Bearing suffixes and prefixes are used to indicate specific characteristics of bearings, such as their type, size, and material. Understanding these nomenclatures can help you choose the right bearing for your application, as well as understand the capabilities of different bearings. In this blog post, we will explain the different kinds of bearing suffixes and what they mean.

What is an ABEC rating and what do the different levels mean?

An ABEC rating is used to indicate the precision and tolerances of a bearing. The higher the ABEC rating, the more precise and consistent the bearing is in terms of its size and shape. ABEC 1 is the lowest rating and ABEC 9 is the highest rating. It's worth noting, however, that a higher ABEC rating doesn't always mean a better bearing, as most applications will not require a level of precision above ABEC1. Usually, an ABEC1 bearing will not have a suffix at all.

What do the material suffixes used in bearings indicate?

The suffixes used to indicate the material of the bearing can vary depending on the type of bearing. For example, the suffix "C" is used to indicate a bearing or its balls are made of ceramic materials such as Si3N4, while the "S" or "SS" prefix is used for stainless steel bearings. Chrome steel bearings usually do not have a suffix.

What are the different suffixes used to indicate the type of seal or shield in bearings?

The suffixes used to indicate the type of seal or shield can vary depending on the manufacturer, but some common ones are "2RS" for double rubber seals, "ZZ" for double metal shields, and "DU" for double contact seals. Seals are used to protect the bearing from contaminants such as dust, dirt, and moisture, while shields are used to protect the bearing from excessive wear and tear. Some bearings may only have a "Z" or "RS" suffix but have double metal shields or seals. Those are interchange numbers for the "ZZ" and "2RS".

What is the role of a cage in a bearing, and what do the different cage suffixes indicate?

The cage holds the rolling elements in place and guides their movement. Different cage designs can affect the performance of the bearing, such as its ability to handle high speeds or loads. Common cage suffixes include "J" for steel cage, "M" for machined brass cage, and "TN" for polyamide cage. These suffixes are more common in roller bearings than ball bearings.

What is internal clearance in bearings, and what do the different internal clearance suffixes indicate?

Internal clearance refers to the amount of space between the rolling elements and the raceways. A higher internal clearance can allow for more movement and less friction, while a lower internal clearance can provide more stability and less noise at lower rotational speeds. Common internal clearance suffixes include "C2" for smaller clearance, "C3" for standard clearance, and "C4" for larger clearance.

In conclusion, understanding the different kinds of bearing suffixes can help you choose the right bearing for your specific application. However, it's worth noting that different manufacturers may use different suffixes, and it's important to verify the meaning of a suffix before making a purchase.