Collection: Deep Groove Ball Bearings

SGL Bearings Ltd can provide more than 30,000 different part numbers for deep groove ball bearings across many brands and with different sealing arrangements, internal clearances and grease types making well over 500,000 different part number combinations.

Give us a call on 01302 315144 or email us sales@sgl-bearing.com

Whether you are looking for one ball bearing for your own repair job or are looking for us to hold consignment stocks for vendor managed inventory then we have the flexibility to work to suit your requirements. With over 20 years knowledge of working in China we can manufacture bespoke ball bearings or purchase standard bearings and manage the quality control or we can work with our partners to manage stock of tier 1 brand ball bearings from manufacturers such as SKF, NSK, FAG, Koyo, NTN and SNR.

Ball Bearing Identification and Assistance

We can help you to identify your ball bearings. Metric and inch sized bearings are constructed the same, just the dimensions change. Usually the bearing part number is printed via laser marking on the inner or outer race of the bearing. Please do not read the number from any bearing seal as the seals are often used on different bearings and the numbers don't always match up.

If there are no markings on the bearings then we just need to take some measurements, Ideally with vernier calipers and we'd need 3 measurements from the bearing to be sure to match it up correctly

We would take the inner diameter of the bearing which we refer to as dimension d
We would take the outer diameter of the bearing which we would refer to as dimension D
We would take the depth of the bearing through the middle which we would refer to as dimension B

Once we have dimensions d, D and B then have all of the information that we need to be able to identify your deep groove ball bearing.

Types of Deep Groove Ball Bearings

There are many types of deep groove ball bearings, their versatility means that they are used in the widest range of applications and are the most common bearing type available. Depending on the style, they can accommodate radial and axial loads and they often don’t require maintenance whilst being able to operate at low noise and vibrations. Because they are often mass produced, often by automatic manufacturing equipment they are usually cheaper than other bearing types too.

Deep groove ball bearings are available in the following designs :

• Single row deep groove ball bearings. These are the most common bearings on the market and can be supplied either open and without seals for use in applications such as gearboxes or with shields, commonly known as ZZ bearings or with rubber seals which are commonly known as 2RS bearings. ZZ bearings are used for fast running applications where you want to stop the grease getting out of the bearing but have an application where you aren’t too worried about dirt ingress getting into the bearing. 2RS bearings have contact seals and are more suited to slower applications but have better sealing to both stop contaminants getting in and the grease getting out. Single row deep groove ball bearings are available in both inch and metric variations.
  When choosing a single row deep groove ball bearing you will have the choice of sealing type, grease type, internal clearance, bearing and cage material and bearings with retaining rings or snap rings.
• Single row deep groove ball bearings with filling slots. Often known as max load bearings, these are the same in most ways as standard bearings but a small section of steel is removed from both the inner ring and outer ring which allows an additional steel ball to be fitted to the bearing. These bearings are particularly well suited to applications where there are space constraints but a standard deep groove ball bearing wouldn’t reach the required load capacity. Their operating speeds are lower than standard bearings but can still come with seals or shields on both sides and in the same range of materials as the standard bearing series.
• Double row deep groove ball bearings. This bearing series is specifically designed for applications where single row bearings don’t meet the load bearing requirements. They have the same inside diameter and outside diameter as single row bearings but the double row ball bearings are slightly wide to accommodate an extra row of balls. These bearings, depending on which manufacturer they are from can still come with a full range of sealing options and in a variety of materials.
• Stainless steel deep groove ball bearings. Stainless steel bearings are corrosion resistant. The composition of the steel means that whilst they excel in slowing down the corrosive process, the steel is not able to carry the same load requirements as a standard high chromium steel deep groove ball bearing. If your application has a high load requirement then please make sure to check the load ratings of the bearing before purchasing.

Deep Groove Ball Bearing Manufacturers

Due to their popularity, deep groove ball bearings are available from most bearing manufacturers. Each manufacturer may have different variants when compared to the next to try and create themselves a niche or to solve particular challenges and this has created a huge increase in the range of deep groove ball bearings available. In January 2023 we wrote a blog for 6203 bearings which covers many of the sealing variants from different manufacturers. Although this article was written specifically for the 6203 bearing, the information can be utilised for any deep groove ball bearing by swapping out your part number for the 6203. Below are some of the major manufacturers that manufacture deep groove ball bearings.

As manufacturers of deep groove ball bearings improve their production capabilities new variants are always being made. What were standard bearings twenty years ago have now been surpassed due to the availability of new production equipment and Technology. FAG for example have created a new generation C deep groove ball bearing which have been specially developed in relation to low noise levels and low frictional torque. They are commonly used in ventilators, washing machines and power tools and were mad possible by improving the bearing kinematics, designing new seals and cages as well refining the manufacturing process. SKF also produce a range of deep groove ball bearings in their SKF Explorer series which have optimised internal geometry to reduce friction and wear which in turn reduces heat generation and makes the bearings more efficient to run and allows heavier loads to be accommodated. Improving the surface finish on the bearings rings and raceways also enhances the lubrication conditions and again reduces the friction. These improvements lead to reduced noise and vibrations as well as a significantly extended service life.

Popular deep groove ball bearing applications

Whilst the list is almost endless due to their versatility, some of the more common deep groove ball bearing applications include :

• Industrial motors
• Agricultural machinery including tractors and attachments
• Domestic appliances such as washing machines and tumble driers
• Scooters, skateboards and mountain bikes
• Measuring instruments and dental equipment
• Gearboxes

At SGL we can supply you with deep groove ball bearings from all major manufacturers. Give us a call today on 01302 315144 or email us sales@sgl-bearing.com to discuss your requirements and we will find the right bearing solution for you.