FAG and INA Bearings: What Line Each Brand Covers and How to Read Their Designations

When we talk about FAG and INA bearings, we refer to two product lines that complement each other within the same industrial group. FAG is historically known for its large-size bearings and heavy-duty applications, while INA is more associated with needle roller bearings and smaller-diameter components. Both share the same engineering and manufacturing standards.

In Argentine industry, FAG and INA bearings are a common reference in maintenance. They are found in gearboxes, electric motors, pumps, fans, machine tools, and earthmoving equipment. The key is to choose the correct type according to load, speed, and mounting conditions.

The FAG brand stands out for its wide range of bearings for radial and axial loads. Among the most requested subcategories are spherical roller bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and tapered roller bearings. There are also deep groove ball bearings, angular contact bearings, and a line of special bearings that includes adapter and withdrawal sleeves.

INA, on the other hand, is strong in needle roller bearings, needle cages, axial needle roller bearings, and linear motion bearings. Although its catalog is different, they are often combined in the same equipment: an FAG bearing on the main shaft and an INA bearing on the secondary support or linear guide.

FAG bearing designations follow a standardized system that indicates the type, dimensional series, and bore diameter. For example, in a deep groove ball bearing 6205, the 6 indicates the type, the 2 the width series, and the 05 the bore diameter in millimeters (05 × 5 = 25 mm). Suffixes such as 2RS (two rubber seals) or C3 (greater internal clearance) add information about sealing and precision.

In spherical, cylindrical, or tapered roller bearings, prefixes and suffixes can be more specific. For example, cylindrical roller bearings of the SL series have designations like SL182226, where SL indicates a single-row cylindrical roller bearing with a sheet metal cage, and the remaining number defines the size. For tapered roller bearings, the designation is numeric, such as 33115, where the first digit indicates the series and the last two the bore diameter.

FAG spherical roller bearings are the typical choice when there are high radial loads combined with some shaft misalignment. Their design with two rows of rollers and a spherical raceway in the outer ring allows them to absorb misalignment without losing load capacity. They are used in industrial fans, mills, conveyor belts, and mining equipment.

Within this subcategory, codes such as 20222-MB or 20240-MB correspond to bearings of the 202 series with cylindrical bore and brass cage (suffix MB). The MB suffix indicates a solid brass cage, common in large-size bearings. There are also versions with tapered bore, identified with the letter K, which are mounted on adapter sleeves.

Cylindrical roller bearings FAG support high radial loads and allow high speeds. They are separable, which facilitates separate mounting and dismounting of the rings. The most common series are N, NU, NJ, and NUP, depending on the arrangement of the flanges. Rollers of the SL series, such as SL182226 or SL183018, are single-row with a sheet metal cage and are used in gearboxes and electric motors.

Tapered roller bearings FAG, on the other hand, support combined radial and axial loads. They are mounted in pairs, face-to-face or back-to-back, to absorb loads in both directions. Codes such as 33115 or 32326 correspond to metric series; the first digit indicates the contact angle and series, and the last two the bore diameter. They are common in vehicle wheels, machine tool heads, and gearboxes.

Adapter and withdrawal sleeves are indispensable accessories for mounting bearings with tapered bore on cylindrical shafts. They allow precise fitting and facilitate dismounting without damaging the bearing or the shaft. FAG offers a wide range of sleeves, identified with the H, AH, and AOH series.

For example, withdrawal sleeves AH211 or AH308 are used to extract bearings with tapered bore. The number indicates the shaft diameter and the sleeve series. These accessories are ordered together with the corresponding bearing, as they must be compatible in dimensions and taper.

To get a quote for an FAG or INA bearing, the most practical thing is to have at hand the complete code that appears on the part or on the equipment plate. If you don't have it, you can send us a photo of the bearing or the main dimensions: inner diameter, outer diameter, and width. With that data we will indicate the correct alternative.

At MR Accesorios Industriales, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, we distribute FAG and INA bearings for all types of industries. We work with the most demanded subcategories: spherical, cylindrical, tapered roller bearings, deep groove ball bearings, angular contact, and special bearings. Write to us via WhatsApp or email and we will quote you promptly.