A crossed roller bearing is a type of high-precision rolling-element bearing. it uses cylindrical rollers or tapered rollers arranged alternately at right angles (in a “cross” pattern) between an inner and outer ring. This unique design enables the bearing to support radial loads, axial loads in both directions, and overturning (moment) loads — all with a single, compact bearing.
There are some famous manufacturers in the world to produce crossed roller bearings. In this blog you can can know them for reference.
Before start the blog, we want to introduce us as a professional supplier of crossed roller bearings in China. If you need high quality from Chinese manufacturers, do not hesitate to contact us.
1. THK
Founded: 1971
Country: Japan
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
History: THK Co., Ltd. pioneered the development of Linear Motion (LM) Guides, introducing the world’s first linear motion system in 1972. The company’s name stands for “Toughness, High Quality, and Know-how.” THK has grown into a global leader in linear motion technology, with subsidiaries in the USA, Europe, and Asia (e.g., THK India, established 2003).
Products: LM Guides (HSR, SR series), ball screws, cross roller rings, linear actuators, seismic isolation systems.
THK crossed roller bearing Series: RB, RE, RU, RA (ultra-thin), XR/J.
Applications: Robotics, precision rotary tables, medical equipment, semiconductor machinery, humanoid robots.
2. IKO (Nippon Thompson, Japan)
Founded: 1950
Country: Japan
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
History: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. (IKO) was established in 1950, becoming a pioneer in needle roller bearings. It introduced linear motion rolling guides in the 1980s, expanding its portfolio to compete with THK. IKO operates globally, with strong markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
IKO Crossed roller bearing Series: CRB, CRBH, CRBS (ultra-thin), CRBC (caged), and others.
Applications: Robotics (including humanoid robots), machine tools, medical equipment, semiconductor systems, precision stages.
3. INA (Schaeffler Group, Germany)
Founded: 1946 (Schaeffler Group), 1883 (FAG), 1949 (INA)
Country: Germany
Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany
History: Schaeffler Group unites FAG (founded 1883 by Friedrich Fischer, inventor of the ball grinding machine) and INA (founded 1949 by Wilhelm Schaeffler). It acquired FAG in 2001, becoming a global leader in bearings and linear systems.
INA crossed roller bearing series: XSU, XU, XV (often under the INA brand, but FAG shares technology and manufacturing).
Applications: Rotary tables, industrial robots, machine tool spindles, measuring equipment.
4. EZO (KITANIHONSEIKI CO.,LTD.)
Founded: 1969
Country: Japan
Headquarters: Kamiashibetsu-cho, Ashibetsu, Hokkaido 079-1397
History: Kitanihon Seiki Co., Ltd. started as a precision bearing manufacturer, focusing on miniature and small-sized bearings under the EZO brand. It serves niche markets like electronics and medical devices.
EZO crossed roller bearings series: Thin-section crossed roller bearings, available in small sizes for robotics, medical devices, optical instruments, and automation.
Applications: Robotics joints, medical devices, measuring equipment, and compact actuators.
5. KAYDON (USA, a division of SKF)
Founded: 1941
Country: USA
Headquarters: Muskegon, Michigan, USA
History: Kaydon Corporation specialized in thin-section and slewing ring bearings before being acquired by SKF in 2013. It focuses on high-precision applications.
KAYDON crossed roller bearing series: Reali-Slim® crossed roller bearings.
Applications: Robotics, medical imaging (CT/MRI gantries), aerospace, defense, and industrial automation.
6. TIMKEN (USA)
Founded: 1899
Country: United States
Headquarters: North Canton, Ohio, USA
History: The Timken Company was founded by Henry Timken, who patented the tapered roller bearing in 1898, revolutionizing load-bearing technology for carriages and later automotive and industrial applications. Timken grew into a global leader in bearings and power transmission products, acquiring brands like Torrington (2003) and Fafnir (1985) to expand its portfolio. With over 125 years of history, Timken operates in 42 countries, with manufacturing facilities in the USA, China, India, and Europe, and serves industries like automotive, aerospace, rail, and heavy machinery.
TIMKEN crossed roller bearing series: XR series tapered roller.
Applications: Aerospace, heavy equipment, robotics, machine tools, defense.
7. HIWIN (Taiwan)
Founded: 1989
Country: Taiwan
Headquarters: Taichung, Taiwan
History: Hiwin Technologies Corp. was founded by Eric Y.T. Chuo in 1989, focusing on linear motion and control systems. The name “Hiwin” stands for “High Win,” reflecting its aim for high-quality precision engineering. Starting with ball screws, Hiwin expanded into linear guideways and actuators, becoming a major player in automation and robotics. It established global subsidiaries, including Hiwin USA (1993) and Hiwin Japan (1997), and has manufacturing facilities in Taiwan, Germany, Japan, and the USA.
HIWIN crossed roller bearing series: CRB, CRBF (crossed roller bearings and crossed roller bearing flanges).
Applications: Automation, semiconductor manufacturing, precision rotary tables, and robotics.
8. SKF (Sweden)
Founded: 1907
Country: Sweden
Headquarters: Gothenburg, Sweden
History: SKF (Svenska Kullagerfabriken) was founded by Sven Wingquist, who invented the self-aligning ball bearing in 1907. SKF grew into the world’s largest bearing manufacturer, with over 20,000 bearing types. It acquired Kaydon Corporation in 2013, expanding its thin-section and slewing bearing portfolio. SKF operates in 130 countries, with manufacturing in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
SKF crossed roller bearing series: Crossed roller bearings and slewing rings (often custom-engineered for specific OEM applications).
Applications: Robotics, wind turbines, medical machinery, industrial automation.
9. CW Bearing (China/Germany)
Founded: 1986
Country: China
Headquarters: Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
History: Cixing Group Co., Ltd. (CW Bearing) was established in 1984, focusing on ball bearings for automotive and industrial applications. It serves OEM markets, particularly in Asia. CW Bearing has grown through partnerships with European and American distributors, emphasizing cost-effective solutions.
CW crossed roller bearing series: They design and produce crossed roller bearings for robots and humanoid robot.
Applications: Robotics, direct drive motors, machine tools, and industrial automation.
Actually now there are also some professional cross roller bearing manufacturers in China. ZMS is a professional supplier of this type. If you need the price and try to get sample for quality checking, please contact us freely.
