About IKO Bearing

The company was founded in 1950 by the Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan.

The company’s original name was “IKO Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.”, which stood for “Innovation, Know-how, and Originality.” From the start, the company was focused on creating bearing products that were both reliable and efficient. In 1955, IKO became the first company in Japan to produce needle roller bearings.

Over the years, IKO has continued to expand its product offerings, developing new  bearing technologies and solutions. In 1973, the company introduced its linear motion systems, which are used in a range of applications, including semiconductor manufacturing, medical equipment, and robotics.

In 1986, IKO established its first overseas manufacturing facility in Canada, followed by other facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. These facilities allowed the company to better serve its customers worldwide and expand its global presence.

Today, IKO is a leading manufacturer of bearings and linear motion systems, with a wide range of products designed for use in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and robotics. The company remains committed to innovation, developing new solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers around the world.

IKO Products

Some of the products produced by IKO include:

Crossed Roller Bearings

CRB bearings are also known as Crossed Roller Bearings. IKO CRB bearings are a high rigidity crossed roller bearing design featuring solid, one-piece construction for high accuracy.

IKO CRB bearings have an inseparable design that integrates inner and outer rings into one structure for high rigidity.

Smooth rotation due to separators which separate cylindrical rollers becoming suitable for high rotational speeds.

Shaft diameters range from 20 to 300 mm.

Needle roller bearings: Cam followers

IKO Shell Type needle roller bearings are low profile,  lightweight, streamlined profile bearings which handle heavy loads and or high speeds.

IKO offers both Caged and full complement types of shell style bearings 

IKO CAM FOLLOWERS  are designed to follow the motion of a cam in a machine, and are used in various applications, such as packaging equipment, printing presses, and conveyor systems.

IKO needle roller cam follower

Linear motion rolling guides: These are used in applications that require precise linear motion, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, medical devices, and machine tools.

IKO linear guide rail with carriage

Mechatronics products: These products including linear motion tables combine mechanical components with electronic control systems to provide high-precision motion control in various applications.

IKO Linear Motion Table

Spherical plain bearings: These bearings are designed to accommodate misalignment and provide smooth rotation in applications such as agricultural equipment, construction machinery, and robotics.

IKO Spherical Plain Bearing

IKO bearings are known for their high precision, high quality, and reliability, making them popular in a wide range of industries.

FAQ

Who is the IKO Bearing Company?

IKO Bearing is a bearing and linear-motion brand known for quality and value. It produces products such as crossed roller bearings, needle bearings (including shell type), and cam followers, and it also offers linear motion systems like linear guides and motion tables used in industrial applications.

Who founded the IKO Bearing Company, and when?

IKO was founded in 1950 by Nippon Thomson Co., Ltd. The company began in Tokyo, Japan, and is presented as an early producer of needle roller bearings, expanding later into bearings and linear motion systems.

What does the “IKO” Bearing Company Name mean?

“IKO” stands for Innovation, Know-how, and Originality. This phrase is used as the brand’s meaning and appears as part of IKO’s identity.

What bearing products does IKO manufacture?

IKO’s products listed on the page include:

• Crossed roller bearings (CRB)
• Needle roller bearings (including shell type)
• Cam followers
• Linear motion rolling guides / linear guide rails
• Mechatronics products (including linear motion tables)
• Spherical plain bearings
  

What are IKO crossed roller bearings (CRB)?

IKO crossed roller bearings (CRB) are described as high-rigidity bearings with solid, one-piece construction for high accuracy. IKO CRB Cross roller bearings feature an inseparable design that integrates the inner and outer rings into one structure to increase rigidity.

What shaft diameter range is listed for IKO CRB bearings?

 IKO cross roller bearings cover shaft diameters from 20 to 300 mm. For selection, the exact option depends on the specific CRB series and application requirements.

Why are IKO CRB bearings described as suitable for high rotational speeds?

IKO CRB bearings feature smooth rotation due to the  separators that provide space for the  cylindrical rollers.This design can make the bearing suitable for high rotational speeds. Exact speed limits depend on the specific bearing series and operating conditions.

What are IKO shell type needle roller bearings?

IKO shell type needle roller bearings are described as low-profile, lightweight, and streamlined. IKO can handle heavy loads and high speeds, and notes IKO offers both caged and full complement shell style bearings.

What are IKO cam followers used for?

IKO cam followers are bearings designed to follow the motion of a cam in a machine. The page lists examples such as packaging equipment, printing presses, and conveyor systems. The best choice depends on the cam motion, load, speed, and mounting constraints.

What are IKO linear motion rolling guides used for?

IKO linear motion rolling guides are described as being used where precise linear motion is required. Examples include semiconductor manufacturing equipment, medical devices, and machine tools. Specific selection depends on load, travel accuracy, and system design.

What are IKO spherical plain bearings used for?

 IKO spherical plain bearings are designed to accommodate angular misalignment and provide smooth rotation. Applications include agricultural equipment, construction machinery, and robots. Suitability depends on the load and misalignment present in the application.

Is IKO distributed by PIB Sales (Pacific International Bearing Sales Inc.)?

IKO is a trusted bearing brand and is distributed by Pacific International Bearing Sales Inc. If you’re sourcing a specific IKO product, availability and lead time depend on the part type and configuration.Visit PIB at www.pibsales.com.

How long do IKO bearings last?

In practice, bearing life depends on load, speed, lubrication, alignment/misalignment, and the operating environment. Matching the bearing type and design to the application is key to improving expected life.

What if I’m not sure which IKO product line fits my application?

Start with the basic requirements:

• Rotational load + high rigidity/accuracy: look at CRB
• Cam-driven motion: consider cam followers
• Precise linear motion: consider linear motion rolling guides
  Then narrow by size and constraints (load, speed, space). The “right” answer depends on those factors.

How much do IKO bearings cost?

In general, cost depends on the product type (e.g., CRB vs cam follower), size, and specification. For an accurate quote, you’ll need the exact part number or contact PIB at [email protected].