ISO 9448-7:2013

Overview

ISO 9448-7:2013 specifies the main dimensions, tolerances and basic technical requirements for form F, flanged ball cage guide bushes, type 1, used in press tools. The standard covers mounting details (intended for installation in the clamp plate with a transition fit and fixation by guide clamps), material guidance, required hardness and the standardized method of designation. Dimensions are given in millimetres and referenced in the standard’s Figure 1 and Table 1.

Keywords: ISO 9448-7:2013, guide bushes, ball cage bushes, flanged, press tools, form F, type 1

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and form: Applies to flanged ball cage bushes (Form F), Type 1, for use in press tooling.
• Dimensions and tolerances: Main dimensions and tolerances are specified in the standard’s figures and tables (manufacturer to follow Table 1 and Figure 1 for nominal sizes).
• Mounting fit: Designed to be mounted in the clamp plate with a transition fit and fixed by guide clamps; intended to fit into a hole of tolerance H7.
• Internal diameter (D1): Manufacturer determines the internal diameter using tolerance M5. This diameter is intended to be lapped or ground for correct ball preloading.
• Surface finish: Lapped or ground internal diameter to a surface roughness Ra = 0.05 µm; this diameter acts as the reference for concentricity and perpendicularity tolerances.
• Material and hardness: Material choice is at the manufacturer’s discretion; required hardness is (63 ± 1) HRC (see ISO 6508-1 for Rockwell test method).
• Manufacturer discretion: Unspecified features (chamfers, radii, lubrication grooves, number of guide clamps) are left to the manufacturer.
• Designation format: Standardized designation example - Guide bush ISO 9448-7 F - 12 × 20 × 30 (form, guiding diameter D, lengths l1 and l2).

Applications and users

• Primary use: Precision guide bushes for press tools and die sets where ball-guided movement is required.
• Who uses it:
  • Tool and die designers and manufacturers
  • Press/tooling maintenance teams and workshop engineers
  • Component suppliers and mechanical engineers specifying guide bushes for stamping, forming or molding operations
• Practical value:
  • Ensures interchangeability of guide bushes across suppliers
  • Provides repeatable preloading and low-friction guidance via ball cages
  • Reduces risk of incorrect plate assembly by following recommended diameter choices and designation rules

Related standards

• ISO 9448 (other parts cover different forms and types of guide bushes - Parts 1–11)
• ISO 6508-1 - Metallic materials: Rockwell hardness test (referenced for hardness measurement)

This standard is essential when specifying flanged ball cage guide bushes for press tooling to ensure dimensional compatibility, correct fit (H7/M5), surface finish (Ra 0.05 µm) and the required hardness (63 ± 1 HRC).