Industrial bearing part number codes can range from the basic - every manufacturer offers a 6205 open deep groove ball bearing - to the downright mind numbing - take example a SKF BT2B 332506/HA2 two row tapered roller bearing.  Manufacturers, distributors, aggregators, and end users have a range of resources available to identify bearings by their part numbers.  Even more important, especially for obsolete or long lead time bearings, are interchanges - matching bore, OD, width, clearances, precision, features and contact angle (if included) - to another manufacturer.  Here we’ll take a look at 5 free to use bearing interchange resources you can use to 1) identify bearings and alternatives, 2) improve availability and decrease lead times, and 3) lower your component cost.

The interchange tools on Schaeffler’s medias catalog is a powerful tool for identifying the INA or FAG equivalent.  The database is continually updated using your searches!  An interchange request resulting in nothing today could be loaded in future weeks.  The database is strong on European brands and Timken, but lacks many of the Asian manufacturers codes.  The search function incorporates a wildcard search using * at the beginning, end, or both This is useful if you have a partial part number because it was illegible on the bearing or if you want to see the options, such as 22220E* returns the SKF Explorer spherical with all clearances and bore types.  Basic linear interchanges are available (system to system such HSR45A to KUVE45-B), but the result does not detail accuracies, preloads, or additional features.

The latest iteration replaces their “Parts Interchange Search” (the old link now redirects) and features an improved user interface and "point and click” capability by product type.  However, this is not a true interchange tool and requires you to switch back and forth between 1) Item Number, 2) Competitor Part Number, or 3) Keyword.  The competitor interchange is limited to a few manufacturers and you don’t get much of a choice.  For example, INA NATR12PP directly returns the NTN NATR12LL without identifying a brand, comparing the designs, or letting you select other options.

Primarily for the US market, this tool interchange tool features an autocompleting search bar that displays available manufacturer housings that match.  Selecting one of the options and hitting submit gives you all of the dimensional Link-Belt or Rex housings.  Note that the tool does not identify direct interchanges, offering the direct interchange split cap Link-Belt PLB6863FR as well as Rex ZAD6315F cartridge type nonsplits cap housings for a SKF 22522.  Regardless, the list of manufacturer data compiled here is impressive, but it requires a little work and due diligence to identifying a direct interchange.

Not as much of an interchange tool as a static PDF, it is a detailed 5 page resource for mounted units from nearly any manufacturer.  AMI, a division of Asahi Seiko for the US market competes mainly against low cost brands such as FYH, PTI/IPTCI, and others interchanges to INA, SKF, and even Timken and Sealmaster.  The table needs to be updated to include the new FAG Black Series Mounted Units from Schaeffler.

BoreCode has an extensive database of bearing part numbers, suffixes, interchanges, and even information relating to date codes, production codes, and other secret codes used by bearing manufacturers.  Complete the form by clicking on Contact or following this link:  https://borecode.com/pages/borecode-com-contact-us

Linear motion systems can sometimes feel like learning a new language - none of the major manufacturers share terminology even if a unit is interchangeable.  This requires you to manually learn suffixes for preload, accuracy, number of carriages, paired systems, and more.  This interchange system doesn’t include a search, but allows you to essentially “build” the part number starting with the manufacturer, selecting the series, and then size.  The output is a detailed comparison of the linear system you started with and the comparable RexRoth units.  Note: Asian manufacturers normally use 50km rating life instead of the European ISO 100km.  This interchange automatically corrects the load ratings for an equal comparison.

If the old saying “you get what you pay for”, this website should really be a step above everything else reviewed here.  Starting at $400 for a 6 month license and decreasing in monthly cost the longer you commit (note: a 7 day trail is offered for free), this is the only premium service we have ever come across.  If you’ve used this site, please feel free to add your comments and reviews below.