Bearing Identification - AFBMA Bearing Numbers

The Anti Friction Bearing Manufacturers Association have a code system which identifies bearings by type, size and construction. Any bearing supply house or bearing manufacturer can identify their bearings from such code numbers. The following tabulation shows those codes which most commonly apply to bearings in U.S. Motors.

AFBMA Code System For Bearings

000

Bore

AAA

Type

OO
Width & O.D.

AAAA
Cage. Shields or Seals & Modifications

0
Internal Fit Up

Code

Space No.

Common Symbols

Description

Bore

1, 2, 3

17 or 105

Inside diameter of bearing in m.m. refer to bearing catalog

Type

1, 2, 3

Ball bearing, single row, radial, non-filling slot

Ball bearing, single row, radial, filling slot

Ball bearing, double row, radial, non-filling slot

Ball bearing, double row, radial, filling slot

Width & O.D.

1, 2

6000 series bearing

6200 series bearing

6300 series bearing

6400 series bearing

Cage shields or seals modification

2, 3

Manufacturer a standard bearing cage

Metal shield permanently fastened

Contact seal permanently fastened

Snap ring groove on O.D. with snap ring

Internal Fit Up

Internal clearance greater than standard

Example:
50BC02 - Single row, radial, non-filling slot ball bearing with 50 mm bore and a 6200 series O.D. and width. The SKF number would be 6210.

75BC03XP - Single row, radial, non-filling slot ball bearing with 75 mm bore, a 6300 series O.D. and width, manufacturer's standard bearing cage and one shield. The SKF number would be 63152.

35BC02XSS3 - Single row, radial, non-filling slot ball bearing with 35 mm bore, a 6200 series O.D. and width, manufacturer's standard bearing cage, 2 seals and an internal clearance greater than standard. The SKF number would be 62072RS/C3.