NU1038-ML bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NU1038-ML is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 190 x 290 x 46 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 190 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 290 mm |
| Width B | 46 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 347 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 500 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 53 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 2600 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 3800 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 11000 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF NU 1038 ML |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings |
| Last verified | 2026-09-26 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings) · extracted 2026-09-26
Parameters extracted from the official SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings); 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 & NU1000-series range
| Bore d | 7.48 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 11.417 in |
| Width B | 1.811 in |
| ISO bore code | 38 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 50 mm |
| Smallest bore in NU1000-series | 25 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in NU1000-series | 1090 mm |
| Width range across NU1000-series | 12–150 mm |
| Bore position in NU1000-series (smallest first) | 26 of 45 |
| Bore above smallest NU1000-series size | 165 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ1038-ML | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same ISO 15 envelope 190×290×46 mm and equivalent catalogue ratings; the NJ execution differs in flange/retaining-ring configuration — boundary-dimension interchangeable, but axial-locating behaviour is not identical. |
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 NU1038-ML model number is decoded
SKF NU 1038 ML is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing sized 190×290×46 mm — a dimension series 10 (extra-slim OD, normal width), listed in SKF catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000 ch. 6.1. Reading the NU prefix: two integral flanges on the outer ring and no flanges on the inner ring, so the inner ring together with the roller set is separable. This makes the execution non-locating: the inner ring assembly can float axially in both directions and the bearing cannot support axial load. The ML suffix marks the basic (non-E) execution with a machined brass cage, the standard choice for the larger and earlier-design sizes. With C 347 kN and C0 500 kN, size the bearing on the 190×290 mm ISO 15 envelope and check the 53 kN Pu against the equivalent-load floor; the catalogue lists 2,600 r/min thermal reference speed and 3,800 r/min mechanical limiting speed. Mounting: fit the inner ring and roller assembly onto the shaft and the outer ring into the housing independently; thermal expansion is absorbed by axial float, so do not trap the inner ring between shaft shoulders. A 190 mm seat normally takes a m6 interference with an H6 housing bore when the inner ring rotates.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- heavy turbogenerator rotor supports
- mining hoist and winder shafts
- offshore drawworks shafts
- large rolling-mill drive trains
Known failure patterns
- inner-ring raceway spalling from overload or contamination in the line-contact hertz zone
- outer-ring raceway fatigue after extended service at loads above the catalogue L10 rating
- cage pocket wear from roller skew at light load
- cage pocket wear from roller skidding at insufficient radial load or during start-up before oil film build-up
- surface distress (micro-pitting) when the EHL film falls below the composite roughness at high specific load
- edge-loading fatigue after shaft deflection beyond the 3–4 minute alignment limit
- false brinelling on standby machines exposed to external vibration
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Do not use a NU bearing where axial load must be carried — the design carries radial load only
- The dimension series 10 (extra-slim OD, normal width) envelope is shared with the N/NU/NJ/NUP executions of 1038, but flange configuration and axial-locating behaviour differ — quote the full SKF NU 1038 ML and do not substitute rib styles without checking the shaft locating scheme.
- Shaft and housing fillets must clear the bearing chamfers; an oversized radius tilts the 46 mm-wide ring and concentrates load.
- Press-fit force goes through ring faces only; driving a ring home through the rollers brinells the 290 mm raceway.
- The 347/500 kN ratings are SKF catalogue 17000 (2018) values for the ML execution; re-verify against the current catalogue for critical drives and keep the catalogue version with the specification.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions and catalogue data of NU1038-ML?
SKF NU 1038 ML is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with 190 mm bore, 290 mm OD and 46 mm width per ISO 15. SKF lists C 347 kN, C0 500 kN, Pu 53 kN, reference speed 2,600 r/min and limiting speed 3,800 r/min, mass about 11000 g.
What does the NU designation and ML suffix mean?
The ML suffix marks the basic (non-E) execution with a machined brass cage, the standard choice for the larger and earlier-design sizes. Structurally this execution has two integral flanges on the outer ring and no flanges on the inner ring, so the inner ring together with the roller set is separable.
Can NU1038-ML take axial load and locate the shaft?
No — the inner ring has no flanges, so the NU bearing is non-locating and carries radial load only; use NJ (one direction), NUP (both directions) or a paired thrust bearing for axial duty.
How does NU1038-ML compare with the other executions in the same envelope?
The N/NU/NJ/NUP executions share the ISO 15 envelope and load ratings but differ in flange arrangement and axial-locating behaviour; quote the exact order number.
What limits the service life of this bearing most often?
Line-contact fatigue above the L10 rating, cage wear at light loads and high temperatures, and edge loading from misalignment beyond about 3–4 minutes of arc are the typical failure drivers.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings on 2026-09-26. Read our editorial & correction policy.