W618-3 bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The W618-3 is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 3 x 7 x 2 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 3 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 7 mm |
| Width B | 2 mm |
| Material | SS440C |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 0.178 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 0.057 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 0.002 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 160000 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 100000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 0.3 g |
| Manufacturer designation | W 618/3 |
| 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 & 61800-series range
| Bore d | 0.118 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 0.276 in |
| Width B | 0.079 in |
| ISO bore code | — |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 2 mm |
| Smallest bore in 61800-series | 1 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 61800-series | 1820 mm |
| Width range across 61800-series | 1–140 mm |
| Bore position in 61800-series (smallest first) | 4 of 74 |
| Bore above smallest 61800-series size | 2 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
No verified interchange data yet. Send an inquiry and our team will confirm equivalents manually.
How the W618-3 model number is decoded
The W prefix denotes SKF stainless steel deep-groove bearings (X108CrMo17 / AISI 440C class rings). In the 61800-series, the bore is written directly after the slash as 3 mm (bores below 10 mm use the slash spelling). Envelope 3×7×2 mm (0.118×0.276×0.079 in), C 0.178 kN, C0 0.057 kN, Pu 0.002 kN; limiting speed 100000 r/min and mass 0.3 g. The open W 618/3 carries no shields or seals and relies on application lubrication and external sealing. Stainless is chosen for corrosion and washdown duty, not for extra load — the same-envelope chrome-steel bearing rates higher.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- bicycle and outdoor equipment
- appliances exposed to moisture
- food and beverage conveyors
- pharmaceutical and packaging machines
Known failure patterns
- seal and grease failure before the rings corrode in sustained washdown service
- surface staining and pitting when even the stainless steel is left unlubricated in salty or acidic duty
- contamination wear when the open arrangement is used without external seals
- lubricant starvation where no regreasing interval is maintained
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Temperatures above roughly 300 °C temper the stainless races; even standard greases fail far earlier — keep W618-3 inside the quoted grease temperature range.
- W-prefix stainless rings (X108CrMo17 / AISI 440C class) resist moisture and weak chemicals but will still rust in chloride-rich or salt-spray duty without protection — W618-3 is not marine-grade stainless.
- The stainless steel is martensitic and MAGNETIC; do not reject W618-3 over magnetism — only austenitic grades are non-magnetic, and those are too soft for bearing raceways.
- Stainless bearings carry lower load ratings than chrome steel of the same envelope: W618-3 is quoted at C 0.178 kN versus the 2 mm-wide 52100 version — do not swap on dimensions alone.
- Do not preload W618-3 to silence it: a deep-groove ball bearing is not angular-contact, and axial preload only raises temperature and shortens grease life.
- Assign interference to the rotating ring: on a conventional shaft-mounted 3 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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of the stainless W618-3?
SKF W 618/3 measures 3×7×2 mm (0.118×0.276×0.079 in), about 0.3 g, C 0.178 kN.
What does the W in W 618/3 mean?
W is the SKF prefix for stainless steel deep-groove bearings (rings in X108CrMo17 / AISI 440C class); the rest of the designation follows the normal series and bore rules.
Is the stainless bearing magnetic?
Yes. Bearing stainless steels are martensitic (hardened) and magnetic; non-magnetic austenitic grades cannot be hardened enough for raceways and balls.
Where is W618-3 typically used?
Food and packaging machines, pharmaceutical equipment, washdown conveyors, chemical and marine-atmosphere drives and appliances exposed to moisture.
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.