Inch Miniature Deep Groove Ball Bearings
Compact inch-dimensional bearings for precision instruments, miniature drives and space-limited assemblies.
Bore range: 0.0400-0.7500 in/1.016-19.050 mm
Design: Single-row deep groove
Inch Miniature Deep Groove Ball Bearings Overview
Inch miniature deep groove ball bearings are compact single-row radial bearings manufactured to inch-series dimensions. They are intended for precision and miniature mechanisms where limited installation space, low friction, quiet running and reliable high-speed performance are important.
The product range covers nominal bore sizes from 0.0400 in to 0.7500 in and includes R-series designations such as R09, R0, R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R8, R10 and R12. Open, shielded, sealed and flanged variants are listed for selected sizes.
Key Features
- Inch-dimensional R-series designations for replacement and compact equipment design.
- Deep raceway geometry supports radial loads and moderate axial loads in both directions.
- Low friction torque supports smooth starting, quiet running and high-speed operation.
- Open, shielded and sealed designs suit different lubrication and contamination conditions.
- Optional flanged outer rings simplify axial positioning in miniature housings.
- Selected bearings can be supplied with an extended inner ring or stainless-steel material.
Design Variants
Open, shielded, sealed and flanged inch miniature bearing designs
Open bearings: Lowest drag and convenient relubrication in clean operating environments.
Shielded bearings: Metal shields retain lubricant and reduce entry of larger contaminants with limited influence on speed.
Sealed bearings: Contact or low-friction seals improve protection for contaminated or maintenance-free applications.
Flanged bearings: The integral outer-ring flange simplifies axial location and reduces housing machining requirements.
Designation and Configuration Guide
| Configuration | Typical designation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Open | R168* | Open inch-series bearing |
| Flanged open | FR168* | Outer ring with integral flange |
| Shielded | R168ZZS* | Double metal shields |
| Flanged shielded | FR168ZZS* | Flanged outer ring with two shields |
| Sealed options | 2RS / 2RU / TTS | Availability depends on model and duty |
Technical Capabilities
| Parameter | Series capability |
|---|---|
| Bore diameter | 0.0400-0.7500 in (1.016-19.050 mm) across the product range |
| Precision system | ABEC 1 / 3 / 5 / 7 / 9 capability framework; model-specific grade to be confirmed |
| Radial internal clearance | MC1-MC6 miniature-bearing clearance groups |
| Ring and ball materials | High-carbon chromium bearing steel; stainless steel available for selected products |
| Cage options | Ribbon, crown or window-type cages depending on size and duty |
| Special design options | Extended inner ring; single shield or single seal; stainless suffix S or H |
| Lubrication | Oil for open designs or precision grease for closed designs; special lubricants by request |
Applications & Selection
Typical Applications
- Miniature electric motors, fans and compact drive units
- Precision instruments, measuring devices and optical mechanisms
- Office equipment, printers and small electromechanical assemblies
- Medical, laboratory and dental equipment
- Robotics, automation modules and miniature transmission systems
- Imported equipment and inch-dimensional replacement applications
Selection Notes
- Confirm inch dimensions directly; do not select only by converting from a nearby metric size.
- Select internal clearance and precision grade according to shaft fit, housing fit, speed, temperature and running accuracy.
- Use shielded or sealed variants when lubricant retention and contamination protection are required; verify the resulting speed capability.
- Confirm whether the application requires an extended inner ring, flange, stainless steel or special lubricant.
- Verify dimensions and technical performance rather than relying only on competitor cross-reference tables.
Ordering Information
For quotation and technical confirmation, please provide the bearing designation or inch dimensions (d x D x B), quantity, closure type, flange or extended-inner-ring requirement, precision grade, internal clearance, lubricant, operating speed, temperature range and application conditions.
