BIS Certification for Steel Balls for Rolling Bearings IS 2898 (Part 1):2019

Steel balls are the core functional elements in rolling bearings, making them indispensable in a wide range of industrial and mechanical applications. Whether in automotive systems, heavy machinery, electric motors, or high-speed turbines, these precisely engineered spheres enable rotational movement, reduce friction, and carry significant loads—often under high-speed or high-stress conditions.

Given their critical role, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) mandates certification for steel balls used in rolling bearings under IS 2898 (Part 1):2019, which aligns with the international standard ISO 3290-1:2014. This BIS certification ensures that the steel balls conform to globally accepted standards of quality, performance, and safety.

Importance of Steel Balls in Bearings

Steel balls are typically made from high-grade materials such as chrome steel (AISI 52100) or stainless steel, known for their hardness, corrosion resistance, and fatigue strength. Their performance determines the operational efficiency and life span of rolling bearings.

A typical rolling bearing contains a set of steel balls positioned between an inner and outer ring. As the shaft rotates, the balls roll, reducing friction and distributing loads evenly. The precision, roundness, and strength of each ball are paramount; even the slightest deviation can compromise bearing efficiency or cause mechanical failure.

Overview of IS 2898 (Part 1):2019 / ISO 3290-1:2014

IS 2898 (Part 1):2019 is the Indian Standard that governs the technical requirements for steel balls used in rolling bearings. This standard is a modified adoption of ISO 3290-1:2014, harmonizing domestic regulations with international norms while addressing Indian manufacturing conditions and industrial needs.

The standard specifies the essential characteristics that steel balls must meet to qualify for BIS certification:

● Dimensional Accuracy: Includes tolerance limits for ball diameter, variation in lot size, and deviation from spherical form.

● Surface Roughness: Defines the allowable surface texture for smoother motion and reduced wear.

● Hardness: Specifies minimum hardness levels to ensure durability and resistance to deformation under load.

● Crushing Strength: Tests the ability of the ball to resist extreme compressive forces without fracturing—a critical requirement for high-load applications.

● Surface Appearance: Ensures the ball’s surface is free from defects like pits, dents, or scale, which could impair performance or cause premature failure.

By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can guarantee a level of precision and reliability necessary for demanding applications across automotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, and consumer products.

Why BIS Certification is Mandatory

The BIS ISI certification, as per IS 2898 (Part 1):2019, is mandatory for manufacturers or importers of steel balls used in rolling bearings in India. The ISI mark serves as proof that the product conforms to standardized testing, manufacturing, and quality assurance protocols.

Certification benefits include:

● Regulatory Compliance: Legally required to sell or distribute such components in the Indian market.

● Enhanced Credibility: The ISI mark assures customers of the product’s quality and performance.

● Market Access: Facilitates participation in government tenders and large-scale industrial supply chains.

● International Compatibility: Since the standard aligns with ISO 3290-1, certified products are accepted globally, easing export processes.

Test Methods and Evaluation Criteria

The testing regimen for certification is highly rigorous and covers multiple performance parameters:

●Diameter and Form Accuracy: Measured with precision instruments to detect even micron-level deviations.

●Microhardness Testing: Ensures the ball's core and surface meet required hardness grades.

●Crushing Load Test: Conducted to evaluate mechanical strength and durability under high stress.

●Surface Inspection: Includes visual and microscopic examination to detect imperfections that may cause wear or fatigue.

●Material Analysis: Confirms the chemical composition of the steel used, ensuring consistency with the standard.

Each test aims to validate that the product can function reliably in dynamic environments where failure is not an option.

Certification Process

To obtain BIS certification for steel balls under IS 2898 (Part 1):2019, the manufacturer must follow a structured process:

  1. Application Submission: Manufacturers submit their applications through the BIS portal, including technical specifications, factory details, and sample declarations.

  2. Product Testing: Samples are tested in BIS-approved laboratories for compliance with parameters such as sphericity, diameter, hardness, crushing strength, and surface quality.

  3. Factory Audit: BIS inspectors assess the manufacturing unit’s capability, quality control processes, and testing facilities to ensure consistent production standards.

  4. License Issuance: Upon successful testing and inspection, BIS grants a license to use the ISI mark on the product.

This process ensures that the product not only passes initial quality checks but also maintains ongoing compliance through surveillance audits and random sampling.

To Know The Process in Detail, Please Visit:

Under BIS Registration Products ISI and CRS

Documents Required for BIS Certification

To apply for BIS certification, manufacturers need to submit the following documents:

●  Application form

●  Manufacturing process details

●  Quality control plan

●  Test reports from BIS-approved laboratories

●  Factory layout and equipment details

●  Proof of business registration

●  Product specifications and technical details

●  Declaration of conformity to Indian standards

Additionally, manufacturers may be required to provide proof of compliance with environmental and safety regulations, depending on the specific type of product being certified.

BIS ISI Mark Certification Costing And Timeline

BIS ISI Mark Certification Costing And Timeline

Certification Validity and Renewal

The BIS license for steel balls is generally valid for two years, provided there are no significant changes in manufacturing methods or raw materials. To continue using the ISI mark, the manufacturer must undergo periodic audits and submit fresh test results during the renewal process.

BIS must re-evaluate any modification in ball size, material grade, or manufacturing setup to retain compliance status.

Conclusion

Steel balls may seem like a simple product, but their engineering and performance impact the reliability of entire mechanical systems. BIS certification under IS 2898 (Part 1):2019 / ISO 3290-1:2014 ensures these components meet the strictest quality benchmarks for use in high-performance bearings.

For manufacturers, BIS certification is a mark of precision and trust. For users, it guarantees durability, operational safety, and reduced maintenance costs. In a world where machinery runs on precision, certified steel balls are the silent heroes that keep the wheels turning—literally.