1218K bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 1218K is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 90 x 160 x 30 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | NTN |
| Bore diameter d | 90 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 160 mm |
| Width B | 30 mm |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 57.5 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 23.5 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 0.94 kN |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 3600 rpm |
| Mass | 2560 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 1218SK |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | CAT. No. 2203-3/E 2024 |
| Last verified | 2026-09-25 |
Source: catalog reference (CAT. No. 2203-3/E 2024) · extracted 2026-09-25
Parameters extracted from the official NTN Ball and Roller Bearings catalogue (CAT. No. 2203-3/E 2024); NTN® is a trademark of NTN Corporation, used here for identification only — mpnbase is not an authorized NTN distributor. Boundary dimensions are ISO 15 interchangeable; current production values may differ, verify at ntnglobal.com.
Dimensions in inches & 1200-series range
| Bore d | 3.543 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 6.299 in |
| Width B | 1.181 in |
| ISO bore code | — |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 35 mm |
| Smallest bore in 1200-series | 10 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 1200-series | 200 mm |
| Width range across 1200-series | 9–38 mm |
| Bore position in 1200-series (smallest first) | 19 of 23 |
| Bore above smallest 1200-series size | 80 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
No verified interchange data yet. Send an inquiry and our team will confirm equivalents manually.
How the 1218K model number is decoded
In the 1200-series (ISO 15 dimension series) the leading digits 12 mark a double-row self-aligning ball bearing and the last two digits encode the bore: 1218 carries bore code 18 = 90 mm. Outside diameter 160 mm and width 30 mm follow the ISO 15 general plan. The K suffix denotes a 1:12 tapered bore for mounting on an adapter sleeve or tapered shaft seat; the cylindrical-bore equivalent is 1218. Two rows of balls run on a common sphered outer raceway, allowing the inner ring to pivot and compensate for shaft deflection or housing misalignment.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- large gearbox and reducer shafts
- industrial fan and blower rotors
- hoist, winch and crane drums
- heavy conveyor drive shafts
Known failure patterns
- contamination wear from dust and dirt ingress through the open arrangement
- lubricant starvation when no regreasing interval is maintained
- edge loading and stress concentration from excessive misalignment beyond the allowable angle
- raceway smearing under marginal lubrication at start-up
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Mount this 90 mm bore bearing by heating the inner ring (induction heater, max 120 °C) — never drive it home through the outer ring or balls, that brinells the raceways.
- The 12xx light section at 90 mm bore uses a smaller 160 mm OD than a 1318; load ratings are lower, so do not replace a failed 13-series bearing with a 12-series without re-rating the load.
- Tapered-bore 1218K requires a matching adapter sleeve (e.g. H2xx for small bores, H3xx for larger); verify the sleeve bore code matches the 90 mm shaft before ordering.
- The adapter sleeve adds length and a small radial step; check that the housing bore and shaft shoulder clear the sleeve nut and that the withdrawal nut is accessible for future dismounting.
- Self-aligning ball bearings have lower axial load capacity than same-size angular-contact or tapered-roller bearings; verify the axial component is within the Y-factor limits for 1218K.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 1218K self-aligning ball bearing?
A 1218K self-aligning ball bearing has a 90 mm bore, 160 mm outer diameter and 30 mm width, per ISO 15 boundary dimensions. The K suffix indicates a 1:12 tapered bore for adapter-sleeve mounting; the cylindrical-bore version is 1218.
How does the 1218 bore code work?
The last two digits of 1218 are bore code 18, giving 18 × 5 = 90 mm bore. The 160 mm outside diameter and 30 mm width follow the ISO 15 diameter series, not the bore code alone.
What does the K suffix mean on 1218K?
The K suffix denotes a 1:12 tapered bore for mounting with an adapter sleeve. The cylindrical-bore equivalent is 1218. Adapter sleeves are sold separately and must match the bore code.
How does the 1200 compare with other self-aligning series at the same 90 mm bore?
The 12xx is the light section: 160×30 mm with a 35.0 mm radial section at 90 mm bore — below 13/22/23 in load capacity, for light loads in compact spaces.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog CAT. No. 2203-3/E 2024 on 2026-09-25. Read our editorial & correction policy.