6012-2RS bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

Specification table

Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018)) · extracted 2026-09-24

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.

Cross references & equivalents

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 6012-2RS model number is decoded

In the 6000-series (diameter series 0 of ISO 15) the last two digits encode the bore: 6012 carries bore code 12 = 60 mm. Outside diameter 95 mm and width 18 mm come from the ISO 15 boundary-dimensions general plan. Suffix -2RS denotes two contact-type elastomer seals over a lifetime grease fill; the sealing lips add drag compared with open or shielded versions. For normal-load mounting with a rotating inner ring on a 60 mm shaft, typical catalogue practice is a k5 shaft seat with an H7 housing bore — verify against the actual load direction and magnitude. SKF's contact-seal catalogue number is 6012-2RS1 (older text: -2RS1), mapped here from the industry-neutral -2RS spelling.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• At 60 mm bore, induction heating to roughly 80–100 °C is the clean mounting method; never exceed 120 °C, and hold 6012 against the shaft shoulder while it cools so the ring cannot creep back.
• The 60xx extra-light section at 60 mm bore uses a smaller 95 mm OD than a 6212; load ratings are lower, so do not replace a failed 62-series bearing with a 60-series without re-rating the load.
• Contact seals add drag and heat: 6012-2RS runs slower and cooler-limited than the open 6012; rubber lips are generally limited to roughly 80–110 °C continuous depending on grease, and C3 clearance is the common hot-duty choice.
• Never wash a sealed 6012-2RS in solvent or press it home via the outer ring; solvent destroys the grease thickener and mounting force through the seal deforms the lip.
• Suffixes stack in a defined order — clearance follows the seal code, e.g. 6012-C3. No clearance suffix means normal CN clearance.
• Measure the shaft, do not trust the drawing: a 60 mm nominal journal worn by even 0.02 mm turns an interference seat into a creeping fit that frets the bore of 6012-2RS.
• SKF catalogues the contact-sealed version as 6012-2RS1 (older printings may read -2RS1); it is shipped pre-greased and its 4300 r/min limiting speed is set by seal-lip drag and grease life versus the open bearing's 15000 r/min thermal reference speed. The single-seal catalogue number is 6012-RS1, used where one shaft side needs external relubrication.
• A one-seal execution 6012-RS1 exists for arrangements that lubricate through the open side; fitting 6012-2RS1 instead means lifetime grease and no external oil supply — mixing the two in the same shaft can starve the sealed position.
• The 30.7/23.2 kN ratings here are SKF Explorer-class figures from catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018); SKF can revise internal geometry and ratings without changing the designation, so treat the catalogue version and date as part of the specification and re-verify for critical drives.