Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings: 3200 vs 5200 Series Complete Guide
If you’re sourcing double row angular contact ball bearings, you’ve likely encountered two numbering systems: the 3200 series and the 5200 series. Understanding the relationship between these two designations is essential for correct bearing selection, cross-referencing between brands, and avoiding costly specification errors.
This guide explains the technical differences, dimensional specifications, cross-brand numbering conventions, and application selection criteria for both series.
What Are Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings?
Double row angular contact ball bearings are designed to handle combined loads — radial loads acting simultaneously with axial loads in both directions. They are essentially two single row angular contact ball bearings built into one unit, with inner and outer rings engineered as a single piece.
Key characteristics include:
- Load capacity: Higher radial load capacity than single row deep groove ball bearings of the same size
- Axial capability: Can accommodate axial loads in both directions
- Rigidity: Greater stiffness due to the double row design, making them suitable for applications requiring precise shaft positioning
- Contact angle: Typically 30° or 40°, which determines the ratio of axial to radial load capacity
These bearings are commonly found in gearboxes, pumps, mining equipment, textile machinery, agricultural machinery, and any application where combined loads are present in a compact space envelope.
The 3200 vs 5200 Numbering: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common sources of confusion in bearing procurement. Here’s the straightforward answer:
The 3200 and 5200 series refer to the same bearings. The different prefixes come from different historical numbering systems used by manufacturers in different regions.
How the numbering works
| Prefix | Origin | Example | Used by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32xx | ISO/JIS standard (Japanese & European convention) |
3204 | NSK, NTN, KOYO, Nachi, RBC |
| 52xx | DIN/ANSI convention ( SKF, FAG, INA European convention) |
5204 | SKF, FAG, INA, SNR |
So 3204 = 5204. They are dimensionally identical bearings. A 3204 from NSK has the same bore diameter (20mm), outer diameter (47mm), and width (20.6mm) as a 5204 from SKF.
Similarly, the 3300 series (ISO/JIS) is equivalent to the 5300 series (DIN/ANSI). A 3304 from NSK equals a 5304 from SKF.
Quick reference
| ISO/JIS (32xx/33xx) | DIN/ANSI (52xx/53xx) | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 3200, 3201, 3202 … 3214 | 5200, 5201, 5202 … 5214 | Identical dimensions |
| 3300, 3301, 3302 … 3310 | 5300, 5301, 5302 … 5310 | Identical dimensions |
Note: The suffix (seals, cages, clearances) may differ between brands. Always verify the full part number including suffixes when cross-referencing.
3200 Series: Dimensions and Specifications
The 3200/5200 series is the light series of double row angular contact ball bearings. Below are the dimensional specifications for commonly used models:
| Bearing No. | d (mm) | D (mm) | B (mm) | Cr (kN) | C0r (kN) | Limiting Speed (r/min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3200 / 5200 | 10 | 30 | 14.3 | 7.35 | 5.35 | 16,000 |
| 3201 / 5201 | 12 | 32 | 15.9 | 9.70 | 7.15 | 15,000 |
| 3202 / 5202 | 15 | 35 | 15.9 | 9.70 | 7.45 | 12,000 |
| 3203 / 5203 | 17 | 40 | 17.5 | 13.20 | 8.15 | 11,000 |
| 3204 / 5204 | 20 | 47 | 20.6 | 19.70 | 12.60 | 8,800 |
| 3205 / 5205 | 25 | 52 | 20.6 | 21.40 | 14.80 | 7,500 |
| 3206 / 5206 | 30 | 62 | 23.8 | 29.70 | 21.30 | 6,300 |
| 3207 / 5207 | 35 | 72 | 27.0 | 41.00 | 29.00 | 5,500 |
| 3208 / 5208 | 40 | 80 | 30.2 | 44.40 | 33.60 | 5,000 |
| 3209 / 5209 | 45 | 85 | 30.2 | 49.90 | 38.40 | 4,500 |
| 3210 / 5210 | 50 | 90 | 30.2 | 53.30 | 43.60 | 4,300 |
d = bore diameter, D = outer diameter, B = width, Cr = basic dynamic load rating, C0r = basic static load rating. Data based on NSK/NTN open-type bearings. Sealed variants (2RS) may have slightly different speed ratings.
3300 Series: Dimensions and Specifications
The 3300/5300 series is the medium series — larger outer diameter and width compared to the 3200/5200 series for the same bore size, resulting in higher load capacity.
| Bearing No. | d (mm) | D (mm) | B (mm) | Cr (kN) | C0r (kN) | Limiting Speed (r/min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3300 / 5300 | 10 | 35 | 19.0 | 11.20 | 6.60 | 14,600 |
| 3301 / 5301 | 12 | 37 | 19.0 | 12.10 | 7.50 | 13,000 |
| 3302 / 5302 | 15 | 42 | 19.0 | 15.20 | 11.90 | 11,000 |
| 3303 / 5303 | 17 | 47 | 22.2 | 21.70 | 17.10 | 9,800 |
| 3304 / 5304 | 20 | 52 | 22.2 | 24.70 | 15.00 | 8,300 |
| 3305 / 5305 | 25 | 62 | 25.2 | 32.70 | 20.80 | 7,000 |
| 3306 / 5306 | 30 | 72 | 30.2 | 41.00 | 28.80 | 6,000 |
| 3307 / 5307 | 35 | 80 | 34.9 | 51.20 | 36.20 | 5,100 |
| 3308 / 5308 | 40 | 90 | 36.5 | 62.70 | 45.40 | 4,500 |
| 3309 / 5309 | 45 | 100 | 39.7 | 75.10 | 55.70 | 4,000 |
| 3310 / 5310 | 50 | 110 | 44.4 | 84.90 | 62.60 | 3,800 |
3200 vs 3300: Which Series Should You Choose?
Since the 3200/5200 (light) and 3300/5300 (medium) series share the same bore diameters, the choice depends on your load and space requirements:
| Factor | 3200/5200 (Light) | 3300/5300 (Medium) |
|---|---|---|
| Outer diameter | Smaller (e.g., 3204: D=47mm) | Larger (e.g., 3304: D=52mm) |
| Width | Narrower (3204: B=20.6mm) | Wider (3304: B=22.2mm) |
| Load capacity | Lower (3204: Cr=19.7kN) | Higher (3304: Cr=24.7kN) |
| Speed capability | Higher (3204: 8,800 rpm) | Lower (3304: 8,300 rpm) |
| Space requirement | Compact — fits tighter designs | Larger housing needed |
| Best for | High-speed, moderate-load applications | Heavy-load, moderate-speed applications |
Rule of thumb: If your housing bore is fixed and you need more load capacity without changing the shaft diameter, upgrading from 32xx to 33xx may be an option — but remember the outer diameter and width will increase, requiring a larger housing.
Cage, Seal, and Clearance Variants
Within each bearing number, there are multiple variants that affect performance. Common suffixes you’ll encounter:
Seal/shield options
| Suffix | Type | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| (none) | Open type | Clean environments with external lubrication |
| 2RS / 2RSH / 2RS1 | Double contact seal | Dusty/moist environments; grease-filled for life |
| 2Z / ZZ | Double shield | Moderate contamination protection; less friction than seals |
Internal clearance
The most common clearance designation is C3 (greater than normal). This is recommended for applications where the bearing operates at elevated temperatures or under heavy loads that cause thermal expansion of the inner ring.
Common Applications by Size
| Bore size | Typical models | Common applications |
|---|---|---|
| 10-17mm | 3200-3203 | Small motors, precision instruments, medical equipment |
| 20-30mm | 3204-3206 | Pumps, compressors, gearboxes, power tools |
| 35-50mm | 3207-3210 | Industrial fans, conveyors, mining equipment, textile machinery |
| 20-35mm (medium) | 3304-3307 | Heavy-duty gearboxes, agricultural equipment, material handling |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 3204 bearing the same as a 5204?
Yes. 3204 and 5204 refer to the same bearing with identical dimensions (20mm bore x 47mm OD x 20.6mm width). The “3” prefix follows the ISO/JIS numbering convention used by NSK, NTN, and other Japanese manufacturers. The “5” prefix follows the DIN convention used by SKF, FAG, and other European manufacturers.
Can I replace a 3204 with a 3304?
Not directly. While both have a 20mm bore, the 3304 has a larger outer diameter (52mm vs 47mm) and greater width (22.2mm vs 20.6mm). You would need to modify the housing bore and possibly the shaft shoulder dimensions. If you need more load capacity in the same envelope, consider a higher-precision grade or a different bearing type.
What do the suffixes mean (e.g., 3204 2RS1 C3)?
2RS1 = double lip contact seal (synthetic rubber, steel reinforced). C3 = internal radial clearance greater than normal. Other common suffixes include ZZ (double shield), TN9 (glass fiber reinforced polyamide cage), and W64 (solid oil fill).
What contact angle do these bearings have?
Most standard double row angular contact ball bearings in the 3200/3300 series have a 30° contact angle. Some manufacturers offer 40° variants for higher axial load capacity. The contact angle is usually not indicated in the part number for standard 30° versions.
Do these bearings need preload?
Double row angular contact ball bearings are typically used without external preload. The internal geometry (back-to-back arrangement of the two rows) provides inherent axial stability. However, for very high precision applications, controlled clearance or light preload may be specified.
Need Help Selecting the Right Bearing?
NLHB manufactures and supplies double row angular contact ball bearings across the full 3200/5200 and 3300/5300 series range. Our engineering team can help you:
- Cross-reference between brands (SKF, NSK, NTN, FAG, INA)
- Select the right series, seal type, and clearance for your application
- Supply custom specifications for non-standard requirements