This International Standard specifies tolerances, design features and test methods for thin-walled half bearings with integral flange up to an outside diameter of D_o of 250 mm and without flange up to an outside diameter of D_o of 500 mm. Due to the variety of design it is, however, not possible to standardize the dimensions of the half bearings.

Half bearings according to this International Standard are predominantly used in reciprocating machinery and consist of a steel backing and one or more bearing metal layers on the inside.

In reciprocating machinery, flanged half bearings may be used in connection with half bearings without flange.

Alternatively to serve as a flanged half bearing, it is possible to use a half bearing without flange together with two separate half thrust washers in accordance with ISO 6526; or a half bearing with assembled flanges.