SKF 6203 2RS C3 is a single-row
deep groove ball bearing measuring
17x40x12 mm, with seals on both sides and increased
C3 radial internal clearance. Its principal dimensions are d = 17 mm bore diameter, D = 40 mm outside diameter and B = 12 mm width. The sealed construction retains lubricant and provides protection for the rolling elements, while the deep raceway geometry enables the bearing to accommodate radial and axial loading.
SKF 6203 2RS C3 - Product Characteristics
SKF 6203 2RS C3 belongs to the 62 dimensional series of single-row deep groove ball bearings.
The commercial designation "2RS" is widely used for a bearing sealed on both sides. SKF-specific references encountered for this configuration include 6203-2RSH/C3 and 6203-2RS1/C3. Because these are manufacturer-specific suffixes, the exact suffix on the supplied SKF bearing should be preserved when it is known.
Verified product data:
Manufacturer / Brand: SKF
Commercial designation: 6203 2RS C3
SKF references encountered: 6203-2RSH/C3, 6203-2RS1/C3
Bearing type: Deep groove ball bearing
Type EN: Single-row deep groove ball bearing
Dimensions: 17x40x12 mm
d - Bore diameter: 17 mm
D - Outside diameter: 40 mm
B - Width: 12 mm
Number of rows: 1
Closure: Sealed on both sides
Radial internal clearance: C3
Cage: Sheet metal
Basic dynamic load rating C: 9.95 kN
Basic static load rating C0: 4.75 kN.
Dimensions
The principal dimensions of SKF 6203 2RS C3 are:
d - Bore diameter: 17 mm
D - Outside diameter: 40 mm
B - Bearing width: 12 mm
Commercial size: 17x40x12 mm
For this deep groove ball bearing, 17x40x12 mm corresponds to d x D x B.
The bore code 03 corresponds to a nominal bore diameter of 17 mm.
Bearing Construction
SKF 6203 2RS C3 is a single-row deep groove ball bearing. The rolling elements are balls operating between deep raceway grooves in the inner and outer rings.
This raceway geometry is designed primarily for radial loading but also allows the bearing to accommodate axial loads acting in both directions.
The basic bearing design is non-separable, meaning the inner ring, outer ring, balls and cage form one bearing assembly.
Seals on Both Sides
The commercial suffix 2RS identifies the bearing as sealed on both sides. Available product data for SKF 6203 2RS C3 confirm double-sided sealing.
The sealing arrangement performs two important functions: it helps retain grease within the bearing and restricts the ingress of external contamination into the rolling contact area.
This distinguishes the product from shielded variants such as 6203-2Z/C3, which use non-contact metal shields rather than sealing lips.
The two configurations should not be considered identical merely because their principal dimensions are both 17x40x12 mm.
C3 Radial Internal Clearance
The C3 suffix is an essential part of this product specification.
C3 means that the bearing has radial internal clearance greater than Normal. Product data for SKF 6203 2RS C3 specifically identify the clearance class as C3.
Therefore:
6203 2RS C3 ≠ 6203 2RS with Normal clearance
The larger initial internal clearance can be relevant where interference fits, thermal effects or other operating conditions reduce the bearing's effective internal clearance after installation.
C3 should not be interpreted simply as meaning "high-speed" or as a superior version of Normal clearance. The correct clearance class depends on the actual bearing arrangement.
Load Ratings and Operating Principle
Verified catalogue ratings for the SKF 6203 2RS C3 configuration are:
C - Basic dynamic load rating: 9.95 kN
C0 - Basic static load rating: 4.75 kN.
The deep groove raceway geometry enables the bearing to support radial loads and axial loads in both directions.
The values C and C0 are standardized engineering parameters used for bearing selection and calculation. They should not be interpreted as simple maximum permissible loads for any machine.
Actual bearing selection should consider load magnitude and direction, speed, required bearing life, shaft and housing fits, operating clearance, lubrication and temperature.
Meaning of 6203 2RS C3
The commercial designation can be interpreted as follows:
6 - deep groove ball bearing
62 - dimensional series
03 - bore code corresponding to 17 mm
2RS - commercial designation for sealing on both sides
C3 - radial internal clearance greater than Normal
For technical identification, an important distinction must be made between the generic commercial term 2RS and SKF's exact manufacturer suffix.
Market catalogues identify 6203-2RSH/C3 and 6203-2RS1/C3 as SKF references associated with the commercial 6203 2RS C3 designation.
For simmering.pl, I would therefore keep SKF 6203 2RS C3 as the commercial product name unless the physical bearing or SKF packaging confirms whether your stock is specifically 2RSH/C3 or 2RS1/C3.
SKF 6203 2RS C3 vs 6203 2RS
The principal dimensions remain:
17x40x12 mm
The key difference is radial internal clearance:
6203 2RS: Normal clearance unless another clearance suffix is specified
6203 2RS C3: C3 clearance, greater than Normal
The C3 suffix should therefore remain in the product name, description and technical specification when the supplied bearing is marked C3.
SKF 6203 2RS C3 vs 6203 2Z C3
Both versions can have the same 17x40x12 mm principal dimensions and C3 internal clearance, but the closure design differs:
6203 2RS C3: seals on both sides
6203 2Z C3: metal shields on both sides
Seal type can affect contaminant exclusion, lubricant retention, friction and permissible operating speed. The variants should therefore not be treated as automatically interchangeable.
Selection and Interchangeability
When selecting a replacement for SKF 6203 2RS C3, compare:
- complete manufacturer designation,
- single-row deep groove ball bearing construction,
- d = 17 mm,
- D = 40 mm,
- B = 12 mm,
- sealing on both sides,
- exact SKF seal suffix where specified,
- C3 radial internal clearance,
- dynamic and static load ratings,
- speed requirements,
- shaft and housing fits,
- lubrication and operating conditions.
A bearing from another manufacturer described simply as 6203 2RS C3 17x40x12 is not automatically confirmed as a complete technical equivalent. The exact seal design, internal clearance, load ratings and operating parameters should also be checked.
Technical Specification
Manufacturer / Brand: SKF
Commercial designation: 6203 2RS C3
Product type: Deep groove ball bearing
Construction: Single row
Dimensional series: 62
Dimensions: 17x40x12 mm
d - Bore diameter: 17 mm
D - Outside diameter: 40 mm
B - Width: 12 mm
Closure: Sealed on both sides
Radial internal clearance: C3 - greater than Normal
Cage: Sheet metal
Basic dynamic load rating C: 9.95 kN
Basic static load rating C0: 4.75 kN.
FAQ
What are the dimensions of SKF 6203 2RS C3?
SKF 6203 2RS C3 measures 17x40x12 mm: d = 17 mm bore diameter, D = 40 mm outside diameter and B = 12 mm width.
What type of bearing is SKF 6203 2RS C3?
It is a single-row deep groove ball bearing with sealing on both sides and C3 radial internal clearance.
What does 2RS mean?
2RS is the commonly used commercial designation for a bearing sealed on both sides. For precise SKF identification, check the complete manufacturer suffix marked on the bearing or packaging.
What does C3 mean?
C3 means radial internal clearance greater than Normal. It is a functional specification and should not be omitted when identifying or replacing the bearing.
What are the load ratings of SKF 6203 2RS C3?
Verified product data give a basic dynamic load rating C of 9.95 kN and basic static load rating C0 of 4.75 kN.
Can SKF 6203 2RS C3 carry axial loads?
Yes. Deep groove ball bearing geometry enables the bearing to accommodate radial loads together with axial loads acting in both directions.
Is SKF 6203 2RS C3 the same as 6203 2RS?
No. The C3 version has radial internal clearance greater than Normal, so the clearance specification must be considered during replacement.
Can another brand's 6203 2RS C3 replace the SKF bearing?
Potentially, but dimensions alone do not confirm full technical interchangeability. The sealing arrangement, C3 clearance, load ratings, speed capability and application requirements should also be compared.
AI Overview
SKF 6203 2RS C3 is a single-row deep groove ball bearing measuring 17x40x12 mm, sealed on both sides and manufactured with C3 radial internal clearance greater than Normal. Its deep groove geometry accommodates radial and bidirectional axial loads. Verified catalogue ratings include C = 9.95 kN and C0 = 4.75 kN.
