NU234-ECML bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NU234-ECML is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 170 x 310 x 52 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 170 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 310 mm |
| Width B | 52 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 695 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 815 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 85 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 2200 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 3800 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 17500 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF NU 234 ECML |
| 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 & NU200-series range
| Bore d | 6.693 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 12.205 in |
| Width B | 2.047 in |
| ISO bore code | 34 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 70 mm |
| Smallest bore in NU200-series | 15 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in NU200-series | 580 mm |
| Width range across NU200-series | 11–92 mm |
| Bore position in NU200-series (smallest first) | 26 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest NU200-series size | 155 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ234-ECML | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same ISO 15 envelope 170×310×52 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 NU234-ECML model number is decoded
NU234-ECML is the 170 mm bore entry in the NU200 range: a 170×310×52 mm single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with a one-piece machined brass cage, rated C 695 kN / C0 815 kN. The NU configuration means 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; functionally the bearing is non-locating: the inner ring assembly can float axially in both directions and the bearing cannot support axial load. The ECML suffix denotes the E-design execution with a one-piece machined brass cage for higher-temperature and higher-speed continuous duty. The one-piece machined brass cage is reflected in the published speeds and temperature limits. Selection arithmetic: C0/C ≈ 1.17 (815 against 695 kN), and the Pu figure 85 kN is the fatigue load-limit floor for the SKF life equation; the catalogue lists 2,200 r/min thermal reference speed and 3,800 r/min mechanical limiting speed. Fit practice for NU234-ECML: 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. Single-row cylindrical rollers tolerate only about 3–4 minutes of arc misalignment, so verify shaft and housing alignment.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- large rolling-mill drive trains
- marine propulsion line shafts
- heavy turbogenerator rotor supports
- mining hoist and winder shafts
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
- roller-end scoring from inadequate oil flow in the roller-raceway contact
- edge-loading fatigue after shaft deflection beyond the 3–4 minute alignment limit
- hard-particle indentation of the raceway in unfiltered oil systems
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 2 (light-section ISO 15 envelope) envelope is shared with the N/NU/NJ/NUP executions of 234, but flange configuration and axial-locating behaviour differ — quote the full SKF NU 234 ECML and do not substitute rib styles without checking the shaft locating scheme.
- Press-fit force goes through ring faces only; driving a ring home through the rollers brinells the 310 mm raceway.
- Catalogue reference and limiting speeds are different criteria: observe the mechanical ceiling even when thermal calculations allow more.
- The 695/815 kN ratings are SKF catalogue 17000 (2018) values for the ECML 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 NU234-ECML?
SKF NU 234 ECML is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with 170 mm bore, 310 mm OD and 52 mm width per ISO 15. SKF lists C 695 kN, C0 815 kN, Pu 85 kN, reference speed 2,200 r/min and limiting speed 3,800 r/min, mass about 17500 g.
What does the NU designation and ECML suffix mean?
The ECML suffix denotes the E-design execution with a one-piece machined brass cage for higher-temperature and higher-speed continuous duty. 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 NU234-ECML 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 NU234-ECML 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.