Overview
ISO 12843:2024 provides guidance for effective reuse, recycling and environmentally responsible disposal of plain bearing materials. The standard explains terms (reuse, repair, recover, recycle, dispose) and specifies practical measures across the product lifecycle - design, manufacturing, operation and disposal - to maximize material resource utilization and reduce environmental impact.
This document was prepared by ISO/TC 123 (Plain bearings), Subcommittee SC 6, and includes a diagram (Figure 1) showing treatment paths for used plain bearings.
Key Topics
- Definitions: Clear terminology for reuse, repair, recover, recycle and dispose to support consistent decision-making when assessing used plain bearings.
- Design stage considerations: Select materials free of environmentally hazardous substances when possible; design for disassembly, repairability and material separability; specify ingredients in procurement agreements where disposal risks exist.
- Manufacturing stage measures: Minimize scrap and improve yields; separate scrap into reusable and non-reusable fractions; process reusable scrap as raw material; handle non‑reusable scrap according to disposal guidance.
- Example scrap types noted include runners and risers in casting, sprues and runners in injection molding, and chips from machining.
- Operating stage practices: Inspect bearings for damage or abnormal operation (e.g., increased noise, vibration, temperature rise, smoke or oil discoloration) and determine usability. If repairable, perform appropriate repair; if not, proceed to disposal. Inspections can reference ISO 7146-1 and ISO 7146-2.
- Disposal guidance: Remove bearings from end‑of‑life equipment where feasible; separate portions that contain hazardous substances; render hazardous materials harmless or engage certified disposal specialists. The standard cautions that substances considered safe today may be classified as harmful in the future.
Applications
ISO 12843:2024 is applicable to organizations involved in design, manufacture, maintenance and end‑of‑life management of plain bearings, including:
- Bearing manufacturers and material suppliers
- Equipment designers and OEMs integrating plain bearings
- Maintenance and asset managers assessing repair vs replacement
- Recycling and waste‑management service providers handling end‑of‑life components
Practical benefits include improved resource efficiency, reduced waste and lower environmental risk from bearing disposal, as well as clearer contractual expectations about material composition and end‑of‑life treatment.
Related Standards
- ISO 7146-1 - Appearance and characterization of damage to metallic hydrodynamic bearings - Part 1: General (referenced for inspection criteria)
- ISO 7146-2 - Appearance and characterization of damage to metallic hydrodynamic bearings - Part 2: Cavitation erosion and countermeasures
For implementation questions or national adoption details, consult your national standards body or ISO's online resources.
