ISO 15243:2017

Overview - ISO 15243:2017 (Rolling bearings - Damage and failures)

ISO 15243:2017 provides a structured, visual-based classification of failure modes for rolling bearings made of standard bearing steels. The standard defines terminology, describes characteristic appearances, and indicates the most likely root causes for each failure mode. It is intended to assist engineers and analysts in bearing failure identification using non‑destructive observations (direct view, magnifiers or optical microscopes, photographs). Where visual evidence is insufficient, the standard points to additional investigative methods in Annex A (A.3), while noting that specialized invasive techniques are outside the document’s scope.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Terms and definitions: Clarifies failure-related vocabulary (failure, damage, event sequences, failure mode) in line with ISO 5593.
• Classification of failure modes: Six principal groups based on visible characteristics:
  • Rolling contact fatigue
  • Wear
  • Corrosion
  • Electrical erosion
  • Plastic deformation
  • Cracking and fracture
• Detailed failure-mode descriptions: For each mode the standard describes:
  • Typical visual characteristics and appearance
  • Sub-modes (e.g., subsurface-initiated and surface-initiated rolling contact fatigue)
  • Probable root causes and common initiating conditions
• Guidance on evidence and limits: Emphasizes reliance on visible features and operational history; recommends further investigations (metallography, cross-sections, chemical/spectrographic analysis) when necessary.
• Illustrative material: Photographs and examples (Annex A.2) to support identification and corrective recommendations.

Practical applications - who uses ISO 15243:2017

ISO 15243 is directly useful for:

• Failure analysis and forensic teams performing bearing damage investigations
• Maintenance and reliability engineers diagnosing machine symptoms and planning corrective actions
• OEMs and bearing manufacturers for quality assurance, warranty assessments and design improvements
• Tribologists and materials engineers investigating wear, fatigue and corrosion mechanisms
• Training and documentation for technicians and inspectors in condition monitoring and preventive maintenance

Typical uses include root-cause analysis, maintenance planning, interpreting visual inspection evidence, and deciding when to escalate to destructive testing.

Related standards

• ISO 5593 - Rolling bearings - Vocabulary (normative reference)
• ISO 281 - Bearing life calculation (referenced for life concepts)
• ISO 8785 and ISO 6601 - referenced for surface defect and wear terminology
• ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia - for terminological resources

Keywords: ISO 15243:2017, rolling bearings, bearing failure analysis, rolling contact fatigue, wear, corrosion, electrical erosion, plastic deformation, cracking and fracture, failure modes, bearing damage identification, root cause analysis.