearings - boundary dimensions)
- ISO 3030 / ISO 3031 / ISO 3245 (needle roller bearings)
- ISO 8443 (radial ball bearings with flanged outer ring)
- ISO 9628 (insert bearings and eccentric locking collars)
- ISO 5593 (rolling bearings vocabulary)
Consult the latest editions of these standards when applying ISO 8826-2 in practice.