SKF 6004 ZZ 20x42x12 mm

SKF 6004 ZZ 20x42x12 mm - Single-Row Deep Groove Ball Bearing with Metal Shields

SKF 6004 ZZ is a single-row deep groove ball bearing measuring 20x42x12 mm, offered under the SKF brand. It belongs to the 6000 dimensional series and features a solid inner ring, a solid outer ring and one row of balls. The designation ZZ indicates two metal shields. In official SKF nomenclature, this configuration is designated 2Z. The bearing primarily accommodates radial loads and moderate axial loads in both directions.

Technical Specifications - SKF 6004 ZZ

Product identification: SKF uses the designation 6004-2Z for its standard bearing with two metal shields. The term 6004 ZZ is commonly used commercially to describe this construction. Before assigning all SKF 6004-2Z catalogue specifications to a particular bearing, confirm the marking on the bearing or its original packaging.

What Does SKF 6004 ZZ Mean?

The designation consists of the basic bearing number 6004 and an identifier for the double-shielded construction.

6 - Identifies a single-row deep groove ball bearing.

0 - Identifies the dimensional series within the bearing designation system.

04 - Bore code corresponding to a nominal bore diameter of 20 mm.

ZZ - Common commercial designation indicating two metal shields.

2Z - Official SKF designation indicating two metal shields, one on each side.

The metal shields help limit the entry of larger contaminants and retain grease within the bearing.

However, they do not provide the same sealing performance as contacting elastomer seals.

SKF 6004 ZZ Dimensions

The principal mounting dimensions are:

• Bore diameter d: 20 mm.

• Outside diameter D: 42 mm.

• Width B: 12 mm.

Principal dimensions: 20x42x12 mm.

The 20 mm bore corresponds to the nominal shaft diameter, while the 42 mm outside diameter determines the bearing housing bore size.

The 12 mm width must be considered when designing bearing shoulders and axial locating arrangements.

Other bearings in the 6004 family share these principal dimensions but may differ in shield design, sealing, internal clearance and other technical characteristics.

Construction of SKF 6004 ZZ

The bearing consists of:

• Inner ring with a deep groove raceway.

• Outer ring with a corresponding raceway.

• One row of balls.

• Cage maintaining the spacing between balls.

• Two metal shields.

The raceway geometry enables the bearing to accommodate radial loads and certain axial loads acting in either direction.

Its single-row design allows installation in compact bearing arrangements where limited radial and axial space is available.

The metal shields are positioned on both sides of the bearing and help protect the grease-filled internal space.

Metal Shields - ZZ and 2Z

The double-shielded design is intended for operating conditions where basic protection against contamination is required.

The shields are non-contacting, meaning they do not operate as frictional seals rubbing against the inner ring.

This helps reduce friction associated with the closure design and can be advantageous in applications requiring suitable rotational speeds.

However, several limitations must be considered:

• Metal shields do not provide complete sealing.

• Fine dust and moisture may enter through the shield clearances.

• The bearing is not waterproof.

• Heavily contaminated or wet environments may require a bearing with contact seals.

The choice between metal shields and contacting elastomer seals should be based on the actual operating environment.

What Loads Can SKF 6004 ZZ Accommodate?

The 6004 deep groove ball bearing design is primarily intended to accommodate radial loads.

It can also support moderate axial loads in both directions.

Permissible loading depends on:

• Magnitude and direction of applied forces.

• Rotational speed.

• Internal clearance and mounting fits.

• Operating temperature.

• Lubrication conditions.

• Required bearing service life.

A 6004 deep groove ball bearing should not automatically be substituted for an angular contact or thrust bearing solely because its bore diameter matches the shaft.

SKF 6004 ZZ vs Other Bearing Variants

SKF 6004 ZZ vs SKF 6004-2Z

ZZ is a widely used commercial designation for a bearing with two metal shields.

SKF officially uses the suffix 2Z for this configuration.

When identifying an SKF bearing, check whether the ring or original packaging carries the designation 6004-2Z.

Once the complete technical specification has been confirmed, both descriptions may refer to the same bearing execution.

SKF 6004-2Z vs SKF 6004-2RSH

Both variants have principal dimensions of 20x42x12 mm.

SKF 6004-2Z features two non-contact metal shields.

SKF 6004-2RSH features two contacting elastomer seals.

Contact seals provide better protection against moisture and fine contamination but introduce additional sealing friction.

The variants should not be interchanged without considering rotational speed, operating temperature and environmental conditions.

SKF 6004-2Z vs SKF 6004-2Z/C3

Both variants have identical principal dimensions and two metal shields.

The difference concerns radial internal clearance.

SKF 6004-2Z - Standard execution with Normal radial internal clearance, CN.

SKF 6004-2Z/C3 - Execution with radial internal clearance greater than Normal.

C3 clearance may be required under specific mounting and thermal conditions.

However, greater clearance is not automatically preferable for every application.

SKF 6004-2Z vs SKF 6004

SKF 6004 without a shield suffix identifies the open bearing execution.

SKF 6004-2Z has two metal shields.

Although the principal dimensions are identical, the variants differ in internal protection and lubrication requirements.

Radial Internal Clearance and Mounting Fits

Radial internal clearance affects bearing behaviour after installation and during operation.

The standard SKF 6004-2Z execution has Normal internal clearance, CN.

Other clearance classes, such as C3, may be specified for particular operating conditions.

An interference fit between a bearing ring and its mounting surface can reduce internal clearance.

Temperature differences between the inner and outer rings can also affect operating clearance.

Before replacing a bearing, verify the equipment manufacturer's requirements rather than automatically substituting a CN bearing with a C3 version.

Alternative Designations and Search References

Natural identification variants include:

• SKF 6004 ZZ

• 6004 ZZ SKF

• SKF 6004ZZ

• 6004ZZ SKF

• SKF 6004 ZZ 20x42x12

• SKF 6004-2Z

• 6004-2Z SKF

• SKF6004-2Z

• SKF 6004 2Z

• SKF 6004-2Z 20x42x12

• SKF 6004 ZZ deep groove ball bearing

• SKF 6004-2Z double-shielded ball bearing

The designation 6004-2Z is the official SKF identifier for the standard execution with two metal shields.

For technical purchasing and documentation, use the complete designation printed on the original bearing or packaging.

Bearing Selection and Interchangeability

Before purchasing SKF 6004 ZZ or selecting an equivalent bearing, verify:

• Manufacturer and complete designation.

• Principal dimensions of 20x42x12 mm.

• Shield or seal configuration.

• Radial internal clearance.

• Required shaft and housing fits.

• Rotational speed.

• Radial and axial loads.

• Operating temperature.

• Lubrication conditions.

• Environmental exposure.

Bearings from other manufacturers designated 6004 ZZ may have matching principal dimensions.

However, dimensional compatibility does not automatically guarantee identical load ratings, cage design, lubricant, permissible speeds or operating performance.

For industrial applications, compare the complete manufacturer specifications.

Typical Applications of 6004 Series Bearings

Single-row deep groove ball bearings with metal shields are used in rotating assemblies that primarily require radial load accommodation.

Typical applications of this bearing design include:

• Mechanical equipment shafts.

• Power transmission assemblies.

• Electric motors, where bearing specifications meet the equipment requirements.

• Rollers and rotating mechanisms.

• Compact industrial bearing arrangements.

These are general applications associated with the bearing type.

They do not establish SKF 6004 ZZ or SKF 6004-2Z as a confirmed original equipment component for any specific machine or motor model.

Mounting and Operation

Before installation, clean the shaft, housing bore and bearing seating surfaces.

Check mounting surface condition, required fits and alignment.

Mounting force must be applied directly to the ring being installed with an interference fit.

Force must not be transmitted through the balls and raceways.

The metal shields should not be removed or pried open during standard installation.

The standard SKF 6004-2Z bearing is supplied with grease lubrication. However, the same lubricant specification should not be assumed for every special execution.

Store the bearing in its original packaging in a clean, dry environment.

FAQ

What are the dimensions of SKF 6004 ZZ?

SKF 6004 ZZ measures 20x42x12 mm. The bore diameter is 20 mm, the outside diameter is 42 mm and the width is 12 mm.

What does ZZ mean in SKF 6004 ZZ?

ZZ is a common commercial designation for two metal shields. SKF officially uses the designation 2Z for a bearing with two metal shields.

Are SKF 6004 ZZ and SKF 6004-2Z the same bearing?

They may refer to the same double-shielded bearing configuration. However, the marking on the SKF bearing or its packaging and the complete technical specification should be verified before treating them as identical.

Is SKF 6004-2Z factory lubricated?

Yes. The standard SKF 6004-2Z bearing is supplied with grease lubrication. Special executions may have different lubrication requirements.

Do ZZ metal shields protect against water?

Metal shields help limit contamination but do not provide complete protection against water and moisture. Applications involving significant water exposure may require an appropriately sealed bearing.

Can SKF 6004 ZZ be replaced with SKF 6004-2RSH?

Both have dimensions of 20x42x12 mm, but their closure designs differ. The 2RSH execution has contacting elastomer seals, so substitution requires checking the operating conditions.

Are SKF 6004-2Z and SKF 6004-2Z/C3 interchangeable?

Not automatically. The C3 variant has greater radial internal clearance than the standard CN execution. The correct clearance depends on mounting fits, operating temperature and loading conditions.

Can a 6004 ZZ bearing from another manufacturer replace SKF 6004 ZZ?

It may have identical principal dimensions, but shield design, internal clearance, load ratings, rotational speed and other application requirements must be compared before substitution.

SKF 6004 ZZ - Key Information

SKF 6004 ZZ is a single-row deep groove ball bearing measuring 20x42x12 mm, featuring two metal shields. SKF officially identifies the corresponding double-shielded execution as 6004-2Z. The bearing accommodates radial loads and moderate axial loads in both directions. Its non-contact shields help reduce contamination and retain grease while limiting additional sealing friction.

SKF 6004 series bearings are offered by the specialist industrial bearing supplier simmering.pl. Stock in Poland, worldwide shipping and technical assistance with identifying the correct SKF bearing execution.