Japan combines dense precision-machine-tool production with semiconductor, electronics, printing, food-packaging and robotics equipment. In these machines a cam follower is often a small component with a large effect on motion quality, so replacement work should begin with geometry and operating duty rather than the old code alone.
Where EP-KR / EP-KRV is most relevant in Japan
Semiconductor & electronics equipment
Wafer handling, IC pick-and-place, inspection and compact actuator mechanisms commonly favor small, low-inertia followers. EP-KR13 through EP-KR22 are the first dimensions to investigate for compact layouts.
Precision machine tools & ATC
Cam mechanisms, tool changers and machining-center auxiliaries place more emphasis on stiffness, track contact and repeatable positioning. Larger EP-KR sizes are often more relevant as the load and stud interface grow.
Printing machinery
High-cycle cam motion makes rotational smoothness, lubrication retention and mating-track condition important during maintenance and replacement.
Food & packaging machinery
Where washdown, food-contact-zone restrictions or special lubricants matter, state the cleaning regime and lubricant requirement before an EP-KR / EP-KRV configuration is confirmed.
Robotics & compact automation
SCARA, collaborative-robot auxiliaries and linear modules often reward compact geometry and low moving mass. EP-KR13 through EP-KR35 is a practical range to screen first.
Model ranges to screen first
The ranges below are practical starting points for the application types above. Final selection still depends on the actual radial load, outer-ring contact, stud mounting, speed and lubrication condition.
| Application / buyer task | Useful starting range | Why this range is worth checking |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor / electronics handling | EP-KR13 / EP-KRV13 to EP-KR22 / EP-KRV22 | 13–22 mm outer diameter; the series table lists speed references from 29,000 rpm at EP-KR13 to 17,000 rpm at EP-KR22. |
| Industrial robots & compact automation | EP-KR13 to EP-KR35 | Compact size and lower rotational inertia are useful starting priorities for small mechanisms. |
| Printing machinery | EP-KR22 to EP-KR52 | A broader mid-size range for repeated cam motion where noise, lubrication and track condition matter. |
| Machine tools / ATC mechanisms | EP-KR47 to EP-KR90 | Larger sizes are the better place to start when stiffness and higher radial load dominate the mechanism. |
Japanese replacement drawings: what to confirm
If the machine uses an IKO CF, NSK or another Japanese reference, send the full marking and a photo. The code is a search key, not proof of interchangeability.
Confirm outer diameter, outer-ring width, stud thread, shoulder geometry and the available mounting envelope. Japanese machine drawings are commonly very dimension-specific.
If the drawing cites JIS-oriented notation or a customer standard, include that page in the RFQ. We will compare the requested interface without claiming a standard class that is not documented for the ordered bearing.
For semiconductor, food or clean-sensitive equipment, state lubricant restrictions, cleaning chemicals and whether a sealed/grease-retaining configuration is required.
Send a Japan track-bearing enquiry
Send the complete old marking, measured outside diameter and stud thread, quantity, machine function and any clean-environment or lubricant restriction. These details help separate a compact-size match from a configuration question.