IKO Bearings are high-precision components made by Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd., a Japanese company known for its innovation in the field of linear motion and needle roller bearings. IKO (short for “Innovation, Know-how, Originality”) is highly respected for its durable and compact bearing solutions, especially in demanding applications such as robotics, automation, machine tools, and aerospace.
🏢 About IKO Bearings
Company: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
Brand Name: IKO
Founded: 1950
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Specialty: Needle bearings, linear motion rolling guides, cam followers
📦 Main Types of IKO Bearings
Bearing Type Description Common Series
Needle Roller Bearings Cylindrical rollers with small diameters; high load capacity in compact design NA, RNA, TAF, TRB, GTRI
Cam Followers (Track Rollers) Stud- or yoke-type bearings that follow cam profiles CF, CR, CFE
Linear Motion Guides Bearings integrated into guide rails for smooth linear motion LWL, LWLF, LWE, ML
Spherical Bushings Self-aligning, used in oscillating movements GE, SB, PHS
Crossed Roller Bearings Handle radial, axial, and moment loads in one bearing CRB, CRBC, XSU
Rotary Table Bearings Ultra-precise for rotary positioning Turntable series
🔩 IKO Needle Roller Bearings – In Detail
Feature Description
Design Cylindrical rollers with small diameters (long relative to diameter)
Cage Options Steel, plastic, or full-complement (no cage)
Load Capacity High radial loads; minimal space
Speed Capability Moderate to high (depends on design)
Mounting Available with inner ring, without inner ring, or with drawn cup design
📌 Example: TAF253520
TAF = Needle roller bearing (full complement)
25 mm bore, 35 mm outer diameter, 20 mm width
🔧 IKO Cam Followers (e.g., CF Series)
Designed to follow cam profiles or tracks in automation equipment
Thick outer ring resists deformation under load
Types: Stud type (with threaded shaft), Eccentric type (adjustable)
Sealed for life or re-lubricatable versions available
Used in conveyors, linear tracks, and robotic joints
📐 IKO Linear Motion Bearings
Series Key Features
LWL / LWLF Miniature linear guides, ideal for compact applications
LWE Light and accurate with high load capacity
ML / MLF Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, used in clean rooms or small automation equipment
🧩 Applications of IKO Bearings
Industry Use Cases
Robotics Compact linear guides, crossed roller bearings for joints
Machine Tools Precision guideways and cam followers
Printing/Packaging Cam followers, needle bearings in moving parts
Medical Devices Clean-room capable miniature bearings
Automotive Transmission, engine components (needle bearings)
Aerospace High-load, compact bearing systems for controls and actuators
✅ Advantages of IKO Bearings
Compact size with high load rating
Long service life and reliability
Precision manufacturing for tight tolerances
Special coatings available (e.g., anti-corrosion, DLC)
Customizable designs for OEMs and special machines
