NU3172-ECMA bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NU3172-ECMA is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 360 x 600 x 192 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 360 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 600 mm |
| Width B | 192 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 3410 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 6100 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 490 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 900 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 1500 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 226000 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF NU 3172 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 | 14.173 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 23.622 in |
| Width B | 7.559 in |
| ISO bore code | 72 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 120 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) | 3 of 9 |
| Bore above smallest NU3100-series size | 80 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
No verified interchange data yet. Send an inquiry and our team will confirm equivalents manually.
How the NU3172-ECMA model number is decoded
For a 360 mm shaft, SKF lists NU3172-ECMA as single-row caged cylindrical roller: 600 mm OD, 192 mm wide, Pu 490 kN, the catalogue lists 900 r/min thermal reference speed and 1,500 r/min mechanical limiting speed. Structurally, the NU design 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. In arrangement terms it 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. Speed planning for NU3172-ECMA: the catalogue lists 900 r/min thermal reference speed and 1,500 r/min mechanical limiting speed. The mass entry 226000 g covers the complete catalogue execution. Assembly note: 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. Heat steel rings inductively to max 120 °C.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- mining hoist and winder shafts
- offshore drawworks shafts
- large rolling-mill drive trains
- marine propulsion line 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
- polymer cage cracking or softening after sustained running above 120 °C or with incompatible lubricant
- 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
- edge loading from shaft deflection beyond the bearing alignment limit (≈ 3-4 minutes of arc for single-row CRB)
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 3172, but flange configuration and axial-locating behaviour differ — quote the full SKF NU 3172 ECMA and do not substitute rib styles without checking the shaft locating scheme.
- Catalogue reference and limiting speeds are different criteria: observe the mechanical ceiling even when thermal calculations allow more.
- Catalogue reference and limiting speeds are different criteria: observe the mechanical ceiling even when thermal calculations allow more.
- The 3410/6100 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 NU3172-ECMA?
SKF NU 3172 ECMA is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with 360 mm bore, 600 mm OD and 192 mm width per ISO 15. SKF lists C 3410 kN, C0 6100 kN, Pu 490 kN, reference speed 900 r/min and limiting speed 1,500 r/min, mass about 226000 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 NU3172-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 NU3172-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.