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WHAT DOES THIS BEARING NUMBER MEAN?

6205-2RS
Can you decode it?
Type Series Bore Suffix
"That tiny number tells you a lot."
⬇ Swipe to decode
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Function

Why Do Machines Need Bearings?

Shaft → Bearing → Housing
✓ Reduce friction
✓ Support loads
✓ Guide rotation
✓ Extend life
A bearing replaces sliding friction with rolling friction — enabling smooth, efficient rotation.
⭕Inner ring — fits the shaft
🔘Rolling elements — balls or rollers
🔵Outer ring — fits the housing
🔗Cage — separates the elements
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Bearing Types

8 Bearing Types You Should Know

1. Deep Groove Ball
Most common — radial + light axial
2. Double Row Deep Groove
Higher load in compact space
3. Tapered Roller
Heavy duty — radial + axial combined
4. Thrust Ball
Axial load only — no radial
5. Cylindrical Roller
High radial load capacity
6. Double-Row Cylindrical
Very high radial capacity
7. Self-Aligning Ball
Handles misalignment up to 2°–3°
8. Spherical Roller
Extreme combined loads + misalignment
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Load Match

Which Bearing Handles the Load?

Deep Groove Ball Radial + light axial
Tapered Roller Radial + axial
Thrust Ball Axial only
Cylindrical Roller High radial
Spherical Roller Very high combined
Self-Aligning Radial + misalignment
Load type drives bearing selection.
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Applications

Where Are These Bearings Used?

⚡ Electric motors
🏭 Gearboxes
💧 Pumps
🏗 Conveyors
🚗 Wheel hubs
🏭 Rolling mills
🏗 Cranes
📄 Paper machines
⚙️ Heavy machinery
Every rotating machine depends on the right bearing.
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Decode 6205

Now Decode 6205

6
Type
|
2
Series
|
05
Bore
6 → Deep groove ball bearing
2 → Light series
05 → 5 × 5 = 25 mm bore
6205 → 25 MM BORE
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Practice

Can You Decode These?

6308
→ 40 mm bore
NU210
→ 50 mm bore
22212
→ 60 mm bore
51106
→ 30 mm bore
TRY ONE YOURSELF
Last two digits × 5 = bore diameter (mm).
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Suffix Codes

What Does 2RS or C3 Mean?

2RS Two rubber contact seals
2Z Two metal shields
RS One rubber seal
Z One metal shield
C3 Increased internal clearance
C4 Larger internal clearance
Suffixes tell you about seals, shields, and clearance.
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Selection

How Do You Choose the Right Bearing?

1 LOAD
2 SPEED
3 TEMPERATURE
4 SPACE
5 LUBRICATION
6 LIFE
7 ENVIRONMENT
CHOOSE TYPE + SIZE
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Failure Analysis

7 Reasons Bearings Fail

⚠ Fatigue
⚠ Contamination
⚠ Poor lubrication
⚠ Corrosion
⚠ Overheating
⚠ Misalignment
⚠ Improper mounting
WRONG INSTALLATION SHORTENS LIFE
Contamination and lubrication failures cause most premature bearing failures.
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Workshop

Before You Install a Bearing…

✓ Check shaft and housing fit
✓ Keep everything clean
✓ Use the correct lubricant
✓ Use proper mounting tools
✓ Never hammer directly on the bearing
✓ Check clearance
✓ Monitor noise and vibration
🔥 Induction heater → correct installation
Follow manufacturer mounting procedures. Use lockout/tagout and eye protection.
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Engineer Data Hub

Decode Your Bearing Now

Enter the bearing number and identify its type, series and bore.
6205-2RS → 25 mm bore
OPEN BEARING DECODER EXPLORE ENGINEERING CALCULATORS →
Spur Gear Helical Gear Worm Gear Indexing
Save this guide for your next bearing replacement.
Share it with a maintenance engineer or machinist.
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