If you use Kaydon® Reali-Slim® thin section bearings, finding the SlimPro equivalent usually takes one step: add SP- to the front of the Kaydon part number. KG120XP0 becomes SP-KG120XP0: the same bore, outside diameter, cross section and mounting.
That works because SlimPro bearings are made to the industry-standard Reali-Slim dimensions, and every bearing in the Kaydon catalog has a SlimPro equivalent. This article explains how a Kaydon number is built, so you can tell at a glance what you have and where the exceptions are.
Reading a Kaydon Reali-Slim part number
Take KG120XP0, position by position:
| Position | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | K | Material and sealing. K = 52100 steel, no seals; J = two seals; N = Endurakote® plated; L = two seals and plated; S = 440C stainless |
| 2 | G | Series, which sets the cross section: AA 3/16", A 1/4", B 5/16", C 3/8", D 1/2", F 3/4", G 1". Sealed series: JHA, JA, JB, JU, JG |
| 3 to 5 | 120 | Bore in inches times ten: 120 = 12.0 inch bore, 040 = 4.0 inch |
| 6 | X | Type: A angular contact, C radial contact, X four-point contact |
| 7 | P | Separator (cage). P and R are the standard formed-ring separators |
| 8 | 0 | Precision: 0 = class 1; 3, 4 and 6 = higher precision classes |
| 9 | (blank) | Optional non-standard internal fit (clearance or preload) |
Catalog parts: add SP-
For any standard catalog part, the open, sealed, plated, sealed-and-plated and stainless series in precision class 1 with the standard separator, the SlimPro part number is the Kaydon number with SP- in front:
- KA020XP0 → SP-KA020XP0 (open, chrome steel)
- JA020CP0 → SP-JA020CP0 (double sealed)
- NB045XP0 → SP-NB045XP0 (Armoloy® plated, the equivalent of Endurakote plating)
- LHA10XL0 → SP-LHA10XL0 (sealed and plated)
- SA020XP0 → SP-SA020XP0 (stainless steel)
Where the number changes
- Precision class 3, 4 or 6 (last digit 3, 4 or 6): the same SlimPro size is available in the higher class. The SlimPro specification sheet shows the tolerances for the class you choose.
- Shields, single seals and other material codes (such as D, E, H, V or W in position 1): we show you the closest catalog bearing and what differs, and our engineers confirm the substitute.
- Non-standard separators or internal fits: send us the full part number and we will match it.
The SlimPro page does this for you: type any Kaydon number, including precision suffixes and less common prefixes, and it shows the matching part or the closest one, with what changes. The Kaydon interchange table lists every size side by side.
What you get with a SlimPro bearing
- the same dimensions and mounting as the Kaydon part, so no redesign
- a downloadable specification sheet with dimensions, load ratings, limiting speed and tolerances
- CAD files on request
- engineering support from our team in Hudson, Ohio
Not sure which bearing you have, or replacing a bearing with no readable marking? Send us the drawing or the dimensions. Selecting a new bearing instead? Start with the SlimPro bearing selector.
Kaydon, Reali-Slim and Endurakote are trademarks of their owners and are used only to identify interchangeable parts. Potesta & Company is not affiliated with Kaydon.