Deep Groove Ball Bearings

All three series share the same bore diameter at the same designator (e.g., 6205, 6305, and 6005 all have 25 mm bore), but differ in OD and width. 6000 has the smallest OD and width, giving the lightest cross-section and lowest load rating. 6200 has a wider cross-section and higher load rating — it is the most widely used series for general industrial applications. 6300 has the widest standard cross-section and highest load rating at the same bore, at the cost of a larger OD. Select 6000 when space or weight is constrained and loads are light. Select 6200 for general-purpose industrial and agricultural applications. Select 6300 when radial loads are high and the larger OD can be accommodated.

Z and 2Z bearings have pressed steel shields that fit closely to the inner ring but do not contact it — this non-contact design minimises friction and allows higher running speeds than contact seals. The shields retain grease and exclude coarse contaminants, but are not waterproof. RS and 2RS bearings have rubber contact seals that lip against a groove in the inner ring, providing far better exclusion of fine dust, water, and contamination than steel shields. Contact seals generate slightly more friction and have a lower maximum speed rating than shields. Choose 2Z for clean, dry, high-speed applications. Choose 2RS for wet, dusty, or contaminated environments where contamination exclusion is more important than minimising friction.

Yes, but with important limitations. Deep groove ball bearings can carry moderate axial loads in both directions — typically up to about 35–50% of the static radial load rating (C0), depending on the series and speed. For applications where axial load is the dominant load, or where high thrust capacity is required alongside radial load, angular contact ball bearings or tapered roller bearings are the correct choice. For light axial loads combined with radial loads at moderate speeds, a 6200 or 6300 series deep groove ball bearing is often sufficient without a separate thrust element.

The 16000 series uses the same bore diameter as the 6000 series but with a smaller OD and reduced width — making it a thinner cross-section at the same bore. This reduces the overall bearing envelope where radial space between the shaft and the housing bore is limited. Load ratings are lower than the 6000 series at the same bore due to the smaller ball complement. Use 16000 series when the application requires a specific bore size but the available housing bore is too small to accommodate a standard 6000, 6200, or 6300 series bearing.

Yes. The 6000, 6200, 6300, 6400, and 16000 series follow ISO 355 metric dimensions. Any bearing with the same designation and suffix from a compliant manufacturer is dimensionally interchangeable — bore diameter, OD, and width are identical to ISO tolerances. Suffix conventions (Z, 2Z, RS, 2RS) are standardised across the industry. The 88500 series follows ABMA dimensional standards for pressed steel housing inserts.

Standard 2RS and 2Z deep groove ball bearings are factory pre-greased with a lithium-based grease suitable for general industrial applications across a temperature range of approximately −20°C to +120°C. These bearings are maintenance-free for their rated service life under normal operating conditions. For applications with extreme temperatures, food-grade requirements, or high-speed operation, open bearings with a specified grease or oil supply provide greater flexibility in lubricant selection.