6203-ZZ bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 6203-ZZ is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 17 x 40 x 12 mm (bore x OD x width) with ZZ sealing. Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore diameter d | 17 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 40 mm |
| Width B | 12 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | ZZ |
| Internal clearance | CN / C3 available |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 9.95 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 4.75 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 0.2 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 38000 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 19000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -30 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 68 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF 6203-2Z |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) |
| Last verified | 2026-09-24 |
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.
Dimensions in inches & 6200-series range
| Bore d | 0.669 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 1.575 in |
| Width B | 0.472 in |
| ISO bore code | 03 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 11.5 mm |
| Smallest bore in 6200-series | 10 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 6200-series | 400 mm |
| Width range across 6200-series | 9–65 mm |
| Bore position in 6200-series (smallest first) | 4 of 33 |
| Bore above smallest 6200-series size | 7 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6203 | ISO 15 | verify Commonly quoted cross reference; confirm against the target catalog before ordering. | ISO 15 boundary-dimension envelope; seal suffix convention varies by brand (2RS / DDU / LLU / 2RSR) — verify seal design and temperature range. Brand-specific OEM equivalents pending multi-source data. |
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 6203-ZZ model number is decoded
In the 6200-series (ISO 15 diameter series 2) the last two digits encode the bore: 6203 carries bore code 03 = 17 mm. Codes 00–03 follow the 10/12/15/17 mm exception table rather than code × 5. Outside diameter 40 mm and width 12 mm come from the ISO 15 boundary-dimensions general plan. Suffix -ZZ denotes two non-contact metallic shields; they retain grease and block coarse debris but are not liquid-tight. For normal-load mounting with a rotating inner ring on a 17 mm shaft, typical catalogue practice is a j5 shaft seat with an H7 housing bore — verify against the actual load direction and magnitude. SKF's own suffix is 2Z (this page's industry-neutral spelling is -ZZ); catalogue number 6203-2Z.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- instrument drives
- fractional-horsepower electric motors
- domestic appliances
- power tools
Known failure patterns
- fine-particle abrasion when non-contact shields let dust past in dirty duty
- grease aging in the shield-for-life cavity with no relubrication path
- edge loading from shaft deflection or housing misalignment
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling after the rated L10 life is exceeded
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Bore codes 00–03 use the exception table: 6203 fits a 17 mm shaft — the code × 5 mnemonic does not apply below code 04 (it would imply 0 mm for code 00).
- The 62xx light series is the default general-purpose section at 17 mm bore; before upgrading to a 6303 for extra capacity, confirm the housing accepts a 40 mm OD and 12 mm width — it is not a drop-in swap.
- ZZ shields are non-contact: 6203-ZZ blocks chips and coarse dust but is not waterproof — do not install it expecting a pressure-wash seal, step up to 6203-2RS for that.
- Shielded 6203-ZZ 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 12 mm-wide ring seats square; provide an undercut or withdrawal groove instead of relying on an oversized radius.
- SKF spells the shielded version 6203-2Z (one shield: 6203-Z), not "-ZZ": the suffix language differs by brand even though the ISO envelope is identical, so quote the brand designation when ordering.
- The single-shield execution 6203-Z is a distinct order number in catalogue 17000: it suits open gears or oil-bath arrangements where the unshielded face faces the lubricant, and it is not interchangeable with the double-shield 6203-2Z for high-contamination positions.
- The 9.95/4.75 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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 6203-ZZ bearing?
A 6203-ZZ deep-groove ball bearing has a 17 mm bore, 40 mm outer diameter and 12 mm width (0.669 × 1.575 × 0.472 in), per ISO 15 boundary dimensions. It is fitted with two non-contact metallic shields. Geometry-based estimated mass is about 63 g for a steel-cage unit; catalogue masses vary slightly with seal and cage design.
Why does 6203 not follow the bore-code × 5 rule?
Codes 00–03 use the exception table (10, 12, 15 and 17 mm): 6203 with code 03 has a 17 mm bore. The code × 5 convention starts at code 04 (20 mm).
What does the ZZ suffix on 6203-ZZ mean?
ZZ means two non-contact sheet-metal shields, one each side. They retain factory grease and block coarse particles with little friction, but do not seal against liquids, fine dust or pressure washing.
How does the 6200 compare with other series at the same 17 mm bore?
The '2' is the light diameter series: 40×12 mm with a 11.5 mm radial section at 17 mm bore. A 6303 on the same bore is larger and higher-rated; a 6003 is smaller and lower-rated.
What is the SKF designation and catalogue data for 6203-ZZ?
In the SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue this size is listed as 6203-2Z — two non-contact sheet-metal shields, 17×40×12 mm per ISO 15. Quoted values: C 9.95 kN, C0 4.75 kN, Pu 0.2 kN, limiting speed 19000 r/min, mass 68 g. Brand suffixes (2Z, 2RSH) differ from the industry-neutral spelling 6203-ZZ.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) on 2026-09-24. Read our editorial & correction policy.