6004 Ball Bearing Deep Groove Automotive Ball Bearing 20x42x12

6004 Deep Groove Ball Bearing For Motors, Automotive & Household Appliances

The 6004 deep groove ball bearing is a widely - used and highly versatile component in the mechanical engineering realm. Renowned for its simple yet robust design, low - friction operation, and ability to handle various loads, this bearing is a staple in numerous industries. This comprehensive product introduction will cover its design features, performance capabilities, material quality, diverse application scenarios, and essential installation and maintenance guidelines.

I. Design and Structure

Inner Ring and Outer Ring

The inner and outer rings of the 6004 deep groove ball bearing are crafted with precision. The inner ring, designed to fit snugly onto a 20 - mm shaft, provides a stable base for the rolling elements. Its smooth inner surface ensures minimal slippage during operation, facilitating efficient power transfer. The outer ring, with an outer diameter of 42 mm, is engineered to withstand the external forces acting on the bearing. Both rings feature deep, precisely - machined raceways that are crucial for the smooth movement of the steel balls. These raceways are designed to provide optimal contact with the balls, distributing loads evenly and reducing stress concentrations.

Rolling Elements and Cage

At the heart of the 6004 bearing are high - precision steel balls. These balls, made from top - grade bearing steel, are ground to an extremely smooth finish. Their spherical shape allows for seamless rolling within the raceways of the inner and outer rings. The use of high - quality steel ensures excellent wear resistance and durability, even under demanding operating conditions. The cage, typically made of sheet metal, plays a vital role in maintaining the proper spacing between the balls. It prevents the balls from colliding with each other, which could lead to premature wear and failure. The cage also guides the balls along the raceways, ensuring smooth and consistent rotation of the bearing. In addition, the cage helps in the distribution of lubricant, further enhancing the bearing's performance.

Sealing Structure (Optional)

To adapt to different operating environments, the 6004 deep groove ball bearing offers optional sealing mechanisms. In applications where protection against dust, dirt, and moisture is crucial, bearings with seals or shields can be used. Sealed bearings, such as those with rubber seals (e.g., 6004 - 2RS type), provide a tight barrier against contaminants. The rubber seals are designed to fit closely around the inner and outer rings, preventing the ingress of foreign particles. This is especially beneficial in dusty or humid environments, where contaminants can quickly degrade the performance of the bearing. Shields, on the other hand, offer a less - tight form of protection. They are typically made of metal and are used to keep out larger particles and debris. While they do not provide as effective a seal as rubber seals, they are useful in applications where some level of protection is required, but where the bearing needs to operate at higher speeds, as shields generally introduce less friction compared to seals.

II. Key Parameters

III. Performance Advantages

High Radial Load - Carrying Capacity

The 6004 deep groove ball bearing is well - equipped to handle significant radial loads. The design of the deep raceways and the use of high - quality steel balls enable the bearing to distribute radial forces evenly, allowing it to withstand substantial loads without experiencing excessive wear or deformation. This makes it suitable for applications where heavy - duty machinery is involved, such as in industrial manufacturing equipment, where continuous and high - magnitude radial forces are exerted on the bearings.

Axial Load Accommodation

In addition to radial loads, the 6004 bearing can also handle a certain amount of axial loads in both directions. When the bearing is operating under combined radial and axial loads, the design of the raceways and the contact angle between the balls and the raceways come into play. The bearing's ability to handle axial loads makes it versatile for use in applications where there are forces acting along the shaft, such as in motors or gearboxes.

Low Friction and High - Speed Capability

One of the key advantages of the 6004 deep groove ball bearing is its low - friction operation. The smooth - rolling steel balls and the well - designed cage contribute to a minimal friction coefficient. This low friction not only reduces energy consumption during operation but also enables the bearing to operate at high speeds. With limiting speeds ranging from 18000 to 24000 rpm depending on the lubrication method, the 6004 bearing is suitable for applications that require high - speed rotation, such as in high - speed motors or precision machinery where smooth and efficient operation is crucial.

Quiet Operation

The 6004 bearing is optimized for low - noise and low - vibration operation. The precision - engineered components, including the smooth - finished balls and the well - balanced cage, work together to minimize vibrations and noise during rotation. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where quiet operation is essential, such as in household appliances, medical equipment, or office machinery, where excessive noise can be a nuisance or interfere with the proper functioning of the equipment.

IV. Material Quality

Material of Rings and Balls

The rings and balls of the 6004 deep groove ball bearing are typically made from high - grade bearing steel. This type of steel is chosen for its excellent mechanical properties, including high strength, hardness, and wear resistance. The manufacturing process of the rings and balls involves stringent quality control measures. For example, the steel may undergo processes such as vacuum degassing to remove impurities, which helps to improve its density and mechanical performance. The balls are formed through precise manufacturing methods, such as cold - heading and subsequent heat - treatment processes like quenching and tempering. These processes contribute to creating a uniform internal structure within the balls, enhancing their impact toughness and resistance to fatigue.

Cage Material

As mentioned earlier, the cage of the 6004 bearing is commonly made of sheet metal. Sheet metal cages offer a good balance between strength and cost - effectiveness. They are able to withstand the forces exerted on them during the bearing's operation, such as centrifugal forces during high - speed rotation and the forces resulting from the interaction between the balls and the cage. The sheet metal cage also provides good thermal conductivity, which helps in dissipating the heat generated during operation. In some cases, non - metallic cages may also be used, especially in applications where weight reduction or chemical resistance is a priority. Non - metallic cages, such as those made of nylon or other polymers, can offer advantages in terms of corrosion resistance and reduced weight, while still maintaining the necessary strength and functionality to keep the balls properly spaced and guided.

V. Application Fields

Industrial Machinery

In the industrial machinery sector, the 6004 deep groove ball bearing finds extensive applications. In machine tools, it is used in the spindle assemblies, where it needs to support the high - speed rotation of the cutting tools. The bearing's ability to handle both radial and axial loads, along with its low - friction and high - speed capabilities, makes it suitable for this application. It ensures smooth and accurate cutting operations, contributing to the precision and efficiency of the machine tool. In conveyor systems, the 6004 bearing is used in the rollers. It helps to support the weight of the conveyed materials and enables the smooth movement of the conveyor belt. The bearing's high radial load - carrying capacity and its durability make it reliable for use in these heavy - duty applications.

Electric Motors

The 6004 bearing is a common choice for electric motors, especially those in the medium - power range. In an electric motor, the bearing must withstand the radial forces generated by the rotating components, such as the rotor. These forces can be substantial, especially in motors operating at high speeds or under heavy - load conditions. The 6004 bearing's ability to handle these radial loads, along with its capacity to accommodate some axial movement caused by factors like thermal expansion, helps to ensure the smooth and reliable operation of the motor. By reducing friction and minimizing vibration, the bearing also contributes to the overall energy efficiency of the motor, as less energy is wasted in overcoming bearing - related resistance.

Automotive Industry

In the automotive industry, the 6004 deep groove ball bearing has several applications. In the engine, it can be used in the water pump, where it needs to operate under challenging conditions, including exposure to heat, moisture, and vibration. The bearing's good wear resistance and its ability to handle both radial and axial loads make it suitable for this application. It ensures the long - term performance of the water pump, which is crucial for maintaining the proper cooling of the engine. In the transmission system, the 6004 bearing can be used in various components, such as the differential or the gear shafts. Here, it helps to support the rotational loads and enables smooth power transfer between the different parts of the transmission, contributing to the overall performance and reliability of the vehicle.

Household Appliances

The 6004 bearing is also widely used in household appliances due to its quiet operation and reliability. In appliances such as washing machines, it is used in the motor and the drum support systems. The bearing's ability to handle the radial and axial loads generated during the spinning and agitation cycles, along with its low - noise characteristics, ensures smooth and quiet operation of the appliance. In fans, whether it's a ceiling fan or a computer fan, the 6004 bearing enables the high - speed rotation of the blades while minimizing vibration and noise. Its low - friction operation also helps to improve the energy efficiency of these appliances, making them more cost - effective to run.

VI. Installation and Maintenance

Installation

Proper installation of the 6004 deep groove ball bearing is crucial for its optimal performance and lifespan. When installing the bearing, it is recommended to use appropriate tools, such as a hydraulic press or a bearing installation sleeve. These tools help to ensure that the bearing is installed evenly and without causing any damage to the components. Care should be taken to align the bearing correctly with the shaft and the housing. Misalignment can lead to uneven loading of the bearing, which may cause premature wear and failure. For example, if the bearing is installed at an angle, the balls will not roll evenly within the raceways, resulting in increased stress on certain parts of the bearing. When installing the bearing on a tapered shaft, a locking nut or a tapered sleeve can be used to secure the bearing in place and adjust the pre - load. The pre - load is an important factor as it affects the bearing's stiffness and its ability to handle loads. A proper pre - load helps to reduce vibration and improve the bearing's overall performance.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the 6004 bearing is essential to keep it in good working condition. One of the key aspects of maintenance is lubrication. For general applications, lithium - based grease is often recommended. The grease should be filled to an appropriate level, typically around one - third to one - half of the bearing's internal space. This amount of grease provides sufficient lubrication while also allowing for the dissipation of heat. In applications where the bearing operates at high speeds or under high - temperature conditions, oil lubrication may be more suitable. The choice of oil grade, such as ISO VG 32 or 46, depends on the specific operating conditions. Regularly monitoring the lubricant level and its condition is important. If the lubricant becomes contaminated or degraded, it should be replaced promptly. Another important aspect of maintenance is monitoring the bearing's temperature. An increase in temperature may indicate issues such as excessive friction, misalignment, or insufficient lubrication. The temperature of the bearing should typically be kept within a normal operating range, which can vary depending on the application but is generally around 60 - 80°C. Any abnormal vibration or noise coming from the bearing should also be investigated. Vibration and noise can be signs of bearing wear, damage to the rolling elements, or problems with the cage. Regular inspection and maintenance of the bearing can help to identify and address potential issues before they lead to bearing failure, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.

VII. Conclusion

The 6004 deep groove ball bearing is a highly reliable and versatile component that plays a crucial role in a wide range of mechanical applications. Its simple yet effective design, combined with its excellent performance capabilities, makes it a popular choice for industries ranging from manufacturing to automotive to household appliances. By understanding its design, performance, application, and maintenance requirements, engineers and operators can effectively utilize its capabilities to enhance the efficiency and reliability of their machinery. Whether it's supporting high - speed rotation in a machine tool spindle or ensuring smooth operation in a household appliance, the 6004 bearing consistently delivers reliable performance, making it an essential part of modern mechanical engineering.