ISO 16287:2021

Overview - ISO 16287:2021 (Plain bearings, thermoplastic bushes)

ISO 16287:2021 specifies the dimensions and tolerances for inserted thermoplastic bushes used as plain bearings. It covers both cylindrical (type C) and flanged (type F) thermoplastic bushes, with or without lubrication grooves, and ensures dimensional exchangeability with wrapped bushes according to ISO 3547-1. The standard applies to unreinforced thermoplastic materials (e.g., PA, PET, PE, POM per ISO 6691) and is explicitly not applicable to reinforced plastics.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Dimensional tables and figures: Nominal sizes, widths, flange diameters and chamfers for thick- and thin-walled bushes are given in detailed tables and Figures 1–3 (cylindrical and flanged types).
• Tolerances and fits: Guidance on inside/outside diameter tolerances (preference for tolerance class d13 for housing bores, allowable up to h13), coaxiality and axial run-out IT values based on housing or flange diameters, and recommended tolerance classes for fitted inside diameters (F10 to D12 depending on material).
• Materials: Thermoplastics classification and designation reference (ISO 6691) with examples suitable for plain bearings (PA, PET, PE, POM).
• Design and assembly: Requirements for wall thickness, chamfers/radii alternatives, flange radii, surface finishes and rules for non‑standard widths (preferred final digits).
• Testing and conditioning: References to conditioning/testing atmospheres (ISO 554) and test-data references (ISO 3547‑2) for verifying outside and inside diameters.
• Designation and documentation: Rules for identifying bush types, dimensions and tolerances for procurement and quality control.

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 16287:2021:

• Mechanical designers and bearing engineers specifying plain bearings
• OEMs (automotive, industrial machinery, appliances) selecting thermoplastic bushes
• Bearing manufacturers and suppliers producing thermoplastic inserted bushes
• Quality, metrology and procurement teams ensuring interchangeability and compliance

Common applications:

• Low-friction, wear-resistant bushings in rotating and oscillating shafts
• Machinery where corrosion resistance or low maintenance lubrication is required
• Replacements where dimensional interchangeability with wrapped bushes is necessary

Related standards

• ISO 12128 - Plain bearings: lubrication grooves (referenced for groove conformity)
• ISO 3547-1 / ISO 3547-2 - Wrapped bushes: dimensional exchangeability and test data
• ISO 6691 - Thermoplastic polymers for plain bearings (classification)
• ISO 554 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing

Use keywords: ISO 16287:2021, thermoplastic bushes, plain bearings, dimensions and tolerances, flanged bush, cylindrical bush, ISO 3547-1, ISO 6691 to optimize searches for designers, manufacturers and procurement professionals.