BIS CERTIFICATION FOR POROUS METAL POWDER OIL-IMPREGNATED BEARINGS: YOUR GUIDE TO IS 3980 WITH OMEGA QMS PVT. LTD.

Komal2 May 2025

INTRODUCTION: Self-Lubricating Solutions for Modern Machinery

Porous metal powder oil-impregnated bearings are widely recognized for their self-lubricating properties, making them ideal for applications where continuous lubrication is difficult or impossible. These bearings, commonly used in automobiles, electric motors, household appliances, and textile machinery, are manufactured using powder metallurgy and are impregnated with lubricating oil—making them efficient, long-lasting, and low-maintenance.

To ensure consistency, safety, and performance, manufacturers must conform to IS 3980, the Indian Standard for these bearings. This certification is granted by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). For businesses seeking a smooth path to BIS certification, Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. offers expert compliance solutions and end-to-end support.

SUMMARY OF INDIAN STANDARD IS 3980 : SPECIFICATION FOR POROUS METAL POWDER OIL-IMPREGNATED BEARINGS

Scope: This standard lays down the material composition, dimensional requirements, tolerances, mechanical properties, inspection and testing procedures for oil-impregnated porous metal bearings made through powder metallurgy.

Classification of Bearings

Grade 1 – Copper Base

Class A: Copper-Tin

Class B: Copper-Iron-Tin (with variations in composition)

Grade 2 – Iron Base

Class A: Pure Iron

Class B: Iron-Copper (with progressive grades from B1 to B3)

Each grade and class varies in copper, iron, and other alloying element content.

OVERVIEW OF THE QCO FOR BEARINGS

Quality Control Orders, or QCOs are a regulatory mechanism introduced by Ministry of Commerce under Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act. They aim to ensure that products meet a minimum standard of quality and safety before being sold in the Indian market. For international traders, this means complying with BIS certification before exporting products like bearings to India.

India’s draft QCO for bearings emphasizes the quality standards and certification requirements for manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of these metals. The document mandates that all primary metals must conform to the relevant Indian Standards and manufacturers must obtain BIS certification before selling or distributing lead products in India.

BIS CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR POROUS METAL POWDER OIL-IMPREGNATED BEARINGS UNDER IS 3980

The BIS certification process for Porous Metal Powder Oil-Impregnated Bearings ensures that the products conform to IS 3980 and meet stringent quality parameters. The certification follows a well-defined conformity assessment scheme under the BIS Act, 2016.

Steps Involved:

Application Submission: The manufacturer applies to BIS with product and factory details.

Product Testing: Samples are drawn from the production lot and tested for compliance with IS 3980 in BIS-recognized laboratories.

Factory Audit: BIS officers inspect the manufacturing process, quality control mechanisms, raw material traceability, and testing infrastructure.

Grant of License: If the product meets all specifications and the factory adheres to BIS standards, a license is granted to use the Standard Mark.

Ongoing Surveillance: BIS conducts periodic surveillance inspections and draws samples from the market or factory for re-testing.

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HOW OMEGA QMS PVT. LTD. SUPPORTS MANUFACTURERS

Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd. is a leading consultancy specializing in helping manufacturers obtain and maintain BIS certification. For Porous Metal Powder Oil-Impregnated Bearings under IS 3980, Omega QMS plays a vital role in simplifying the certification journey.

Services Provided:

Initial Gap Analysis: Assessing the manufacturer’s current compliance against IS 3980 and identifying areas for improvement.

Documentation Support: Preparation of technical documentation, and application papers required by BIS.

Factory Readiness Audits: Conducting mock audits to ensure the facility is ready for BIS inspection.

Liaison with BIS Authorities: Handling communication, application submission, and coordination for inspections and testing.

Post-Certification Support: Assistance in maintaining compliance during surveillance audits and for renewal of certification.

With Omega QMS by their side, manufacturers can focus on production while leaving the complex compliance process to the experts.

CONCLUSION

IS 3980 ensures that porous metal powder oil-impregnated bearings meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and reliability. BIS certification under this standard is crucial for manufacturers aiming to establish their bearings as trustworthy, efficient, and market-ready components.

FINAL THOUGHT

In a competitive market, certification is not just compliance — it’s a commitment to quality. By aligning your bearings with IS 3980 and working with Omega QMS Pvt. Ltd., you demonstrate your brand’s dedication to excellence, reliability, and global standards.