Medical grade accuracy compared to ABEC
Rx sets the standard for medically manufactured tolerance levels suitable for skateboarding. Our continuous research and development into the composition of long-lasting lubricants, ceramics, special tough retaining materials and ultra-high precision machining make Rx Bearings the most technologically advanced skateboard bearings available.
So what is the ABEC grading system and how does it fit into the Medical Grade Accuracy (MGP) tolerance levels.
The scale ABEC is an industry standard for the tolerances of ball bearing dimensions. The Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) developed the ABEC scaling rating system. The system provides bearing manufacturers with dimensional specifications that meet established standards for precision bearings in a specified class. There are five classes: ABEC-1, ABEC-3, ABEC-5, ABEC-7, and ABEC-9.
The scale functions as a guide for consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing bearings and for manufacturers who produce equipment requiring bearings; for example, skateboard wheels and trucks. The ABEC scale will help ensure that the bearings fit the wheel perfectly. However, the ABEC system does not take into account factors related to materials, manufacturing and performance.
The ABEC rating is an industry classification that mainly covers the tolerances of the inner ring and outer ring dimensions. The ABEC grades are -1, -3, -5, -7, and -9, with ABEC-1 being the "lowest" grade and ABEC-9 being the "highest" grade.
Higher ABEC classes offer better accuracy, efficiency, and the possibility of higher speed capabilities. Yet the ABEC rating does not specify many critical parameters, such as ball accuracy, raceway polish, loading capacities, material composition, material hardness, noise, vibration, and lubrication.
This lack of bearing specification information is the reason why standards compliance MGP is paramount. For the parameters we measure, our bearings meet ABEC tolerances, but more importantly, we understand the critical parameters required for skateboarding that are not covered by the ABEC rating.
The parameters we control are much more critical than the ABEC parameters above.
- Design
- Permissible Ball Diameter Variation
- Indoor and outdoor races
- Material composition
- Noise
- Lubrication
