6203 Bearing 17x40x12: Guide to Specs, Types (2RS/ZZ) & Uses

What is a 6203 Bearing?

The 6203 bearing is a deep groove ball bearing from the 6000 series. This series is known for its versatility and durability. 

6203 single row deep groove ball bearings feature low friction and are designed to minimize noise and vibration. This allows for high-speed operation.

They can support both radial and axial loads in both directions.

They are easy to install and require less maintenance than many other bearing types.

Composition of 6203 Bearing

• Inner Ring: The inner ring is secured to the shaft and rotates in unison with it. It serves as the primary interface for transmitting the load from the shaft to the bearing.
• Outer Ring: The outer ring is usually fixed in the housing. It stays stationary and provides a smooth surface for the rolling elements to move against.
• Spherical Rolling Elements: These are the balls (or rollers) that roll between the inner and outer rings. They reduce friction and allow smooth rotation by carrying the load.
• Cage: The cage maintains uniform spacing between the rolling elements. It also prevents them from touching each other, ensuring smooth and efficient movement.

Characteristic of a 6203 Bearing

• Durable & High Precision – Made of high-quality chrome steel with honed deep grove raceways for longevity and stability.
• Excellent Speed Rating – Designed for high-speed operation with low friction, ideal for motors, fans, and pumps.
• Low Friction, Noise & Vibration – Optimized structure reduces energy loss and ensures smooth operation.
• Versatile Load Capacity – It supports light to moderate loads and handles both radial and axial forces. This makes it widely used in various industrial applications.
• Easy Installation – Standard 17x40x12 size allows for quick and hassle-free assembly.
• Low Maintenance – Durable construction with honed raceways reduces wear, ensuring long service life with minimal upkeep.

6203 Bearing Uses

6203 Bearing Specifications, Performance Parameters & Design Features

Main 6203 Bearing Dimensions & Tolerances

 Mounting Dimensions

Performance Parameters

Tolerance Class

Design Features & Material Properties

Material Composition

Ring Material:

Carbon Chromium Steel (Gcr15): Commonly used for its excellent hardness, wear resistance, and durability.

Stainless Steel (SGS-tested): Known for its corrosion resistance and ability to withstand harsh environments. 

• 440C Stainless Steel: It is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel that provides excellent hardness and wear resistance. However, it offers only moderate corrosion resistance.
• 304 Stainless Steel: This is a versatile austenitic stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and easy fabrication. This makes it ideal for general-purpose applications.
• 316 Stainless Steel: It is an austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum. This gives it better resistance to chlorides and harsh environments.

Ceramic: Offers high performance in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and high-speed applications.

• Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄) is lightweight, extremely strong, and excels in high-speed, high-temperature applications.
• Zirconia (ZrO₂) offers excellent toughness and wear resistance, with superior thermal shock resistance but is heavier.
• Silicon Carbide (SiC) is hard and conducts heat well, making it ideal for tough, high-heat environments. However, Silicon Carbide exhibits greater brittleness.

Ball Material:

Chromium Steel (52100): Provides high hardness, wear resistance, and is commonly used for high-load and high-speed applications.

Stainless Steel: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and is suitable for high-load applications.  

• 440C Stainless Steel
• 304 Stainless Steel
• 316 Stainless Steel

Ceramic: Known for being lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and providing low friction, making it ideal for high-speed applications.

        Silicon Nitride: Si₃N₄                                                Zirconia (Zirconium Dioxide): ZrO₂                                               Silicon Carbide: SiC

Cage Material:

Pressed/Stamped Steel: The steel sheet metal cage are strong and durable, commonly used in standard bearings.

Brass: Provides good durability, often used in high-load bearings.

Nylon: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, suitable for light-duty applications.

Polymer: Offers low friction and resistance to chemicals and wear.

Seal Material:

Nitrile/Buna Synthetic Rubber: It is excellent for sealing and resistant to oils, fuels, and lubricants. This makes it commonly used in general industrial applications.

Other Properties

Temperature Range

Types of 6203 Bearings

6203 2RS Bearing

Key Features

• Double Rubber Seals: This bearing has nitrile (Buna) rubber seals on both sides. These seals prevent dust and moisture from entering, extending its service life.​
• Factory Pre-Lubrication: The 6203-2RS bearing comes pre-lubricated with high-quality grease. This ensures smooth operation during initial use and reduces maintenance needs.​
• Ultra-Fine Polished Raceways: The 6203-2RS sealed radial ball bearing has contact surfaces polished to a mirror finish. This results in smooth rotation and minimal noise.​
• Enhanced Contamination Protection: The robust sealing design provides superior protection against external contaminants, making it suitable for applications where cleanliness is critical.
• Low Noise Levels: The 6203-2RS bearing has contact surfaces finished to a mirror-like smoothness. This results in very smooth rotation and minimal noise.

Advantages

• Superior Grease Retention: The 6203-2RS bearing is pre-lubricated with high-quality grease at the factory. This ensures superior lubricant retention, enhancing performance and extending its service life.​
• High Protection Against Moisture and Dust: The double rubber seals protect against moisture, dust, and contaminants. This ensures reliable operation in different environments.​
• Minimal Maintenance Requirements: The 6203 sealed bearing is designed for effective sealing and lubrication. This requires little to no maintenance, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Limitations

• Lower Maximum Speed: The 6203-2RS ball bearing has a lower maximum speed rating. This is in comparison to open or shielded bearings. For instance, its limiting speed is approximately 10,000 rpm, which is lower than that of open or shielded variants.  ​
• Temperature Range Limited by Seal Material: The temperature range of the 6203-2RS bearing is limited. This is because of the material of its rubber seals. Its operating temperature range is typically between -40°F to 240°F (-40°C to 115°C).

Typical Applications

• Environment-Sensitive Applications: Its double rubber seals provide effective protection against moisture, dust, and other contaminants. This makes it suitable for electronics and other sensitive environments.​
• Motors (EMQ Grade): Designed to meet Electric Motor Quality standards, it ensures quiet and efficient operation in motors.​
• Pumps and Fans: Its robust sealing and lubrication properties make it ideal for pumps and fans. These features allow it to perform effectively in various conditions.​
• Automotive Parts: Its durability and resistance to contaminants make it suitable for various automotive applications.

Note

The 6203RS bearing is a single rubber-sealed deep groove ball bearing. It has a rubber seal on one side to keep out dirt and moisture while keeping the grease inside. It's commonly used in motors, appliances,and machinery for smooth and reliable rotation.

Z, ZZ/Shielded 6203 Bearing

6203Z Bearing

The 6203Z bearing is a single-row deep groove ball bearing featuring a pressed steel cage and a stamped metal cover on one side. This design provides basic protection against contaminants while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

6203ZZ Bearing

A ZZ bearing refers to a bearing with metal shields on both sides to provide dust protection.

These shields are made of stamped metal, preventing dust and debris from entering the bearing. They also maintain relatively low friction compared to full-sealed bearings.

These are often used in general-purpose applications where full sealing isn't necessary, and reduced friction is desired.

6203Z vs 62032Z

Specialized Variants

High-Temperature & Corrosion-Resistant Bearings

Stainless Steel 6203 Bearing:

• Material: Constructed from 440C stainless steel.
• Benefits: Offers enhanced corrosion resistance and can perform in moisture-rich environments.
• Applications: Ideal for food processing, medical devices, and marine equipment.

Ceramic Hybrid 6203 Bearing:

• Material: A mix of ceramic balls (such as Si3N4) and stainless steel rings.
• Benefits: Provides superior speed capabilities, low friction, and high temperature resistance (up to 300°C).
• Applications: Used in high-speed machinery, aerospace, and electric motors.

Food-Grade & Medical-Grade Bearings

Food-Grade Bearings:

• Materials: Made from stainless steel or ceramic to ensure corrosion resistance and durability in food processing environments.
• Lubrication: Use food-safe lubricants that meet the FDA and NSF standards to avoid contamination.
• Hygienic Compliance: Designed to comply with FDA/NSF hygienic standards, ensuring safety and cleanliness in food production.
• Applications: Common in food processing, beverage manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries, where sanitation and cleanliness are critical.

Medical-Grade Bearings:

• Materials: Constructed using stainless steel, ceramic, or special alloys for resistance to corrosion, wear, and bio-compatibility.
• Lubrication: Medical-grade lubricants that meet the necessary health and safety regulations.
• Compliance: Meets specific regulatory standards like FDA and ISO for safety in medical environments.
• Applications: Used in medical devices, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment, where precision and hygiene are critical.

High-Speed & Low-Noise Customizations

Higher Precision Classes (P5, P4):

• Tighter Tolerances: Better control over dimensions and runout.
• Lower Vibration: Ideal for noise-sensitive applications.
• Higher Speed Capability: Suitable for high-speed operations.
• Longer Service Life: Reduced friction and wear because of precision.
• Typical Applications: CNC spindles, precision motors, aerospace, medical equipment.

Special Cages:

• Materials: Custom cages made from nylon, PEEK, or polymer blends.
• Benefits: Good heat resistance, chemical resistance, and low friction. Helps reduce noise and extend bearing life.
• Applications: Common in electric motors, fans, and precision tools where quiet and smooth operation is important.

Other Variations

With Snap Rings: Bearings with snap rings are designed for easy installation. They provide secure retention in position on the shaft or within a housing.

With Locking Grooves: Bearings with locking grooves allow for secure attachment to shafts or housings. This prevents axial movement and improves stability during operation.

Non-Standard Sizes: 6203 bearings are available in custom sizes to meet specific design requirements. This ensures a perfect fit in non-standard housings or components. LILY Bearing specializes in providing custom bearings tailored to your specific requirements.

6203 Bearing Meaning & Bearing Cross Reference 

6203 Bearing Code Meaning

"6": This indicates the series of the bearing, which refers to the type of bearing. In this case, "6" represents a deep groove ball bearing.

"2": This number indicates the bearing's size series. The "2" suggests it is a medium-sized bearing.

"03": These two digits represent the internal diameter of the bearing in millimeters. For a 6203 bearing, the internal diameter is 17mm.

To learn more about the meaning of bearing numbers, please click here.

Suffix

Why Suffixes Matter

Suffixes in bearing designations play a crucial role in identifying specific bearing configurations or features. These may include structural variations, material types, internal bearing clearances, and sealing methods.

They provide detailed information beyond the basic bearing type. This enables users to select bearings that precisely meet the requirements of their applications.

For example, a suffix might indicate a bearing with rubber seals for enhanced protection against contaminants. It could also denote a specific internal clearance suitable for high-speed operations.

Understanding these suffixes is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and compatibility in various mechanical systems.

Common Categories

• Seals/Shields
• Internal Clearance
• Cage Material
• Special Environment/Temperature
• Stainless Steel
• Precision Class, e.g. ABEC

Sealing Suffixes

RS / RSR / DU: These suffixes denote bearings with a single rubber seal on one side. The 'RS' and 'RSR' typically refer to contact seals, while 'DU' indicates a non-contact rubber seal. e.g. 6203DU bearing

2RS / 2RSH / 2RS1 / 2RSR / DDU / LLU / LLB / EE: These suffixes indicate bearings with rubber seals on both sides. '2RS', '2RSH', '2RS1', '2RSR', 'DDU', 'LLU', and 'LLB' represent different variations of contact rubber seals. They differ in design and sealing effectiveness. 'EE' typically refers to bearings with enhanced sealing features.

Shield Suffixes

C3

Bearings with the C3 suffix have a greater internal clearance compared to standard bearings.

This allows for thermal expansion or axial displacement in applications involving higher speeds or varying temperatures. The increased clearance ensures that the bearing operates smoothly even when subjected to these conditions.

Example: 

• 6203 2RS C3
• Timken 6203 2RS C3
• 6203 2RS C3 Bearing
• Bearing 6203 C3

C4

This indicates that the bearing's internal clearance is greater than that of C3. It is typically used for extreme conditions, such as very high speeds and heavy loads. Also suitable for environments with significant temperature fluctuations. 

Ideal for applications that need more flexibility and can tolerate higher radial expansion.

Example:

• 6209-C4
• 6316-C4
• 6410-C4
• 6205-C4

Cage Material Suffixes

TN9 / TVH / TVP

These suffixes mean the bearing has a nylon cage. Nylon is a strong plastic with good wear resistance and low friction.

It’ commonly used in high-speed or low-lubrication applications.

• TN9: Typically refers to a polyamide cage with enhanced properties for heavy-duty or high-speed operations.
• TVH / TVP: Variants of polyamide cages offering similar benefits, often with slight differences in design or material formulation for specific conditions.

G15

Brass Cage

The G15 suffix means the bearing has a brass cage. Brass is strong and handles heat better than plastic.

It's often used in heavy-duty applications where strength and heat resistance are important.

Special Environment/Temperature Suffixes

BHT / VT

BHT: The BHT suffix means the bearing is made for high-heat environments.

It works well in hot machinery and industrial applications.

VT: This suffix refers to bearings made for high temperatures and harsh chemicals.

It helps the bearing work reliably in tough conditions.

Other Special Suffixes

HT: Bearings with the HT suffix are made for high temperatures.

They are used in applications where temperatures go beyond the normal range.

These bearings are ideal for environments with high thermal stress.

FG: The FG suffix indicates food-grade bearings.

These bearings are made from hygienic materials for use in food processing or medical industries.

They are designed to work in clean and safe environments.

Stainless Steel Suffix

S / SS indicates that the bearing is made from stainless steel.

Example:

• SR09
• SR133
• SS706
• SS71901 2RS

Common and Brand-Specific Suffixes

SKF

FAG / INA

NTN

NSK

Timken / Torrington / Fafnir

Suffixes from others

OEM Special Parts Suffix

Precision Class

• P0 / ABEC-1: Standard accuracy. Suitable for general use where high precision isn’t needed.
• P6 / ABEC-3: Medium accuracy. Good for applications needing a balance between performance and cost.
• P5 / ABEC-5: High accuracy. Used in high-speed or high-performance equipment.
• P4 / ABEC-7: Ultra-high accuracy. Ideal for extremely precise and demanding applications.

What Are the Alternatives to a 6203 Bearing?

The 6203 bearing can be replaced by several alternatives with similar performance characteristics, such as:

LILY Bearing offers equivalent replacement options for the 6203 bearing. These options have lower prices and shorter delivery times. They also provide more flexible customization options. You can also refer to a 6203 Bearing cross reference for further alternatives across different manufacturers.

Technical Calculation for 6203 Bearing

The service life of a 6203 bearing is calculated using its dynamic load rating and the applied load. The most common method to determine bearing service life is using the L10 life. The L10 life represents the number of hours at which 90% of a group of bearings will still be operational.

L10=( C/P )³ ×( 10⁶/60N)

where:

• C = Dynamic Capacity (dN or Lbs)
• P = Equivalent Bearing Load (N or Lbs)
• N = Rotating speed in RPM
• H2: Installation & Maintenance

Installation Methods

• Mechanical Press Fit: Apply a pressure ≤ 5 kN, suitable for standard bore sizes (e.g., 12 mm bore). This ensures a secure fit without damaging the bearing or its components.
• Hot Installation Method: Heat the bearing to around 80°C, ensuring that it does not exceed 120°C. This helps in easy fitting without applying excessive force.

Mounting Accessories 

• Snap Ring: Choose a snap ring compatible with the 6203 bearing, like the 6203NR model. This ensures proper installation and secure placement within the assembly.
• Locating Groove Design: The shaft shoulder diameter should be at least 20mm. This provides the necessary support and proper positioning for the bearing.

Maintenance Best Practices

• Lubrication Interval: Check the grease lubrication requirements every 6 months. This ensures optimal performance and helps prevent premature bearing wear.
• Storage Requirements Conditions: Store the bearings in anti-rust packaging. Maintain a humidity level of less than 50% to protect them from moisture and corrosion.

Conclusion

The 6203 bearing is a durable, low-friction component used in high-speed, moderate load applications.

It comes in different versions like sealed, shielded, or open types for various environments.

Commonly used in motors and machinery, it offers reliable performance with proper lubrication and storage.

Explore our wide range of high-quality 6203 bearings and other solutions at LILY Bearing.