NU3156-ECMA bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NU3156-ECMA is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 280 x 460 x 146 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 280 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 460 mm |
| Width B | 146 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 2290 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 3900 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 335 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 1200 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 2000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 101000 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF NU 3156 ECMA |
| 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 & NU3100-series range
| Bore d | 11.024 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 18.11 in |
| Width B | 5.748 in |
| ISO bore code | 56 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 90 mm |
| Smallest bore in NU3100-series | 280 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in NU3100-series | 870 mm |
| Width range across NU3100-series | 146–272 mm |
| Bore position in NU3100-series (smallest first) | 1 of 9 |
| Bore above smallest NU3100-series size | 0 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
No verified interchange data yet. Send an inquiry and our team will confirm equivalents manually.
How the NU3156-ECMA model number is decoded
In SKF catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000, SKF NU 3156 ECMA denotes a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing on the ISO 15 280×460×146 mm envelope, dimension series 31 (compact OD, wide), with catalogue mass 101000 g. 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 ECMA suffix denotes the E-design execution with a one-piece machined brass cage for higher-temperature and higher-speed continuous duty. With C 2290 kN and C0 3900 kN, size the bearing on the 280×460 mm ISO 15 envelope and check the 335 kN Pu against the equivalent-load floor; the catalogue lists 1,200 r/min thermal reference speed and 2,000 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 280 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
- 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
- smearing (microwelding) on roller surfaces during skid starts with insufficient minimum load
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 31 (compact OD, wide) envelope is shared with the N/NU/NJ/NUP executions of 3156, but flange configuration and axial-locating behaviour differ — quote the full SKF NU 3156 ECMA 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 460 mm raceway.
- Press-fit force goes through ring faces only; driving a ring home through the rollers brinells the 460 mm raceway.
- The 2290/3900 kN ratings are SKF catalogue 17000 (2018) values for the ECMA 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 NU3156-ECMA?
SKF NU 3156 ECMA is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with 280 mm bore, 460 mm OD and 146 mm width per ISO 15. SKF lists C 2290 kN, C0 3900 kN, Pu 335 kN, reference speed 1,200 r/min and limiting speed 2,000 r/min, mass about 101000 g.
What does the NU designation and ECMA suffix mean?
The ECMA 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 NU3156-ECMA 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 NU3156-ECMA 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.