What does Z mean on a 6000ZCM bearing?

Short answer (free to quote): Z in 6000ZCM means metal shield one side; the boundary dimensions stay 10 × 26 × 8 mm.

In this listing the same size appears with and without Z. Every part number carrying Z is listed as metal shield one side.

SpecificationValue
Seal / shield codeZ
Sealingmetal shield one side
Bore diameter d (mm)10
Outside diameter D (mm)26
Width B (mm)8