W6203-2RS bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The W6203-2RS is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 17 x 40 x 12 mm (bore x OD x width) with 2RS sealing. Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 17 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 40 mm |
| Width B | 12 mm |
| Material | SS440C |
| Seal / shield | 2RS |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 8.06 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 4.75 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 0.2 kN |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 12000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 64 g |
| Manufacturer designation | W 6203-2RS1 |
| 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 & 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 | 3 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 6200-series | 540 mm |
| Width range across 6200-series | 2.5–85 mm |
| Bore position in 6200-series (smallest first) | 10 of 45 |
| Bore above smallest 6200-series size | 14 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| W6203-ZZ | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same 17×40×12 mm envelope and equivalent catalogue ratings; W 6203-2Z is the two non-contact shields execution of this size — boundary dimensions interchangeable, only the seal/shield/cage execution differs. |
| W6203 | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same 17×40×12 mm envelope and equivalent catalogue ratings; W 6203 is the open arrangement execution of this size — boundary dimensions interchangeable, only the seal/shield/cage execution differs. |
| 6203 | SKF | partial Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ. | SKF SKF 6203 shares the 17×40×12 mm envelope but carries different catalogue ratings (8.06/4.75 kN vs 9.95/4.75 kN) — the stainless execution is not a load-rating equivalent. |
| 6203-ZZ | SKF | partial Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ. | SKF SKF 6203-2Z shares the 17×40×12 mm envelope but carries different catalogue ratings (8.06/4.75 kN vs 9.95/4.75 kN) — the stainless execution is not a load-rating equivalent. |
| 6203-2RS | SKF | partial Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ. | SKF SKF 6203-2RSH shares the 17×40×12 mm envelope but carries different catalogue ratings (8.06/4.75 kN vs 9.95/4.75 kN) — the stainless execution is not a load-rating equivalent. |
| 6203-RSR | SKF | partial Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ. | SKF SKF 6203-2RSL shares the 17×40×12 mm envelope but carries different catalogue ratings (8.06/4.75 kN vs 9.95/4.75 kN) — the stainless execution is not a load-rating equivalent. |
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 W6203-2RS model number is decoded
The W prefix denotes SKF stainless steel deep-groove bearings (X108CrMo17 / AISI 440C class rings). In the 6200-series, bore code 03 follows the 10/12/15/17 mm exception table, so 6203 fits a 17 mm shaft. Envelope 17×40×12 mm (0.669×1.575×0.472 in), C 8.06 kN, C0 4.75 kN, Pu 0.2 kN; limiting speed 12000 r/min and mass 64 g. SKF catalogues the sealed execution as W 6203-2RS1: two contact elastomer lips (2RS1/2RSH spelling) over a lifetime grease fill; the lips add drag, and no reference (thermal) speed is published. 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
- washdown-duty equipment
- chemical and marine atmospheres
- medical and laboratory devices
- small pumps handling corrosive media
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
- contact-seal lip hardening and pre-grease loss after long high-temperature service
- grease-life expiry inside the sealed-for-life cavity, which has no relubrication path
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- The stainless steel is martensitic and MAGNETIC; do not reject W6203-2RS 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: W6203-2RS is quoted at C 8.06 kN versus the 12 mm-wide 52100 version — do not swap on dimensions alone.
- Food, pharmaceutical and washdown positions need food-grade grease (e.g. NSF H1 registered) inside W6203-2RS; standard fill is industrial grease unless specified otherwise.
- Corrosion resistance depends on clean, undamaged surfaces: never weld near W6203-2RS or scratch the raceways during mounting, since the damaged spot starts corrosion.
- Fillet radii must clear the W6203-2RS chamfer so the 12 mm-wide ring seats square; an oversized shaft radius creates point contact on the ring face.
- Catalogue ratings for W6203-2RS (C 8.06 kN, C0 4.75 kN) are SKF figures from PUB BU/P1 17000; geometry revisions can change ratings without changing the designation, so keep the catalogue edition with the specification.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of the stainless W6203-2RS?
SKF W 6203-2RS1 measures 17×40×12 mm (0.669×1.575×0.472 in), about 64 g, C 8.06 kN.
What does the W in W 6203-2RS1 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.
Are W stainless bearings waterproof?
No — the stainless rings resist moisture and weak chemicals far better than 52100 chrome steel, but salt spray, strong chlorides and unlubricated washdown duty can still corrode W6203-2RS; add seals and food-grade grease for wet positions.
Can I replace a chrome-steel bearing with stainless W6203-2RS?
The envelope matches, but stainless rates lower (C 8.06 kN for W 6203-2RS1); for corrosive environments that trade-off is intended, for high loads it shortens life.
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.