Product Overview
Stock SKF 12X18X12mm Needle Roller Bearings are compact, high-performance components designed by SKF— a global leader in bearing technology— to deliver exceptional radial load capacity in space-constrained applications. With precise dimensions of 12mm (inner diameter) × 18mm (outer diameter) × 12mm (width), these bearings are optimized for small to medium-sized machinery where minimizing installation space while maximizing load handling is critical. As stock products, they offer fast delivery (typically 1-3 business days for most regions), making them ideal for urgent maintenance, production line replenishment, or prototype development. Their design focuses on durability and smooth operation, aligning with SKF’s strict quality standards to reduce equipment downtime and extend service life.
Product Features
Material Quality
Crafted from high-carbon chromium bearing steel (SUJ2), these needle roller bearings boast superior hardness (HRC 60-64) and wear resistance. SUJ2 steel undergoes specialized heat treatment to enhance fatigue strength, enabling the bearings to withstand repeated radial loads without premature deformation or failure. Compared to ordinary carbon steel, SUJ2 reduces friction-induced wear by up to 30%, ensuring long-term reliability in continuous-operation scenarios.
Precision & Structural Design
Engineered to ABEC-5 precision grade, the bearings feature tight dimensional tolerances (radial runout ≤ 0.005mm) that minimize vibration and noise during rotation— a key advantage for precision equipment like medical devices or electronic tools. The needle roller structure increases the contact area between the bearing and shaft, delivering a static radial load capacity of 12.5 kN and dynamic radial load capacity of 8.3 kN— significantly higher than ball bearings of the same size. Optional rubber seals (type 2RS) prevent dust, moisture, and debris from entering the internal components, while retaining lubricant to reduce maintenance frequency.
Environmental Adaptability
These bearings operate stably in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +120°C, making them suitable for both indoor (e.g., factory workshops) and outdoor (e.g., construction equipment auxiliaries) environments. They are compatible with common lubricants such as lithium-based grease and mineral oil, allowing customization based on specific application needs (e.g., high-speed scenarios may use low-viscosity oil).
Usage
Industry Applications
Household Appliances
In washing machines, the bearings support the drum shaft, with their compact size fitting into the narrow internal space of the appliance. Their high load capacity handles the weight of wet laundry (up to 10kg), while the 2RS seals prevent water ingress— a common cause of bearing failure in washing machines. They also work in air conditioner compressors, where ABEC-5 precision reduces noise during operation (≤ 45dB), improving user comfort.
Power Tools & Automotive
For power tools like electric drills and angle grinders, the bearings withstand the high radial loads generated during drilling or cutting, with the SUJ2 steel resisting wear from continuous high-speed rotation (up to 8,000 rpm). In automotive systems, they are used in seat adjustment mechanisms and sunroof drive shafts— the seal design protects against road dust and temperature fluctuations (-30°C in winter to +80°C in summer).
Small Industrial Machinery
Textile machine guide rollers and printer paper-feeding rollers rely on these bearings’ compact design to fit into tight mechanical assemblies. The high load capacity ensures stable operation even when the rollers are under constant tension (e.g., textile threads pulling at 50N), reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Operational Recommendations
For optimal performance, avoid exceeding the maximum rotational speed (8,000 rpm) or load limits. In dusty environments (e.g., woodworking shops), use additional shaft seals to complement the bearing’s 2RS design. Lubricate every 3-6 months depending on usage intensity— more frequently (every 2 months) for high-load, high-speed applications.
FAQ
Installation & Maintenance
What tools are needed for installation?
Use a bearing press or hydraulic installer to avoid hammering— impact can damage the needle rollers or inner ring. For interference fits, heat the bearing to 80-100°C (never exceed 120°C) with an induction heater to expand the inner ring, ensuring easy mounting without deformation. Clean the shaft and bearing seat with industrial alcohol before installation to remove oil or debris.
How to address lubricant leakage?
First, check if the seal is damaged— replace the bearing if the 2RS seal is cracked or missing. Ensure the lubricant is filled to 1/3 to 1/2 of the bearing’s internal space; overfilling increases pressure and causes leakage, while underfilling leads to dry friction. Use lubricants with good adhesion (e.g., lithium complex grease) for vertical shaft applications.
Performance & Compatibility
Can these bearings replace ball bearings of the same size?
Yes, but only for radial load-dominant applications. Unlike ball bearings, needle roller bearings have limited axial load capacity (≤ 1.5 kN), so they are not suitable for scenarios with significant axial forces (e.g., fan shafts with axial thrust). Confirm the load direction of your equipment before replacement.
What is the expected service life?
Under normal conditions (proper installation, regular lubrication, load ≤ 80% of rated capacity), the service life is 10,000-15,000 operating hours. In harsh environments (e.g., high dust, frequent temperature changes), life may decrease by 20-30%— in such cases, increase maintenance frequency and use protective covers.
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