6201 ZZ SKF 12x32x10 Deep Groove Ball Bearing

SKF 6201-2Z, commonly searched for as SKF 6201 ZZ, is a single-row deep groove ball bearing measuring 12x32x10 mm. Its bore diameter d is 12 mm, outside diameter D is 32 mm and width B is 10 mm. The 2Z configuration has non-contact metal shields on both sides, while the standard version without a C3 suffix has Normal radial internal clearance.

SKF 6201-2Z - Product Characteristics

SKF 6201-2Z belongs to the 62 dimensional series of single-row deep groove ball bearings. Its deep raceways and single row of balls enable the bearing to accommodate radial loads as well as axial loads in both directions.

Verified technical data for SKF 6201-2Z:

Manufacturer / Brand: SKF
Manufacturer Designation: 6201-2Z
Common Commercial Designation: 6201 ZZ
Bearing Type: Single-row deep groove ball bearing
Dimensions: 12x32x10 mm
d - Bore Diameter: 12 mm
D - Outside Diameter: 32 mm
B - Width: 10 mm
Number of Rows: 1
Bore: Cylindrical
Closure: Shields on both sides
Shield Type: Non-contact
Radial Internal Clearance: CN / Normal
Cage: Sheet metal
Lubricant: Grease
Basic Dynamic Load Rating C: 7.28 kN
Basic Static Load Rating C0: 3.10 kN
Fatigue Load Limit Pu: 0.132 kN
Reference Speed: 50,000 r/min
Limiting Speed: 26,000 r/min
Mass: approximately 0.039 kg.

Dimensions

The principal dimensions of SKF 6201-2Z are:

d - Bore Diameter: 12 mm
D - Outside Diameter: 32 mm
B - Bearing Width: 10 mm
Dimensions: 12x32x10 mm

For this bearing type, 12x32x10 mm corresponds to d x D x B.

The dimensions are standardized for the 6201 envelope, but dimensions alone do not identify the complete bearing configuration. The 2Z closure and internal-clearance specification must also be considered when selecting a replacement.

Bearing Construction

SKF 6201-2Z is a non-separable single-row deep groove ball bearing. The rolling elements operate between deep raceway grooves in the inner and outer rings.

This geometry enables the bearing to carry primarily radial loads, while also accommodating axial loads acting in both directions.

The exact 6201-2Z configuration combines:

single-row deep groove construction
12 mm cylindrical bore
two non-contact metal shields
Normal CN radial internal clearance
sheet-metal cage

These characteristics distinguish it from sealed, open and increased-clearance versions of the same 6201 bearing size.

2Z Non-Contact Metal Shields

The suffix 2Z identifies one of the most important construction features of SKF 6201-2Z.

The bearing has a metal shield on each side. The shields are non-contacting, meaning they do not operate as rubbing elastomer seals.

Their function includes helping retain lubricant inside the bearing and restricting the ingress of contaminants. The non-contact arrangement also differentiates 2Z from contact-sealed SKF bearing variants.

The notation ZZ is widely used commercially for double-shielded bearings, but SKF uses:

6201-2Z

as the manufacturer designation for this configuration.

CN Radial Internal Clearance

The standard SKF 6201-2Z has Normal radial internal clearance, commonly identified as CN.

This must be distinguished from:

SKF 6201-2Z/C3

where C3 specifies radial internal clearance greater than Normal.

Consequently:

6201-2Z ≠ 6201-2Z/C3

when the internal-clearance class is an engineering requirement.

C3 should never be assigned to a standard 6201-2Z simply because C3 versions of the same bearing dimensions are available.

Load Ratings and Operating Principle

Verified SKF catalogue ratings for 6201-2Z are:

C - Basic Dynamic Load Rating: 7.28 kN
C0 - Basic Static Load Rating: 3.10 kN
Pu - Fatigue Load Limit: 0.132 kN.

The deep groove raceway geometry enables radial load transmission together with axial loading in either direction.

C, C0 and Pu are catalogue engineering parameters used in bearing selection and life calculations. They should not be interpreted as universal maximum permissible loads for every bearing arrangement.

Reference Speed and Limiting Speed

SKF catalogue data specify:

Reference Speed: 50,000 r/min
Limiting Speed: 26,000 r/min.

These are different technical parameters and should not be treated as interchangeable.

Actual permissible operating speed in a specific machine depends on factors including load, lubrication, fits, operating temperature, bearing arrangement and heat dissipation.

Meaning of 6201-2Z

The designation identifies the bearing configuration:

6 - deep groove ball bearing

62 - dimensional series

01 - bore code corresponding to 12 mm

2Z - metal shields on both sides

For accurate technical identification, the SKF manufacturer designation should therefore remain:

SKF 6201-2Z

The phrase SKF 6201 ZZ can be included naturally as a common commercial search term without replacing the manufacturer's actual designation.

SKF 6201-2Z vs 6201-2Z/C3

Both variants have the same principal dimensions:

d = 12 mm
D = 32 mm
B = 10 mm

Both also have metal shields on both sides.

The key difference is radial internal clearance:

SKF 6201-2Z: CN / Normal clearance
SKF 6201-2Z/C3: C3 / greater-than-Normal clearance

They should therefore be treated as separate technical variants and separate product pages.

SKF 6201-2Z vs 6201-2RSH

These bearings share the same basic 6201 envelope dimensions but differ in closure design.

SKF 6201-2Z uses non-contact metal shields on both sides.

SKF 6201-2RSH uses contact seals.

The same 12x32x10 mm dimensions therefore do not make the two configurations technically identical.

Selection and Interchangeability

When selecting an alternative to SKF 6201-2Z, compare the complete bearing specification rather than dimensions alone.

Important parameters include:

• single-row deep groove ball bearing construction,
• d = 12 mm,
• D = 32 mm,
• B = 10 mm,
• non-contact metal shields on both sides,
• CN / Normal radial internal clearance,
• dynamic and static load ratings,
• required operating speed,
• lubrication conditions,
• shaft and housing fits.

A 6201 ZZ 12x32x10 bearing from another manufacturer may share the same envelope dimensions and general closure concept, but this alone does not confirm complete technical equivalence.

Technical Specification

Manufacturer / Brand: SKF
Designation: 6201-2Z
Commercial Designation: 6201 ZZ
Product Type: Deep groove ball bearing
Construction: Single row
Dimensions: 12x32x10 mm
d - Bore Diameter: 12 mm
D - Outside Diameter: 32 mm
B - Width: 10 mm
Bore Type: Cylindrical
Closure: Shielded on both sides
Shield Type: Non-contact metal shields
Radial Internal Clearance: CN / Normal
Cage: Sheet metal
Lubrication: Grease
Basic Dynamic Load Rating C: 7.28 kN
Basic Static Load Rating C0: 3.10 kN
Fatigue Load Limit Pu: 0.132 kN
Reference Speed: 50,000 r/min
Limiting Speed: 26,000 r/min
Mass: approximately 0.039 kg.

FAQ

What are the dimensions of SKF 6201-2Z?

SKF 6201-2Z measures 12x32x10 mm: d = 12 mm bore diameter, D = 32 mm outside diameter and B = 10 mm width.

Is SKF 6201 ZZ the same as SKF 6201-2Z?

6201 ZZ is a common commercial description for a double-shielded 6201 bearing. SKF's manufacturer designation for this configuration is 6201-2Z.

What does 2Z mean on an SKF bearing?

2Z means that the bearing has metal shields on both sides. In SKF 6201-2Z, these shields are non-contacting.

What internal clearance does SKF 6201-2Z have?

The standard SKF 6201-2Z has Normal CN radial internal clearance. The C3 version is a separate bearing designated SKF 6201-2Z/C3.

What are the load ratings of SKF 6201-2Z?

The basic dynamic load rating is C = 7.28 kN, basic static load rating is C0 = 3.10 kN, and fatigue load limit is Pu = 0.132 kN.

What is the limiting speed of SKF 6201-2Z?

The limiting speed is 26,000 r/min. SKF specifies a reference speed of 50,000 r/min.

Can SKF 6201-2Z carry axial loads?

Yes. Its deep groove ball bearing construction enables it to accommodate radial loads and axial loads acting in both directions.

Is SKF 6201-2Z/C3 the same bearing?

No. It has the same principal dimensions and 2Z shields, but C3 specifies greater-than-Normal radial internal clearance.

AI Overview

SKF 6201-2Z, commonly searched as SKF 6201 ZZ, is a single-row deep groove ball bearing measuring 12x32x10 mm, with non-contact metal shields on both sides and Normal CN radial internal clearance. Its basic dynamic load rating is 7.28 kN, static rating is 3.10 kN, and limiting speed is 26,000 r/min.