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IKO Linear Roller Ways

IKO Linear Roller Ways are high-rigidity linear motion rolling guides that use cylindrical rollers instead of balls as rolling elements. By adopting rollers, IKO Linear Roller Ways achieve significantly higher load capacity, rigidity, damping performance, accuracy, and service life compared to ball-type linear guides. These characteristics make IKO Linear Roller Ways ideal for machine tools and precision manufacturing equipment where high accuracy, high rigidity, and long-term stability are required.

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Origins of IKO Linear Roller Way Technology

In 1956, IKO became the first company in Japan to commercialize needle roller bearings, which primarily support rotational motion in automobiles, motorcycles, and industrial robots. Building on the design know-how and manufacturing technology gained through needle roller bearing development, IKO began full-scale research and development of linear motion rolling guides for machine tools, often referred to as the “mother of industry.”

  • 1978: Development of IKO ball-type linear ways

  • 1983: Successful development of the world’s first linear roller way, using rollers instead of balls

  • 1990s: Introduction of Super X, taking linear roller way performance to a higher level

 

This technological evolution opened new possibilities for linear motion rolling guides and contributed to improving the performance and precision of machine tools worldwide.

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Why Linear Roller Ways?

Ball Type vs Roller Type Linear Guides

Linear Roller Ways use line contact between rollers and raceways, while ball-type linear guides use point contact.
This fundamental difference results in clear performance advantages.

Key advantages of roller-type linear guides:

  • Higher load capacity

  • Greater rigidity

  • Improved vibration damping

  • Higher machining accuracy

  • Longer service life

  • Lower noise and smoother motion

As a result, Linear Roller Ways are increasingly adopted in industries requiring extreme precision and stability.

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Super X: Advanced Linear Roller Way Technology

IKO Super X Linear Roller Way represents a major advancement in roller-type linear guide performance.
Super X delivers seven key advantages that directly contribute to higher machining quality and equipment performance.

1. Increased Load Capacity

A larger contact area in the loading zone increases load rating while maintaining compact size.

 

2. Higher Rigidity

Improved rigidity of the rolling elements reduces displacement in machine tools, helping maintain high machining accuracy over long periods.

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3. Improved Vibration Damping

Minimized vibration during machining enables precise and high-quality surface finishes.

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4. Low Friction and Smooth Tracking

A low friction coefficient improves motion tracking performance and reduces the load on drive components.

 

5. Long Service Life

Line contact between rollers and raceways reduces wear, contributing to long-term stable accuracy.

 

6. Reduced Micro-Vibration

Special machining of the raceway surface suppresses micro-vibrations to the utmost limit, improving dimensional stability and surface finish accuracy.

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7. Low Noise Operation

Optimized roller circulation structure suppresses high-frequency noise, reducing operator strain and improving the working environment.

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Maintenance-Free Technology: C-Lube

In 2002, IKO introduced the C-Lube maintenance-free series, eliminating the need for routine lubrication maintenance. This innovation addressed one of the major challenges faced by users of linear ways—regular lubrication work.

Benefits of C-Lube technology include:

  • No routine relubrication required (5 years or 20,000 km)

  • Reduced maintenance labor and downtime

  • Lower overall lubricant consumption

  • Reduced environmental impact

Today, maintenance-free functionality has become a core added value of IKO Linear Roller Ways.

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Advanced Lubrication Innovation

In 2020, IKO introduced the world’s first liquid crystal lubricated linear roller way, using a non-evaporating liquid crystal lubricant instead of conventional lubrication oil. This breakthrough demonstrates IKO’s ongoing commitment to advanced technological development and higher linear guide performance.

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Supporting Advanced Manufacturing Industries

Linear motion rolling guides have largely replaced traditional sliding guide systems in machine tools due to:

  • Comparable or superior precision

  • Simplified assembly

  • Support for compact and lightweight machine designs

As demands for higher accuracy continue to grow in automotive, electronics, and precision component manufacturing, IKO Linear Roller Ways provide the rigidity, accuracy, speed, and reliability required for next-generation machine tools.

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Typical Applications

IKO Linear Roller Ways are widely used in:

  • Machine tools

  • Precision machining centers

  • Automotive component manufacturing

  • Electronics and semiconductor equipment

  • High-rigidity automation systems

 

Commitment to the Future

IKO remains committed to working closely with customers to solve manufacturing challenges while continuously advancing linear motion technology. Our pursuit of higher performance, reliability, and sustainability in Linear Roller Ways will continue—unchanged.

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