Contents Page

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Meet the Spherical Roller Bearing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
It all started way back in 1907 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How the designation systems work . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Standard bearings:
Basic bearing designation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bearing design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tapered bore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Tolerances and radial internal clearance . . . . . . . 13
Lubrication features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Additional suffixes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Special bearings:
Bearing type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Drawing number
current and previous system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Drawing number
old system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Designation suffixes for SKF Spherical
Roller Bearings (List of designation
suffixes and their meaning) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Copyright SKF 1996

The contents of this publication are the
copyright of the publishers and may not
be reproduced (even extracts) unless
permission is granted.
Publ. No. 4155/III E Reg. 42; 47122

0
Introduction
In many machines it is difficult to keep shafts and bearing housings aligned
because of heavy loading, long shafts and inaccurate machining.

This is why there are some bearing types that can accommodate shaft-to-
housing misalignment without any negative effect on the bearing. One such
bearing is the Spherical Roller Bearing.

The Spherical Roller Bearing is a heavy-duty bearing with very high load
carrying capacity and is able to accommodate considerable misalignment.
It is primarily designed for radial loads, axial loads in either direction or a
combination of radial and axial loads.

Here are just some of the machines in which Spherical Roller Bearings are
used:
- papermaking machines
- gearboxes
- railway vehicles
- vibrating screens
- forestry machinery
- gyratory crushers
- cranes and winches
- continuous casters
- roller beds
- hammer mills
- dredgers
- wind power stations
- fans
- belt and screw conveyors

S K F 22217 EK S K F 22217 EK

M M
MALAYSIA MALAYSIA

Radial loading Axial loading

Figure 1 Spherical Roller Bearings can take radial loads, axial loads
in either direction or a combination of radial and axial loads.

1
Meet the Spherical Roller Bearing
The SKF Spherical Roller Bearing has five different types of component
all made of metal throughout.

1 Outer ring which fits into the housing.

2 Inner ring which fits onto the shaft.
3 Rollers which are barrel-shaped and incorporated in two rows
between the rings.
4 Cages which keep the rollers separated from each other.
5 Guide ring, between the roller rows, which guides the rollers.

Outer ring
Guide ring

Inner ring

Cages

Rollers

Figure 2 The components of an SKF Spherical Roller Bearing

2
 Meet the Spherical Roller Bearing

The Spherical Roller Bearing is able to accommodate shaft-to-housing

misalignment because its outer ring has a sphered raceway which is
shared by the two rows of rollers. The way in which the outer ring
raceway forms part of a sphere is shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Outer ring raceway forming a part of a sphere

The inner ring assembly is made up of the rollers, cages and guide ring.
The sphered outer profile enables the assembly to move out of alignment
with the outer ring. See Figure 4.

Figure 4 Outer profile of inner ring assembly forming a part of a sphere

3
 Meet the Spherical Roller Bearing

Depending on series and size, the internal design of the Spherical Roller
Bearing differs slightly. Since SKF invented the Spherical Roller Bearing the
design has been improved on a number of occasions, and from the early 80s
the CC and CAC designs have been the standard. However, the introduction
of the E design Spherical Roller Bearing in the late 80s means that SKF
now has three main standard spherical roller bearing designs, see Figure 5.
The E design has superseded the CC design for many sizes.

E design CC design CAC design

Figure 5 The main standard designs of SKF Spherical Roller Bearing

Read more about the different designs on page 10.

4
It all started way back in 1907
The first step towards the Spherical Roller Bearing was SKFs invention of
the Self-Aligning Ball Bearing in 1907.

This development from the rigid Deep Groove Ball Bearing to a self-aligning
version with a sphered outer ring raceway made history. With no extra
friction, the new bearing could freely adjust itself to accept misalignment
without any reduction in its working life.

Demands for heavy-duty operation coupled with the unique self-aligning

properties made the step from ball bearings to considerably stronger roller
bearings inevitable.

Figure 6 Bearing development

Figure 7 SKF Spherical Roller Bearing development highlights

1989
SKF introduces the E design
Spherical Roller Bearing, with
1979 increased load carrying capacity
SKF introduces the CC and CAC
designs a refinement of the C
and CA designs
1951
SKF introduces the pioneering C and CA
design Spherical Roller Bearings

1919
SKF was first in the world to introduce
1909 the Spherical Roller Bearing to the market

Just two years after the Self-Aligning Ball

Bearing was introduced, came the first
attempt to design a Spherical Roller Bearing

5
How the designation systems work
Three systems are used to designate Spherical Roller Bearings. With the aid
of four examples we describe, step by step, the way in which the designations
are built up and what their constituent parts denote. A page reference is given
for each part of the designation which is described in detail on that page,
together with alternative designs or properties.

22320 CCK/C08W33

22322 EK/C083

BS2-3000

BS2B 24738

229750 J/C3R505

Examples 1 and 2: 22330 CCK/C083W33 and 22322 EK/C083

These two examples, representing the two basic Spherical Roller Bearing
designs, illustrate the designation system for standard bearings, as used in
catalogues and other publications. These are just examples to show what a
bearing designation can look like. The Suffix List, on page 20 onwards,
covers the majority of suffixes currently used for Spherical Roller Bearings.
General information about this designation system is given in the SKF
publication Product designations for rolling bearings and accessories,
Publ. No. PI 100.

Example 3: BS2-3000
This example illustrates the current designation system for special bearings.
It is used for bearings designed after 1992-01-01.

Example 4: BS2B 247238

This example illustrates the previous designation system for special bearings.

Example 5: 229750 J/C3R505

This example illustrates the old system used for special bearings. The reason
for including Example 5 is that similar designations are in fact still used as
they have become household names.

6
 How the designation system works

Examples 1 and 2: Standard bearings

22330 CC K C083 W33
22322 E K C083
Lubrication features Page 15

Tolerances Page 13

Radial internal clearance Page 13

Tapered bore Page 12

Bearing design Page 10

Basic bearing designation Page 8

Example 3and 4: Special bearings. Current and

previous designation systems

BS2 - 3000
BS2B 247238
Drawing number Page 18

Bearing type Page 17

Example 5: Special bearings. Old designation system

229750 J / C3 R505
Certain railway specification Page 19

Radial internal clearance Page 13

Cage design Page 19

Drawing number Page 19

7
Standard bearings
Basic bearing designation

Example 1 and 2: 22330 CCK/C083W33

22322 EK/C083

Each standard bearing is given a basic designation consisting of five digits.

The matrix below shows how this works.

2 23 30
The last two digits, when multiplied by five,
identify the bearing bore diameter d in mm.
In these examples the bore diameters are
530 = 150 mm and 522 = 110 mm.
For bearings with bore diameter equal to or
greater than 500 mm the bore diameter is
given uncoded in millimetres and is separated
from the preceding three digits by an oblique
stroke. Example: 240/800 means a bearing with
bore diameter 800 mm.

The second and third digits denote the Dimension series,

see explanation below.

The first digit indicates the bearing type; 2 being used for
Spherical Roller Bearings.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has laid down

a Boundary Dimension Plan for metric rolling bearings. The Boundary
Dimension Plan contains a progressive series of standardised outside
diameters for every standard bore size arranged in Diameter Series. Within
each Diameter Series, different Width Series have also been established.
By combining a Diameter Series with a Width Series, Dimension Series are
arrived at. Accordingly, the second digit of the basic bearing designation
denotes the Width Series and the third digit the Diameter Series.

Figure 8 on next page illustrates the principle for of how the Dimension
Series are made up. Note that the Dimension Series only indicates the
relationship between the width and the cross-sectional height and does not
specify any dimensions in mm. In order to ascertain the bearing outside
diameter it is first necessary to know the bearing bore diameter.

Bearings of the same Diameter Series have the same outside diameter.
Take for instance bearings 21322 and 22322. Both these bearings belong

8
 How the designation system works

to Diameter Series 3 and have the same bore diameter, 110 mm. This means
that they must also have the same outside diameter, see Bearing Series 213
and 223 in Figure 9.

3
13 23 33
2
Diameter Series 12 22 32
0
10 20 30

Dimension Series
d
Width Series
1 2 3
Figure 8 Basis of bearing Dimension Series.

The first three digits of the basic bearing designation make up what is called
the Bearing Series. This is an expression generally used by engineers when
selecting bearings.

Figure 9 shows SKFs Bearing Series for Spherical Roller Bearings. The
bearings have been drawn on a basis of the same bore diameter. This gives
a good idea of the relative dimensions of the different Bearing Series. It is
evident, for example, that the 239 series bearings have a much smaller cross
section than 232 series bearings and this means that the latter have a higher
load carrying capacity.

213 223
231 222 232
230 240 241
238 248 239 249

Figure 9 The SKF Bearing Series for Spherical Roller Bearings.

9
Standard bearings
Bearing design

Examples 1 and2: 22330 CC K/C083W33

22322 E K/C083

Depending on series and size, SKF Spherical Roller Bearings are made to
one of the following designs:

CC design
The suffix CC denotes that the bearing has two rows of symmetrical rollers,
two pressed steel cages and a floating guide ring centred on the inner ring.
With few exceptions, these bearings have a lubrication groove with three
holes in the outer ring. Bearings of this design are available in most bearing
series.
CC

E design
The suffix E denotes that the bearing has two rows of symmetrical rollers,
a guide ring positioned towards the outer ring and centred on the two pressed
steel cages, and a lubrication groove with three holes in the outer ring.
E signifies that the bearing has improved internal design. Bearings of this
design incorporate all the advantages of the well-proven CC design as well
as additional refinements. The pressed steel cages are of a new design that E
permits the inclusion of a greater number of rollers and/or larger diameter
rollers of increased length, thereby increasing the load carrying capacity of
the bearing. Bearings of this design have superseded part of the range of CC
bearings and are available in series 213, 222 and 223.

CA design
The CA design completes the range of basic SKF designs.It has two rows
of symmetrical rollers, a machined one-piece double-pronged brass cage
and a floating guide ring centred on the inner ring. There are some variants
within the basic CA design range. The CAC design incorporates all the
advantages of the well-proven CC design as well as additional refinements. CA,
The ECA and ECAC designs are modified to give somewhat higher load ECA
carrying capacity. The CAFA and CAMA designs have an outer ring centred
machined steel cage and machined brass cage respectively.

CAFA,
CAMA

10
 Standard bearings
Bearing design

Bearings designed for vibrating applications

SKF has designed bearings specially for vibrating applications, such as
shaker screens. These bearings have the same principal dimensions as CC
and E design bearings of Series 223 and other data as per the SKF General
Catalogue.
CC/W33A15
These so-called screen bearings are made to four different designs:
CC/W33A15 (up to 50 mm bore diameter), E/VA405 (55 - 70 mm
bore diameter), EJA/VA405 (75 - 110 mm bore diameter) and
CCJA/W33VA405 (120 - 240 mm bore diameter).
EJA/VA405 and CCJA/W33VA405 bearings have a guide ring centred in
the outer ring.
E/VA405
Sealed bearings
SKF has a range of sealed bearings for general as well as special
applications. Sealed bearings are beneficial for several seasons. For
instance, the built-in cleanliness is maintained during handling and
mounting. This eliminates the risk of contamination, thus improving
service life. For many applications sealed bearings can be considered as
EJA/VA405
greased for life. On the other hand, for bearings which have to be
relubricated the intervals can be almost doubled. Consequently, the
amount of grease needed is considerably smaller.

Sealed bearings are made to two different designs:

BS2-...-2CS (smaller sizes) and 2CS (larger sizes). Sealed bearings have
the same internal geometry as corresponding open E and CC design
CCJA/W33VA405 bearings. BS2-...-2CS are wider than open bearings whereas 2CS have the
same principal dimensions as open bearings.

BS2- ...-2CS

2CS

Read more about suffixes in the Suffix List on page 20 onwards.

11
Standard bearings
Tapered bore

Examples 1 and 2: 22330 CC K /C083W33

22322 E K /C083

The suffix K or K30 identifies bearings with tapered bore. Suffix K

denotes taper 1:12 on diameter, K30 taper 1:30. Figure 10 illustrates a
bearing with taper 1:12. For illustrative purposes the taper has been much
exaggerated in this figure.

12

Figure 10 Bearing with tapered bore 1:12

Most bearings with tapered bore have taper 1:12 on diameter. The
exceptions are bearings of Series 240 and 241 which have taper 1:30.

Spherical Roller Bearings with tapered bore are designed to be mounted

on adapter sleeves, on withdrawal sleeves or direct on tapered shaft seat-
ings. The first two of these alternative ways of mounting the bearings are
cost-effective and simplify the mounting and dismounting operations. The
third way of mounting the bearings is employed when high precision is
required, the interference fits are heavy, and the mounting and
dismounting procedures need to be fast and simple.

The designation of bearings with cylindrical bore does not include any
suffix to indicate this. Accordingly, the designations for bearings
corresponding to Examples 1 and 2 but with cylindrical bore, read
22330 CC/C083W33 and 22322 E/C083.

Read more about suffixes in the Suffix List on page 20 onwards.

12
Standard bearings
Tolerances and radial internal clearance

Examples 1 and 2: 22330 CCK/ C083 W33

22322 EK/ C083

The suffix C083 is a combination of two suffixes, C08 and C3.

Combinations of suffixes are common and make the bearing designation
more compact. C08 denotes the bearing tolerance and C3 the radial
internal clearance.

Tolerances
The suffix C08 denotes extra reduced tolerances for running accuracy of
inner and outer rings of assembled bearing.

The bearing running accuracy requirements for certain applications are

much more exacting than those generally needed. They vary from case to
case and therefore there are a number of suffixes denoting these different
requirements. For example another suffix of this kind is C02. This suffix
indicates that the bearing has extra reduced tolerance for running accuracy
of inner ring of assembled bearing.

Radial internal clearance

The suffix C3 denotes a certain radial internal
clearance for the bearing.

The radial internal clearance of a bearing is defined

as the total distance through which one bearing ring
can be moved relative to the other in a radial
direction, see Figure 11.

The radial clearance corresponds to a certain axial

clearance. Depending on bearing series and size,
the axial (end-to-end) clearance is 4 to 12 times
greater than corresponding radial clearance.

Figure 11. Radial internal clearance in a Spherical Roller Bearing.

Read more about suffixes in the Suffix List on page 20 onwards.

13
 Tolerances and radial internal clearance

Bearing radial internal clearance is identified by the suffixes Cl to C5.

- Cl Clearance less than C2

- C2 Clearance less than Normal
- CN Normal clearance
- C3 Clearance greater than Normal
- C4 Clearance greater than C3
- C5 Clearance greater than C4

Note: The suffix CN features only on bearings and packaging when this is
specifically required.

The radial internal clearance is of considerable importance to the satisfactory

performance of a bearing. As a general rule Spherical Roller Bearings should
always have some internal clearance under operating conditions. The radial
internal clearance range referred to as Normal has been selected so that a
suitable operational clearance will be obtained when bearings are mounted
with the fits usually recommended and operating conditions are normal.
Sometimes the basic internal clearance range is not sufficiently narrow. In
these cases additional suffixes can be used. For instance, the additional letters
H, and L signify that the clearance range is halved. See Figure 12.

C1 C2 CN C3 C4 C5

C1L C1H C2L C2H CNL CNH C3L C3H C4L C1H C5L C5H

Figure 12 Clearance ranges.

Rule of thumb: If a bearing with a specified radial internal clearance is not

available from stock it is generally feasible for the customer
to use a bearing with radial internal clearance one group
larger, e.g C3 instead of Normal (CN) clearance.

Read more about suffixes in the Suffix List on page 20 onwards.

14
Standard bearings
Lubrication features

Examples 1 and 2: 22330 CCK/C083 W33

22322 EK/C083

The suffix W33 denotes that the bearing outer ring has a lubrication
groove and three holes. These features allow efficient lubrication of the
bearing from the centre out to the sides.

Figure 13 W33 lubrication features.

The W33 lubrication groove and three holes are standard features of E
design bearings. Consequently, there is no need to specify the W33 suffix
for these bearings.

To meet special requirements in certain applications there are a number of

alternative lubrication features with individual suffixes. For example
suffixes W33X and W26. These suffixes denote that the outer ring has six
lubrication holes and that the inner ring has six lubrication holes
respectively.

Read more about suffixes in the Suffix List on page 20 onwards.

15
Standard bearings
Additional suffixes

Examples 1 and 2: 22330 CCK/C083W33 ...

22322 EK/C083 ...

These two examples with a basic bearing designation and suffixes have
been used to show the way in which the designations of standard
Spherical Roller Bearings are built up.

The Suffix List on page 20 onwards covers the majority of suffixes in

current use for Spherical Roller Bearings. The list also gives the meaning
of the suffixes, the Bearing Series they are frequently used with, and
examples of typical bearing applications.

16
Special bearings
Bearing type

Example 3: BS2 -3000

Example 4: BS2B 247238

The bearing designations in SKFs current and previous designation

system for special bearings are made up of a prefix and a drawing number.
The three-character (four in the previous system) prefix is used to indicate
the type of bearing featuring on the drawing.

The prefix is made up as follows:

B S 2

B S 2 B

The letter B, which was omitted for bearings

designed after 1992-01-01, indicates that the
bearing has a bore.

Bearing type sub-division. The digit 2 indicates

that the bearing has two rows of rollers.

Bearing type. The letter S denotes that the

bearing is a Spherical Roller Bearing.

Product class. The letter B indicates that

the product is a bearing.

17
Special bearings
Drawing number

Example 3: BS2- 3000

Example 4: BS2B 247238

The four-digit (six-digit in the previous system) serial number indicates a

specific drawing number and does not provide any information
whatsoever about the bearing.

To find out more about the bearing it is necessary to consult the drawing.

Drawing number 3000 shows a Spherical Roller Bearing having a non-

standard outside diameter and C3 radial internal clearance. The drawing
number 247238 shows a bearing featuring an inner ring with six holes,
countersunk at the bore, and a case-hardened outer ring of a special
design.

Suffixes added to the drawing numbers are rare.

18
Special bearings
Drawing number. Old system

Example 5: 229750 J/C3R505

This example illustrates the old designation system for special bearings
and consists of a drawing number generally followed by additional
suffixes.

It is necessary to consult the drawing in order to get any information about

the bearing. In this example the drawing with the number 229750 shows
a special Spherical Roller Bearing designed for railway axleboxes.
The additional suffixes mean:
J Standard pressed steel cages.
C3 Radial internal clearance greater than Normal.
R505 Specification used for certain bearings in railway applications.

Read more about suffixes in the Suffix List on page 20 onwards.

19
 SKF designation suffixes for standard spherical roller bearings
20

The suffixes included in this list correspond to bearing variants recommended by SKF.

Suffix Meaning of suffix Suffix frequently used Main bearing applications Notes
for bearings of Series
A15 Surface hardened cages and special 223 Vibrating screens Used for the smallest sizes of
radial internal clearance specifications. Road rollers bearings for vibrating applications.
See Page 11.
A20 Tapered bore, taper 1:12 240, 241 Rolling mills
A201 Marking of the thickest part of the inner 230, 231 Rolling mills The marking enables the total
ring, reduced tolerance for inner ring runout of inner ring + shaft to be
radial runout. kept to a minimum.
2CS Bearing with nitrile seals at both sides, 222, 231, 240, 241
W33 features, Normal clearance and
LGEP2 grease filling.
2CS2 2CS but with fluorocarbon seals and 222, 231, 240, 241 Continuous casters
Klber Petamo GHY 443 grease filling.
CA Symmetrical rollers, retaining flanges See Page 10.
on the inner ring, a one-piece double-
pronged machined brass cage and a
guide ring centred on the inner ring
between the two rows of rollers.
CAB CA design but with pierced rollers
and pin-type cage.
CAC CA design with surface finish and See Page 10.
geometry of rollers and raceways
optimised to promote roller self-
guidance and reduce friction.
 CAFA CA design but with an outer ring See Page 10.
centred steel cage.
CAMA CA design but with an outer ring See Page 10.
centred brass cage.
CC Symmetrical rollers, a flangeless inner See Page 10.
ring, one pressed steel cage for each
roller row, and a guide ring centred on
the inner ring between the two rows of
rollers. Surface finish and geometry
of rollers and raceways optimised to
promote roller self-guidance and reduce
friction.
CCJA CC design but with the cages centred in 223 Vibrating screens Generally in combination with
the outer ring via the guide ring. Road rollers suffix VA405, see Page 11.
C1 Radial internal clearance less than C2. C1 clearance is recommended for
bearings in certain special
applications. When C2 is followed
by the letter H or L, see Page 14.
C2 Radial internal clearance less than C2 clearance is recommended for
Normal. bearings in certain special
applications. When C2 is followed
by the letter H or L, see Page 14.
21
22

C3 Radial internal clearance greater than All series C3 clearance is recommended for
Normal. bearings operating at high speeds;
bearings driven up on tapered
seatings against abutments;
bearings where inner and outer
rings are to be mounted with
interference fits; bearings where
the inner ring operates at a
temperature 10 - 25 C higher than
the outer ring. When C3 is
followed by the letter H or L, see
Page 14.
Suffix Meaning of suffix Suffix frequently used Main bearing applications Notes
for bearings of Series
C4 Radial internal clearance greater than All series Papermaking machines Recommended for bearings
C3. Drying cylinders where the inner ring operates at a
Yankee cylinders temperature 25 - 40 C higher than
Heated calender rolls that of the outer ring. When C4 is
followed by the letter H or L, see
Page 14.
C5 Radial internal clearance greater than Recommended for bearings where
C4. difference between temperatures
of inner and outer rings is very
great,or where, for example, the
housing bore is oval. When C5 is
followed by the letter H or L, see
Page 14.
C02 Extra reduced tolerance for running All series All sizes of bearing can be
accuracy of(P5) inner ring of assembled supplied to this specification.
bearing. Replaced by C08
C04 Extra reduced tolerance for running All series All sizes of bearing can be
accuracy (P5) of outer ring of supplied to this specification.
assembled bearing. Replaced by C08
 C08 Extra reduced tolerance for running All series C08 = C02 + C04.
accuracy (P5) of inner and outer rings All sizes of bearing can be
of assembled bearing. supplied to this specification.
Minimizes vibrations of large rolls
in press section.
C083 Extra reduced runout tolerances for Papermaking machines C083= C08 + C3
inner and outer rings, to achieve Press rolls
improved running accuracy, plus C3 Suction rolls
radial internal clearance.
C084 Extra reduced runout tolerances for Papermaking machines C084= C08 + C4
inner and outer rings, to achieve Press rolls
improved running accuracy, plus C4 Suction rolls
radial internal clearance.
C10 Reduced tolerance for bore and outside
diameters. Bearings with tapered bore
have reduced tolerance for outside
diameter only.
E Symmetrical rollers, a flangeless inner 213, 222, 223 The E design bearing incorporates
ring, a pressed steel cage for each roller all the advantages of the well
row and a guide ring between the two proven CC design bearing as well
rows of rollers, positioned towards the as additional refinements, e.g.
outer ring and centred on the cages. higher load carrying capacity. Late
Lubrication groove and three holes in 1996, hardened cages are
outer ring (W33 feature). successively replacing current
unharden-ed steel cages. See Page
10.
23
 ECA Symmetrical rollers, retaining flanges 241 See Page 10.
24

on the inner ring, a one-piece double-

pronged machined brass cage and a
guide ring centred on the inner ring
between the two rows of rollers.
Basically a CA design which has been
modified to give somewhat higher load
carrying capacity.
ECAC ECA design with surface finish and 241
geometry of rollers and raceways
optimised to promote roller self-
guidance and reduce friction.
EJA E design but with the cages centred in 223 Vibrating screens Generally in combination with
the outer ring via the guide ring. Road rollers suffix VA405. See Page 11.
HA1 Case-hardened outer and inner rings. 241
Suffix Meaning of suffix Suffix frequently used Main bearing applications Notes
for bearings of Series
HA2 Case-hardened outer ring. 240, 241
HA3 Case-hardened inner ring. All series Papermaking machines Recommended for bearings where
very high thermal stress resistance
is required.
K Tapered bore, taper 1:12. All series except 240
and 241 (248, 249)
K30 Tapered bore, taper 1:30. 240, 241 (248, 249)
P6 Dimensional and running accuracy to
ISO tolerance class 6 (more accurate
than normal).
R505 Specification for certain bearings used Railway applications
in railway applications.
 S1 Bearing rings dimensionally stabilised Standard for all bearings with
for operating temperatures up to outside diameter smaller or equal
200 oC. to 420 mm.

S2 Bearing rings dimensionally stabilised Kilns and kiln trucks

for operating temperatures up to
250 oC.
S3 Bearing rings dimensionally stabilised Kilns and kiln trucks
for operating temperatures up to
300 oC.
VA321 Specification for railway gearbox Railway applications
bearings
VA350 Normal railway axlebox bearing quality Railway applications
specification.
VA355 Additional specification for railway Railway applications Old suffix, is replaced by VA3551
axlebox bearings. VA350 plus material or VA3552.
inspection as well as clearance
check and marking.
VA3551 Additional specification for railway Railway applications
axlebox bearings. VA350 plus material
inspection as well as clearance
check and marking.
VA3552 Additional specification for railway Railway applications
axlebox bearings. VA350 plus material
inspection as well as clearance
check and marking.
25
 VA405 This suffix is used for bearings for Vibrating screens All standard bearings for vibrating
26

vibrating applications. Depending on Road rollers applications have this suffix.

basic design it signifies: See Page 11.
E/VA405
Surface hardened cages, C4 radial
internal clearance and special bore and
outside diameter tolerances (P5 and P6
respectively).
EJA/VA405
Surface hardened cages and guide ring,
C4 radial internal clearance and special
bore and outside diameter tolerances
(P5 and P6 respectively).
CCJA/VA405
Surface hardened cages and guide ring,
C4 radial internal clearance and special
bore and outside diameter tolerances
(P5 and P6 respectively).
Suffix Meaning of suffix Suffix frequently used Main bearing applications Notes
for bearings of Series
VA406 VA405 plus PTFE coated bore. Vibrating screens Used where axial movement of the
Road rollers non-locating bearing has to occur
between inner ring and shaft.
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is
a friction-reducing resin material.
VA407 VA405 except for the radial internal Planetary gears The radial internal clearance
clearance, which can be any radial Road rollers precedes the VA407 suffix.
standard clearance except C4.
VA408 VA406 except for the radial internal Planetary gears The radial internal clearance
clearance, which can be any radial Road rollers precedes the VA408 suffix.
standard clearance except C4.
 VE096 Inner ring with enlarged lubrication
holes plus guide ring with special
chamfer in bore.
VE113 Outer ring with three tapped holes in The holes are for eye bolts used to
each face. simplify handling.
VE194 One locating slot in outside edge of To prevent outer ring rotation in
outer ring. the housing. Used on large size
bearings.
VE226 Inner ring with lubrication groove
in bore and three lubrication holes
countersunk at outer surface.
VE275 Two snap ring grooves in outer ring.
VG004 Bearing of special design for cold Pilger mills
Pilger mill (tube mill) rolls.
VG186 Surface hardened cages.
VK103 Marking of radial clearance value on
face of outer ring.
VK151 Marking of inner ring width on face of 230, 231 The letters W is etched
that ring. Marking also displayed on immediately in front of the
carton. clearance value rounded off
to nearest 0,1 mm.
VK153 Marking of radial internal clearance The letters RC are etched
on face of outer ring. Marking also immediately in front of the
displayed on carton. clearance value rounded off
to nearest 0,1 mm.
27
 VL017 Special surface treatment. Outside
28
surface of outer ring phosphated and
treated with solid lubricant (e.g.
Molycote G Rapid paste).
VL109 Special surface treatment. Inner ring
bore and side faces PTFE coated.
VQ172 Special tolerance requirements. Bearing
given serial number which is marked on
the bearing package. Measurement
sheet enclosed in bearing package.
Suffix Meaning of suffix
VQ349 Eccentricity high point location marked
on one face of outer ring. Bearing given
serial number. Measurement sheet
enclosed in bearing package.
230, 231, 239, 241 Converters Reduces the risk of fretting
corrosion on axially free bearings.
Used for non-locating bearings
where axial movement has to
occur between inner ring and
shaft.
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is
a friction-reducing resin material.
Printing machines Following data entered on
measurement sheet:
l) Bearing designation and serial
number
2) Outside diameter
3) Width of outer and inner rings
4) Inner ring runout, measured on
mandrel
5) Radial internal clearance.
Suffix frequently used Main bearing applications Notes
for bearings of Series
Papermaking machines Following data entered on
measurement sheet:
l) Bearing designation and serial
number
2) Bore diameter
3) Outside diameter
4) Width
5) Radial internal clearance
6) Outer ring sectional thickness.
 VQ350 Eccentricity high point location marked Papermaking machines Following data entered on
on one side face of inner ring. Bearing measurement sheet:
given serial number. Measurement l) Bearing designation and serial
sheet enclosed in bearing package. number
2) Bore diameter
3) Outside diameter
4) Width
5) Radial internal clearance
6) Inner ring sectional thickness.
VS025 Radial internal clearance somewhat 222, 230
greater than C5.
VS035 Special radial internal clearance. Approximately 2 C5 clearance.
VU053 Surface hardened cages and guide ring. Applications subject to high
vibration levels and
applications where bearing
cages are subject to heavy
dynamic forces.
VX110 Inner ring with lubrication groove in
bore and six lubrication holes
countersunk at outer surface.
W E design bearing without lubrication Note that the W33 feature is
holes and groove in the outer ring. included under the E suffix.
W4 Eccentricity high point location marked
on inner ring.
W20 Three lubrication holes in outer ring. 248, 249
W22 Normal tolerances except C10 outside
diameter tolerance.
W26 Inner ring with six lubrication holes. Cranes.
Suction rolls in
papermaking machines.
29
 W31 Special inspection, recording and Following data entered on
30

marking. measurement sheet:

l) Bearing serial number
2) Bore diameter
3) Outside diameter
4) Radial internal clearance
5) Inner ring sectional thickness
Outer ring face marked with serial
number.
W33 Outer ring with lubrication groove and Note that the W33 feature is
three holes. included in the E suffix.
W33X Outer ring with lubrication groove and Used for large size bearings.
six holes.
W56 Outer ring with tapped holes in one The holes are for eye bolts used to
face. simplify handling.
W58 Eccentricity high point location marked
on outer ring.
W73 Outer ring with hole countersunk at
outside surface.
Suffix Meaning of suffix Suffix frequently used Main bearing applications Notes
for bearings of Series
W77 Outer ring with lubrication holes Suction rolls in paper- Facilitates mounting/dismounting
plugged. making machines by means of SKFs oil injection
method.
W502 Outer ring with special reduced W502 = W22 + W33
tolerance for outside diameter plus
lubrication groove and three holes.
W503 Eccentricity high point location marked W503 = W4 + W33
on inner ring, plus outer ring with
lubrication groove and three holes.
 W506 Special inspection, recording and W506 = W31 + W33
marking of bearings plus outer ring
with lubrication groove and three holes.
W507 Eccentricity high point location marked 230, 231, 232 Papermaking machines W507 = W4 + W31 + W33
on inner ring plus special inspection, Press rolls
recording and marking of bearings plus Suction rolls
outer ring with lubrication groove and Calender rolls
three holes.
W509 Inner ring with lubrication holes plus W509 = W26 + W31 + W33
special inspection, recording and
marking of bearings plus outer ring
with lubrication groove and three holes.
W510 Outer ring with lubrication groove and W510 = W33 + W56
three holes plus tapped holes in one
face.
W513 Inner ring with six lubrication holes 230, 231 Suction rolls in W513 = W26 + W33
plus outer ring with lubrication groove papermaking machines W509 is a recommended
and three holes. alternative.
W525 Special inspection, recording and 230, 231, 239 Suction rolls in paper- W525 = W31 + W77
marking of bearings plus outer ring making machines
with lubrication holes plugged.

W529 Outer ring with lubrication groove and W529 = W33 + W58
three holes plus eccentricity high point
location marked on one outer ring face.
235220 Case-hardened inner ring with helical Rolling mills Used where the inner ring is to
groove. have a clearance fit on the roll
neck.
31