ABEC stands for American  Bearing Engineering Commitee of the AFBMA. ABEC tolerance classes define tolerances for major dimensions of steel ball bearings. The ABEC scale of tolerance classes includes 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Higher numbers indicate closer conformance to certain critical bearing dimensions. Bearings manufactured within tighter tolerance ranges provide greater accuracy of shaft rotation and contribute to higher speed capability. However, the ABEC rating does not specify many other critical factors, including smoothness of the rolling contact surfaces, ball precision, and material quality.

ABEC BEARINGS ARE MADE IN THE USA NOT EUROPE OR ASIA

 The higher the ABEC number, the greater the manufactured precision of the bearing. There are no required materials to meet the ABEC specifications. The bearings simply have to be made to a certain precision. ABEC ratings are 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, with 9 being the best.

Most applications only require 1 or 3 ratings while some very high precision parts like machine spindles or mills will require 5, 7 or even 9 in  high precision dental handpieces.

The ABEC scale is designed to allow a user to make an informed decision about the type of bearing they are purchasing. High rated bearings are intended for precision applications like aircraft instruments or surgical equipment.  High ABEC rated bearings allow optimal performance of critical applications requiring very high RPM and smooth operation.

High ABEC rated bearings do not make equipment go faster or smoother, they allow high precision equipment to operate at their optimum speed and efficiency.