HOW TO UNDERSTAND BEARING NUMBERS

We were discussing in our previous post about the various articles in relation with bearings as mentioned below, and now we have complete understanding with basics of bearings and other terminologies.

Now we will try to explain here the bearing number. First let us see list of topics that we have discussed earlier.

Basic concept of bearings

Main functions of bearings

Bearing operating condition and various terminologies

Roller bearing basics and types

Ball bearing basics and types

Ball bearing seals, shields and snap rings

Bearing removal and cleaning procedure

Induction heater for bearing installation

Bearing installation procedure

Importance of bearing lubrication

Now we will try to explain the bearing number here. First let us see quite important points, when we try to understand a bearing. 

Let we have a bearing, first number will indicate the type of bearing.

Bearing number starts with 1

Bearing number starts with 1, indicates self aligning ball bearings. Bearing number 1201 is an example of self aligning ball bearing.

Bearing number starts with 2

Bearing number starts with 2, indicates barrel and spherical roller bearings. Such Bearings will have roller of barrel shaped. Barrel and spherical roller bearings are also self aligning bearings suitable for heavy radial loading.

Bearing number 22326 CC3 is an example of barrel and spherical roller bearing.

Bearing number starts with 3

Bearing number starts with 3, indicates tapered roller bearings. Such Bearings are usually used for bearing high axial load and radial load also. 31308 bearing number is an example of tapered roller bearing.

Bearing number starts with 4

Bearing number starts with 4, indicates deep grove double row ball bearings. Bearing number 4203 ATN9 is an example of deep grove double row ball bearing.

Bearing number starts with 5

Bearing number starts with 5, indicates axial deep grove ball bearings or thrust bearings. Such bearings are basically designed for heavy axial load or thrust load. Bearing number 51200 is an example of axial deep grove ball bearings or thrust bearings.

Bearing number starts with 6

Bearing number starts with 6, indicates deep grove ball bearings. Bearing number 6207 is an example of deep grove ball bearings.

Bearing number starts with 7

Bearing number starts with 7, indicates single row angular contact ball bearings. Bearing number 7312 is an example of single row angular contact ball bearings.

Bearing number starts with 8

Bearing number starts with 8, indicates axial cylindrical roller bearings. Bearing number 81212-TV is an example of axial cylindrical roller bearings.

Bearing number starts with NA

Bearing number starts with NA, indicates needle roller bearings. Bearing number NA4906-2RS is an example of needle roller bearings.

Suffix of a bearing number

Bearing number will be associated usually with suffix and their importance could be seen below.

RS term

RS term is normally used to indicate ball bearings with seals. RS stands here for rubber seal and this seal will be usually made by rubber, non-synthetic or synthetic materials.

Let us see one bearing who’s bearing number is 6206 RS, this bearing will have seal on one side only. RS indicates that bearing will have seal on one side only. 

If we have another bearing which number is 6206 2RS, in this case bearing will have seal on both sides. 2RS indicates that bearing will have seal on both side i.e. on left hand and right hand.

Z term

Z term is normally used to indicate ball bearings with shield. Z stands here for metal shield.

Let us see one bearing who’s bearing number is 6206 Z, this bearing will have shield on one side only. Z indicates that bearing will have shield on one side only.

If we have another bearing whose bearing number is 6206 ZZ, in this case bearing will have shield on both sides. ZZ indicates that bearing will have shields on both sides i.e. on left hand side and right hand side also.

K term

K term indicates bearing with taper bore

E term

E term indicates bearing with reinforced design

P2 term

P2 term indicates bearing with highest precision

There are few more letters as mentioned here with their importance

NR: Snap ring and groove

V: Single non contact seal

VV: Double non contact seal

DDU: Double contact seal

Prefix of a bearing number

Bearing number will be associated usually with Prefix and their importance could be seen below.

X: Corrosion resisting steel, such as X623

K: Cage with roller elements

R: Ring with roller set

L: Removable bearing ring

E2: Energy efficient bearing (SKF)

T: Case hardened steel, such as T32248

Bearing manufacturers also use their own prefix and that could be seen in bearing maintenance manuals of respective manufacturers.

Bearing bore diameter

Bearing bore diameter could be calculated by considering the last two digits of bearing number.

If bearing last two digits are 00, it indicates bearing bore diameter d = 10 mm. For example bearing 1200, will have bore diameter 10 mm.

If bearing last two digits are 01, it indicates bearing bore diameter d = 12 mm. For example bearing 51101A, will have bore diameter 12 mm.

If bearing last two digits are 02, it indicates bearing bore diameter d = 15 mm. For example bearing 3202, will have bore diameter 15 mm.

If bearing last two digits are 03, it indicates bearing bore diameter d = 17 mm. For example bearing 6303, will have bore diameter 17 mm.

If bearing will have a bearing number with last two digits 04 or more than 04, in this case bearing bore diameter could be easily calculated by multiplying the last two digits with 5 and result will be considered in mm. For example if we have a bearing 6205, it bore diameter will be 25 mm.

Internal Clearances

A bearing number will have one clearance series. Bearing number usually comes with C1, C2, C3, C4 or C5. If bearing number is not mentioned with clearance series that means bearing will have normal clearance. For example bearing 6226 indicates that bearing has normal clearance.

C2: Clearance less than normal clearance

C1: Clearance less than C2 clearance

C3: Clearance more than normal clearance

C4: Clearance more than C3 clearance

C5: Clearance more than C4 clearance

Let us consider one example of a bearing number and discuss its importance

Let we have one bearing with number 23215 C3

2: barrel and spherical roller bearings

3 and 2: Bearing construction details (size of the bearing)

15: Bearing bore diameter will be 75 mm

C3: Bearing internal clearance more than normal clearance

Similarly, we can understand the importance of a bearing number.

We will discuss Boyle’s law and Charles law in our next post. 

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