Rolling bearings are represented in engineering drawings using standardised simplified symbols to reduce complexity and improve clarity. These representations allow engineers to show bearing types and arrangements without drawing full internal detail.
This guide covers the simplified representation of different rolling bearing types including ball, roller, spherical, needle and thrust bearings, based on ISO drawing standards.
Rolling bearings may be shown as detailed sectional views with internal components visible, or as simplified representations. In most engineering drawings, simplified symbols are used to improve readability and reduce drawing time.
These conventions are defined in standards such as BS EN ISO 8826.
The figures below are in Rough accordance with BS EN ISO 8826 Part 2
Single row bearings are represented using simplified symbols that indicate the position and type of bearing without detailed internal geometry.
Rolling bearings can be shown as detailed views with the housings hatched in the sections. These view would be similar to the views indicated in the bearing catalogues. The standards also allow the bearings to be shown in a simplified way. Some typical illustrations are shown below. .
Double row bearings are shown using symbols that indicate the presence of two rows of rolling elements.
Spherical bearings are represented to indicate their ability to accommodate shaft misalignment.
Double row spherical bearings use simplified symbols showing both rows and self-aligning capability.
These bearings are represented with symbols indicating load direction capability and contact angle characteristics.
Needle bearings are shown using simplified representations that reflect their compact design and high load capacity.
Thrust bearings are designed to support axial loads and are represented using symbols that indicate load direction and bearing arrangement.
The simplified representation of rolling bearings follows standards such as BS EN ISO 8826. These standards ensure consistency across engineering drawings and reduce the risk of misinterpretation in manufacturing.
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