IKO (Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.) is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in high-quality precision bearings and mechanical components, with a strong focus on needle roller bearings, linear motion products, and mechatronic systems. Founded in 1950, IKO has gained global recognition for engineering innovation, compact designs, and high performance in space-constrained and high-load applications. 1. Key Bearing Types Offered by IKO IKO is especially known for its needle roller bearings, which offer high load capacity in a compact form. Major bearing types include: A. Needle Roller Bearings IKO is one of the top global manufacturers in this category. Radial Needle Roller Bearings High radial load capacity with minimal cross-section Available with/without inner rings Applications: automotive, motorcycles, industrial machines Needle Roller and Cage Assemblies Only rollers and cage, used with hardened shafts and housings Very compact and high-speed capable Needle Roller Bearings with Inner Rings Provide an integrated solution with precision ground inner rings Ideal for use where the shaft cannot be hardened Cam Followers (CF series) Stud-type bearings with needle rollers Ideal for track-following, indexing, and reciprocating motion Roller Followers (NART, NURT series) Outer ring with thicker wall for high radial loads Also used for cam and track applications B. Linear Motion Bearings IKO has a significant presence in linear guides and motion systems. Linear Way (LWL, LWH, LWHT series) Precision miniature and standard rail-and-block guides Low friction, high rigidity Linear Roller Way Uses rollers instead of balls for higher load capacity Linear Ball Spline For combined rotary and linear motion Crossed Roller Bearings High rotational accuracy and load support in all directions Ideal for robots, machine tools, and medical devices 2. Features of IKO Bearings Compact design with high load capacity Low profile and lightweight High rotational accuracy Good for high-speed operation Smooth motion and low noise Corrosion-resistant versions available 3. Applications IKO bearings are widely used in: Robotics Medical devices Semiconductor machinery Automotive transmissions and engines Machine tools Packaging equipment Conveyors and material handling 4. IKO Bearing Numbering System IKO part numbers typically include: Bearing type code (e.g., CF for Cam Follower) Size and dimensions Modifications (e.g., seal type, material, coating) Example: CF10-1UUR CF = Cam follower 10 = Shaft diameter 1 = Metric series UU = Both sides sealed R = With crowned outer ring 5. Special Technologies IKO C-Lube Bearings: Solid lubricant built into the bearing Long-term maintenance-free performance Corrosion-resistant stainless steel versions: Ideal for medical, food, and marine applications IKO Mechatronics: Integrated bearing + actuator systems Precision motion control systems (used in automation and robotics) 6. Services and Support IKO offers: Technical consultation Custom bearing solutions CAD models and catalogs Product training and application guidance IKO vs. Other Bearing Brands Feature IKO SKF Timken Known For Needle bearings, linear guides Wide range, general bearings Tapered roller bearings Specialty Miniature and precision bearings Durable, energy-efficient High-load, rugged applications Linear Motion Expertise High Moderate Limited Common in Robotics/MedTech Yes Less so Rarely