NKI12-16-XL bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

Specification table

Source: catalog reference (HR1 2026-09-25) · extracted 2026-09-30

Parameters extracted from the official FAG Rolling Bearings catalogue (HR1 2026-09-25); FAG® is a trademark of Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG, used here for identification only — mpnbase is not an authorized FAG/Schaeffler distributor. Boundary dimensions are ISO 15 interchangeable; current production values may differ, verify at schaeffler.com.

Cross references & equivalents

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 NKI12-16-XL model number is decoded

envelope 12×24×16 mm: 12 mm bore accepts a normal-tolerance machined shaft via the integral inner ring, with a thin 6.0 mm radial section packed with small-diameter needle rollers C is 12.8 kN and C0 13.9 kN at the 12 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 0.92 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 24 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 2.6 kN, the limiting speed 23,200 r/min and the thermal reference speed 14,500 r/min; for small needle bearings the reference speed can exceed the kinematic limit, so the lower of the two governs the application dynamic capacity per millimetre of bore is 1.07 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 0.80 kN/mm — the reason 16 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 33.3 g, just 0.09 g per mm² of projected 24×16 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages 12 mm bore and only 33.3 g: the smallest sizes demand accurate shaft geometry, because the 6.0 mm section leaves no tolerance for a soft or tapered seat The inner ring is separable, so the outer-ring/roller assembly can be pressed into the housing first; the 13.9 kN C0 rating still assumes full rigid support under both rings NKI12/16-XL is supplied with a machined inner ring, so it mounts on an ordinary turned and ground shaft of normal tolerance — hardening the journal is not required -XL means this is an X-life bearing — Schaeffler's upgraded performance level with smoother raceways, so the 12.8 kN C rating and longer nominal life come without an envelope change. Typical applications include copying and printing machine mechanisms, gearbox selector and change linkages and hydraulic and pneumatic pump eccentrics, where the 24 mm outside diameter and 12.8 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In copying and printing machine mechanisms the unit fits a compact 12 mm seat, and in gearbox selector and change linkages the 33.3 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for hydraulic and pneumatic pump eccentrics, relying on the 16 mm width and the published 13.9 kN static rating. Needle bearings are pure-radial units — any thrust must be taken by separate washers or an adjacent bearing, especially on flangeless RNAO/NAO. On reciprocating duty ensure the stroke rotates the full needle set, or brinelling occurs at the same roller positions.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• Needle bearings are pure-radial units — any thrust must be taken by separate washers or an adjacent bearing, especially on flangeless RNAO/NAO.
• On reciprocating duty ensure the stroke rotates the full needle set, or brinelling occurs at the same roller positions.
• Without an inner ring the shaft is the raceway: 58–64 HRC and a ground, polished journal are mandatory, not recommendations.