Recently, one of my client asked me how to choose ABEC ratings, and which one is suitable for his machine .Maybe there are many guys also want to know something about it. Here are some simple introduction following my dig out.
First of all,the question is WHAT ARE ABEC RATING？
The ABEC scale is an industry accepted standard for the tolerances of a ball bearing. It was developed by the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA). There are five classes, going from widest tolerances to tightest: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Higher ABEC classes provide better precision, efficiency, and greater speed capabilities, but do not necessarily mean that the bearing can spin faster. Additionally, the ABEC rating does not specify many other critical factors, such as smoothness of the rolling contact surfaces, ball precision, and material quality.
For example,are there any difference between ABEC 5 and ABEC 7? The difference roughly as follows
ABEC 5 bearings are cheaper than ABEC 7.
ABEC 5 bearings allow for lesser friction while ABEC 7 bearings almost give the skater a ‘frictionless’ cruise.
ABEC 7 bearings are manufactured with stricter tolerance and are more precise than ABEC 5 bearings.
There is a table that is very informative.It is for each of the 4 ABECs. Here listed the max number of rpm's each is meant to safely work at and a standard equivalent:
ABEC 1 less than 25,000 rpm
ABEC 3 less than 32,500 rpm
ABEC 5 less than 37,000 rpm
ABEC 7 less than 43,000 rpm
ABEC 1 = ISO 0 (or "normal") = DIN P0
ABEC 3 = ISO Class 6 = DIN P6
ABEC 5 = ISO Class 5 = DIN P5
ABEC 7 = ISO Class 4 = DIN P4
ABEC 9 = ISO Class 2 = DIN P2
ABEC 9 is coming out as an update but it is more expensive for skateboard geekers. RobotDigg has ABEC 1, ABEC 5 n ABEC 7 ball bearings for applications 3d printer builds, cnc, skateboard, etc.
