16068-MA bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 16068-MA is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 340 x 520 x 57 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 340 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 520 mm |
| Width B | 57 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 345 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 520 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 10.6 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 2400 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 2000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 45000 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 16068 MA |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) |
| Last verified | 2026-09-27 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018)) · extracted 2026-09-27
Parameters extracted from the official SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018)); SKF® and SKF Explorer® are trademarks of AB SKF, used here for identification only — mpnbase is not an authorized SKF distributor. Boundary dimensions are ISO 15 interchangeable; current production values may differ, verify at skf.com.
Dimensions in inches & 16000-series range
| Bore d | 13.386 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 20.472 in |
| Width B | 2.244 in |
| ISO bore code | 68 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 90 mm |
| Smallest bore in 16000-series | 12 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 16000-series | 560 mm |
| Width range across 16000-series | 7–57 mm |
| Bore position in 16000-series (smallest first) | 38 of 40 |
| Bore above smallest 16000-series size | 328 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16068 | NTN | partial Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ. | NTN bearing NTN 16068 on the same 340×520×57 mm envelope, but catalogue C/C0 differ (345/520 kN vs 380/515 kN) — envelope interchange only after a load check. |
Interchange levels: full standard interchange · partial verify parameters · verify manual confirmation required. Links resolve to the equivalent model's specification page where available.
How the 16068-MA model number is decoded
In the 16000-series, the last two digits encode the bore: 16068 carries code 68 = 340 mm (code × 5). The envelope is 340×520×57 mm (13.386×20.472×2.244 in) with a 90.0 mm radial section height, C 345 kN, C0 520 kN and Pu 10.6 kN. The open 16068 MA carries no shields or seals and relies on application lubrication and external sealing. The MA suffix identifies the machined brass cage execution, a separate order number from the pressed-steel version. Limiting speed 2000 r/min, catalogue mass 45000 g. A thin section saves space but leaves little margin for misalignment or shaft deflection.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- space-constrained gearboxes
- clutch and transmission assemblies
- robotics and automation joints
- lay shafts and idler shafts
Known failure patterns
- contamination wear when the open arrangement is used without external seals
- lubricant starvation where no regreasing interval is maintained
- fretting corrosion on a creeping shaft or housing seat
- cage damage from running beyond the limiting speed
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Assign interference to the rotating ring: on a conventional shaft-mounted 340 mm position the inner ring rotates, so use a k5/m6 shaft seat with an H7 housing — reverse the logic if the outer ring rotates.
- Clearance suffixes follow the seal code in the designation stack (e.g. 16068-2Z/C3 in SKF spelling); no suffix means normal CN internal clearance.
- The MA suffix on 16068-MA denotes a machined brass cage: it is the choice for high speeds, marginal lubrication and shock/vibration duty, and it is temperature-tolerant where polymer cages are not — the 45000 g quoted mass includes the heavier cage.
- Open 16068-MA needs external sealing at the arrangement level; in dusty housings its life depends entirely on those external seals and the regreasing schedule.
- Plan a relubrication interval for 16068-MA; run-to-failure on open deep-groove bearings is the dominant early-failure cause.
- At 340 mm bore, C3 clearance is the safe choice when interference fits plus temperature rise consume the CN clearance; a hot tight bearing with no residual clearance fails fast.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of 16068-MA?
The SKF 16068 MA measures 340 mm bore × 520 mm OD × 57 mm width (13.386 × 20.472 × 2.244 in), mass about 45000 g. It is open, with no shields or seals.
How does the bore code in 16068 work?
The final two digits of 16068 are bore code 68, multiplied by 5 to give 340 mm.
What is the difference between 16068-MA and a same-bore 62-series bearing?
Section height differs: 16068-MA has a 90 mm radial section and C 345 kN; always match d, D and B — same bore alone never makes two bearings interchangeable.
Which fits should I use for 16068-MA?
With a rotating inner ring use roughly m6 on the shaft and H7 in the 520 mm housing; reverse the interference if the outer ring rotates.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) on 2026-09-27. Read our editorial & correction policy.