Inch Size Miniature Flanged Ball Bearings
Inch size miniature flanged ball bearings are compact single-row radial ball bearings with an integral outer-ring flange for easier axial positioning in thin plates, small housings and precision assemblies. This page focuses on individual FR and SFR series bearings, not housed flange bearing units. The product list covers inch bore sizes from 0.04688″ to 0.375″, with open, ZZ shielded and 2RS sealed options in chrome steel or stainless steel. Buyers can compare bore, outer diameter, width, flange OD, flange thickness, radial load, speed and material directly in the list. TFL helps customers source standard and custom alternatives for micro motors, robotics, instruments, card readers, medical tools and compact automation equipment.
The Advantage of a Flange Bearing
Suitable for Compact and Precision Applications
Multiple Materials and Sealing Types
Inch Size Miniature Flanged Ball Bearing Selection Guide
Inch size miniature flanged ball bearings are small single row radial ball bearings with an integrated flange on the outer ring for easier positioning in compact housings, plates, and precision assemblies. This page focuses on FR and SFR series inch miniature flanged bearings, including open, ZZ shielded, and 2RS sealed options. Compare bore size, outer diameter, width, flange diameter, flange thickness, material, radial load rating, and speed before requesting a quotation.
How to Choose This Bearing Type
Choose an inch size miniature flanged ball bearing when the design needs a small radial bearing that can be positioned by the outer ring flange in a compact housing or precision assembly. The flange helps simplify mounting and prevents axial movement of the bearing outer ring in many applications.
If the bearing does not require a flange, compare inch size miniature ball bearings instead. If the drawing uses millimeter dimensions, check metric size miniature flanged ball bearings.
Inch vs Metric Flanged Miniature Bearings: How to Identify
The main difference between inch and metric flanged miniature ball bearings is the dimensional standard used for the bore, outside diameter, width, and flange dimensions. Inch FR/SFR series bearings follow imperial sizing, while metric flanged miniature bearings use millimeter-based series such as F600, F6800, and F6900. Similar appearance does not guarantee interchangeability.
| Selection Item | Inch Flanged Bearings | Metric Flanged Bearings |
|---|---|---|
| Common Series | FR / SFR series | F600, F6800, F6900 series |
| Measurement System | Imperial dimensions (inch) | Metric dimensions (mm) |
| Typical Examples | FR1-4, FR2ZZ, SFR3ZZ | F625ZZ, F6802ZZ, F6901ZZ |
| Replacement Method | Match original part number or confirm inch dimensions | Match metric dimensions and bearing designation |
Use an inch miniature flanged bearing when the original equipment, drawing, or replacement part number follows imperial dimensions. Common signs include FR/SFR series numbers, inch-based shaft dimensions, or equipment originally designed around imperial standards. Do not replace by visual similarity because small differences in bore, flange diameter, or width can affect fit and performance.
Common Series and Model Range
| Series / Option | Typical Meaning | Selection Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FR series | Inch miniature flanged ball bearings, chrome steel construction | Common choice for clean, dry, general precision assemblies. |
| SFR series | Stainless steel FR-style inch flanged bearings | Suitable for humid environments, light corrosion exposure, and applications requiring improved corrosion resistance. |
| Open / ZZ / 2RS | Open, metal shielded, or rubber sealed versions | Select according to contamination level, running torque, speed, and lubrication access. |
| Size range | 0.04688″ to 0.375″ bore, 0.15625″ to 0.875″ OD | Confirm shaft size, housing bore, flange OD, flange thickness, and available mounting width. |
How to Read a Model Number: Example FR1-4ZZ
In FR1-4ZZ, the “F” commonly indicates a flanged outer ring design, “R1-4” identifies the inch miniature bearing size, and “ZZ” indicates metal shields on both sides. The related FR1-4 open version belongs to the same inch miniature flanged bearing family without shields. An “S” prefix, such as SFR1-4ZZ, commonly indicates stainless steel construction in this product range.
Open vs ZZ vs 2RS Selection
Open bearings are suitable when lubrication access, low friction, and clean operating conditions are important. ZZ shielded bearings are commonly selected for small motors, instruments, and compact mechanisms where light particle protection is required while maintaining relatively low torque. 2RS sealed bearings provide better contamination protection, but contact seals normally create higher friction than shields, which should be considered in high-speed miniature applications.
Key Specifications to Confirm Before Quotation
Before requesting a quotation, confirm the bearing number, shaft diameter, housing bore, width, flange OD, flange thickness, material, seal type, radial load, operating speed, lubrication, operating environment, and required service conditions.
For replacement projects, a drawing, sample photo, or current bearing number helps TFL match a suitable standard or customized alternative more efficiently.
EZO / NMB-Style Replacement Notes
Many buyers search inch miniature flanged ball bearings by EZO-style, NMB-style, or other manufacturer-style part numbers. TFL can help compare part numbers, dimensions, flange structure, seal type, material, clearance, and load rating before recommending a suitable replacement or alternative source.
Brand and part number references are used only for identification, replacement, interchange, and cross-reference purposes. TFL does not imply original-brand supply or authorized distribution unless specifically stated.
Common Applications
Inch size miniature flanged ball bearings are commonly used in micro motors, encoders, card readers, small fans, precision instruments, dental tools, laboratory devices, robotics joints, model equipment, compact automation mechanisms, and light-duty guide systems where inch sizing and flange positioning are required.
Popular Models / High-Demand Models
| Model Example | Typical Size / Feature | Common Buying Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| FR1-4 / FR1-4ZZ | 0.07813″ bore, 0.25″ OD, 0.296″ flange OD | Compact instruments, micro motors, and light-duty precision assemblies. |
| FR2ZZ / SFR2ZZ | 0.125″ bore, 0.375″ OD, shielded options | Common inch flanged replacement search for small rotating devices. |
| FR3ZZ / SFR3ZZ | 0.1875″ bore, 0.5″ OD, 0.565″ flange OD | Higher radial load capacity while maintaining compact dimensions. |
| FR6ZZ / SFR6ZZ | 0.375″ bore, 0.875″ OD, larger miniature flange size | Used when a compact flanged inch bearing is required with higher load capability. |
Engineering Note
Do not replace an inch miniature flanged bearing with a metric flanged bearing based only on visual similarity. Even small differences in bore, outside diameter, flange dimensions, width, clearance, or sealing design can affect fit, noise, heat generation, and service life.
Need Help Matching an Inch Flanged Miniature Bearing?
Send your bearing number, drawing, sample photo, or application details. TFL can help check dimensions, flange type, seal choice, material, clearance, load rating, and replacement options before quotation.
Request a QuoteTFL is a bearing supplier and sourcing partner. We provide replacement and alternative bearing options based on confirmed part numbers, drawings, or application requirements. We do not claim to be the original brand or an authorized distributor of third-party brands.
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