Home > 6801 Deep Groove Ball Bearing 12x21x5mm

6801 Deep Groove Ball Bearing 12x21x5mm

When a 12mm shaft must fit within a 21mm OD housing, the 6801 bearing is the thinnest option in its bore class. At 12x21x5mm, it saves 3mm OD and 1mm width versus a 6901 bearing (12x24x6mm), trading load capacity for the smallest possible envelope. This page covers the 6801 bearing specifications, sealing options, speed capabilities, and the design decisions that justify choosing it over wider 12mm-bore alternatives.

Key Specifications

Configurations: Open, ZZ (metal shields), or 2RS (rubber contact seals).
Dynamic Load: 1.92 kN. Static Load: 1.04 kN. Speed: 36,000 RPM (open/ZZ), 28,000 RPM (2RS).
Load Direction: Radial plus moderate bidirectional axial, up to 10-20 percent of radial rating.
Temperature: -20 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius standard; to 150 degrees Celsius with high-temperature grease.
Precision: ABEC-1 standard; ABEC-3 available for tighter runout control.

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6801 Deep Groove Ball Bearing 12x21x5mm

Model	6801
Bore (d)	12 mm
OD (D)	21 mm
Width (B)	5 mm
Type	Open / Shielded / Sealed
ABEC	ABEC-1 / ABEC-3
Dynamic Load	1.92 kN
Static Load	1.04 kN
Max Speed	36,000 RPM (open/ZZ)

The 6801 bearing is a thin-section deep groove ball bearing with 12mm bore, 21mm OD, and 5mm width. Available in open, ZZ (metal shields), and 2RS (rubber seals) configurations. At 1.92 kN dynamic load and 36,000 RPM in open/ZZ configuration, it is the fastest 12mm-bore bearing in its class. The 2RS sealed variant derates to approximately 1.47 kN and 22,000 RPM for contaminated environments.

Bore x OD x Width

12 x 21 x 5 mm

Dynamic Load Cr

1.92 kN

Static Load Cor

1.04 kN

Max Speed

36,000 RPM

Sealing

Open / ZZ / 2RS

Precision

ABEC-1 / ABEC-3

Shielding and Lubrication

Three sealing configurations serve different environments. Open 6801 bearings run at 36,000 RPM with no seal friction, requiring external lubrication and a clean housing. ZZ bearings use non-contact SPCC steel shields pressed into the outer ring on both sides; they retain factory grease without adding drag, preserving the full speed rating. 2RS bearings use nitrile rubber (NBR) lip seals that press against the inner ring, blocking moisture and fine dust at the cost of friction, lowering the speed ceiling to approximately 22,000 RPM.

At 5mm width, the 6801 bearing carries a small grease reservoir. For applications running above 30,000 RPM such as dental turbines and high-speed spindles, open or ZZ configurations are the correct choice. The 2RS sealed configuration extends service intervals in wet or dusty environments but imposes a 14,000 RPM speed penalty versus the open variant.

Performance

Within the 12mm-bore bearing family, the 6801 bearing is the thinnest-section option. The 6901 bearing (12x24x6mm) reaches 2.89 kN dynamic load, a 50 percent increase, at the cost of 3mm additional OD and 1mm width. The 6001 bearing (12x28x8mm) delivers 5.10 kN but adds 7mm OD and 3mm width. The 6801 bearing trades load capacity for minimum envelope: 1.92 kN dynamic and 1.04 kN static in open or ZZ configurations. At 36,000 RPM, it is the fastest bearing in the 12mm-bore class.

OEM and Customization

Yuanhe manufactures 6801 bearings to customer specifications. Custom internal clearance grades C2, CN, and C3 are available for volume orders. Low-noise grease fills (V2 or V3 vibration class) support quiet-operation requirements in medical handpieces and precision instruments. ABEC-5 and ABEC-7 precision grades are available for dental turbine spindles and optical encoder applications. 440C stainless steel rings and balls provide corrosion resistance. Standard OEM lead time is 7 to 15 days. Send bearing dimensions or part number requirements to contact Yuanhe for a quote.

Applications

Dental handpieces and medical instrument spindles

Hobby servo motors and small drone propulsion

Precision measuring equipment and encoders

Miniature pumps and fluid handling systems

Office equipment cooling fans

Laboratory centrifuge rotors

Micro-motors and compact actuators

Optical inspection equipment spindles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ZZ mean on a 6801 bearing? +

ZZ indicates double metal shields (SPCC steel) pressed into the outer ring on both sides. These non-contact shields retain factory grease and block larger particles while adding zero friction. The 6801 ZZ bearing reaches the full 36,000 RPM speed rating, making it the right choice for clean, high-speed applications such as dental turbines and precision spindles.

When should I choose a 6801 bearing over a 6901 bearing? +

Specify the 6801 bearing when the housing radial space is capped at 21mm OD or the width budget is under 6mm. The 6901 bearing requires 24mm OD and 6mm width. The 6801 bearing saves 3mm in diameter and 1mm in width, fitting into dental handpiece heads, compact servo housings, and miniature pump bodies. If space permits 24mm OD, the 6901 bearing delivers 50 percent more dynamic load capacity.

How should I lubricate a 6801 bearing for high-speed operation? +

For open 6801 bearings running above 30,000 RPM, use a low-viscosity synthetic oil rather than grease. Grease churning at high speed generates heat that degrades the lubricant and reduces bearing life. A light spindle oil with ISO VG 10 to 22 viscosity provides adequate film strength without excessive drag. ZZ and 2RS configurations are factory-greased and should not be relubricated unless the manufacturer specifies a maintenance interval.

Can I order 6801 bearings with ABEC-5 or higher precision? +

Yes. Yuanhe offers 6801 bearings in ABEC-3, ABEC-5, and ABEC-7 precision grades. ABEC-5 is specified for dental turbine spindles and precision instrument shafts. ABEC-7 provides the tightest tolerances for laboratory centrifuge and optical encoder applications. Higher precision grades carry longer lead times of 15 to 25 days. Contact Yuanhe with your runout and noise specifications.