6012-ZZ-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-ZZ-NSK model number is decoded

6012-ZZ carries two non-contact sheet-steel shields that hold the factory grease in and keep coarse debris out; they do not seal against liquids. Within the extra-light 60xx section (diameter series 0 of ISO 15), multiplying bore code 12 by five gives the 60 mm bore; the 95 mm outside diameter and 18 mm width follow the same boundary-dimension plan. For a rotating inner ring on a 60 mm shaft under normal load, catalogue practice seats it on a k5 shaft fit with an H7 housing bore — confirm against the actual load direction and magnitude before committing. NSK catalogue order number: 6012ZZ (suffix ZZ), two non-contact steel shields, mapped here from the industry-neutral -ZZ spelling.

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.
• Choosing the 60xx extra-light section saves radial space at 60 mm bore, but the trade-off is rating: if the drive sees shock or frequent start-stop cycles, re-check the L10 life against a 6212 before committing to the smaller envelope.
• ZZ shields are non-contact: 6012-ZZ-NSK blocks chips and coarse dust but is not waterproof — do not install it expecting a pressure-wash seal, step up to 6012-2RS for that.
• Shielded 6012-ZZ-NSK units are typically greased for life; prying the shields out for regreasing usually bends them and leaves a gap that throws grease in service.
• 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.
• Vibration during standstill brinells the raceways of a 60 mm bearing at ball spacing; if the machine sits idle next to running equipment, turn the shaft over periodically or isolate the arrangement.
• NSK catalogues the shielded version as 6012ZZ — suffix ZZ, two non-contact steel shields. The industry-neutral page spelling is -ZZ; quote the NSK order number when buying through an NSK channel.
• 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 6012ZZ 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.
• Keep NSK bearings in the original packaging until fitting: the wrapper carries the production lot, and the unopened shelf life of greased sealed units is typically quoted at three to five years in dry, vibration-free storage.
• NSK's VV non-contact seal keeps frictional torque close to the open 6012; in motor duty where heat build-up matters, VV is the usual compromise between debris protection and speed capability.