6012-NSK bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

Specification table

Source: catalog reference (NSK Rolling Bearings E1103 Part C) · extracted 2026-09-24

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-NSK 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. With no seal suffix the bearing is open: no shields or seals are fitted and lubrication is supplied by the application. 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. In the NSK catalogue this open execution carries the bare designation; protected variants are ordered separately with suffixes ZZ (steel shields), VV (non-contact rubber seals) and DDU (contact rubber seals).

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• Interference on a 60 mm shaft plus running heat consumes radial clearance: where the shaft runs hot or the fit is tight, order 6012 with C3 clearance and re-check the residual value after mounting.
• 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.
• Storage matters for open bearings: 6012-NSK leaves the factory with rust preventive only, so clean it and apply the service grease at assembly even if the rings look oily from the wrapper.
• Open bearings tolerate the highest speeds in the 6000-series but need a defined regreasing interval; run-to-failure lubrication is the dominant cause of early failure in open 6012 units.
• A 60 mm bore listing showing the right d/D/B but no standard or precision-class reference may be a loose-tolerance import; measure bore/OD spread before fitting it to a machined shaft.
• Shaft and housing fillets must clear the bearing chamfer so the 18 mm-wide ring seats square; provide an undercut or withdrawal groove instead of relying on an oversized radius.
• The open 6012 has no integral sealing; in the NSK E1103 catalogue the protected variants carry suffixes ZZ (non-contact steel shields), VV (non-contact rubber seals) and DDU (contact rubber seals). NSK does not offer a low-torque contact seal equivalent to NTN's LLH in this catalogue — for high-speed sealed duty specify the VV non-contact seal and an external housing labyrinth.
• At 60 mm bore 6012 is in NSK's upper general-purpose range; the pressed-steel cage is standard, but mid-section 63xx sizes at this bore can be ordered with a machined brass cage (suffix M) for heavy-shock or very-low-speed duty — confirm cage material with the NSK channel if the application sees impact loads.
• At 32.5 kN dynamic load rating (C) and 23.2 kN static (C0), 6012 is a medium-load NSK bearing suitable for most electric-motor and pump duty; the C0/C0r ratio matters for preloaded or thrust-loaded arrangements, so confirm the static safety factor with the NSK catalogue.
• At 412 g, 6012 requires a soft-jaw vise or arbor press for mounting — never hammer it onto the shaft, and support the opposite ring to avoid brinelling the raceways.
• The 60×95×18 mm envelope of 6012 gives a D/d ratio of 1.58 and 17.5 mm radial section height — this NSK thin section saves space but is sensitive to misalignment and shock; confirm the housing stays round within IT7 and the shaft does not deflect past the raceway contact angle under load.
• The 32.5/23.2 kN load ratings, mass 412 g here are NSK Rolling Bearings E1103 Part C catalogue figures for 6012 on the 60×95×18 mm ISO 15 envelope; internal geometry and ratings legitimately differ between brands, so re-verify before substituting another manufacturer's 6012 in a rated drive. NSK does not tabulate reference or limiting speeds in the E1103 Part C dimension tables used for this page — consult NSK's separate speed-rating tables before high-speed service.
• When replacing a failed unit, inspect the shaft and housing seats before fitting the new 6012 — a new bearing pressed onto a worn or oval seat reproduces the original failure mode in a fraction of its expected life.
• NSK does not recommend washing new shielded or sealed bearings; the rust-preventive film on open units is compatible with standard lithium greases and needs no removal unless the application demands a special fill.