Overview
ISO 24393:2008 - Rolling bearings - Linear motion rolling bearings - Vocabulary is an international standard that defines the terminology used for linear guidance systems, linear motion rolling bearings, and their related subassemblies, parts, accessories and technologies. The standard standardizes names and definitions to ensure consistent communication across design, manufacturing, testing, procurement and technical documentation.
Key topics
- Scope and purpose: Establishes unified terms and definitions for linear guidance and bearing technology to reduce ambiguity across manufacturers and users.
- Organization of the vocabulary: Terms are arranged in systematic groups and subgroups with a clear numbering scheme:
- Two-digit group IDs (e.g., 01 Guidance systems)
- Four-digit subgroup numbers (first two digits = group)
- Six-digit entry indices (first four digits = subgroup)
- Entry structure: Each entry contains an index number, the term, its definition, and may include notes and figure references. Bold type indicates cross-referenced terms defined elsewhere in the vocabulary.
- Sections covered: Includes guidance systems (01), linear motion rolling bearings (02), subassemblies (03), parts (04), accessories (05), plus informative Annex A (classification), bibliography and alphabetical indexes.
- References and principles: Follows ISO rules for vocabulary organization (ISO 10241) and ties to existing terminology references (ISO 5593).
- Figures and indexes: Illustrative figures show representative simplified examples and each figure indicates related term indices. Alphabetical indexes are provided in multiple languages (document is bilingual English/French).
Practical applications
- Creates a consistent terminology baseline for:
- Product specification and datasheets for linear motion rolling bearings
- Design and engineering documentation for linear guidance systems (railways, machine tools, automation)
- Quality, testing and inspection reports where precise term usage avoids misinterpretation
- Procurement and contracts to ensure suppliers and buyers share the same definitions
- Technical education, maintenance manuals and training materials (reproduction of terms/definitions allowed for educational use under ISO conditions)
Who should use this standard
- Bearing and linear guide manufacturers
- Mechanical and automation engineers
- OEMs integrating linear guidance systems
- Standards committees, technical writers and translators
- Procurement/specification authors and maintenance teams
Related standards
- ISO 10241 (principles for vocabulary organization)
- ISO 5593 (existing source of related terms)
Using ISO 24393:2008 helps organizations achieve clarity in documentation, reduce errors in design/specification, and improve interoperability when selecting or specifying linear motion rolling bearings and guidance components.
