What Are Cam Followers And How Do They Aid Bearing Solutions?

A cam follower, or track follower, is a type of bearing that comes in two parts. The first part is the cam, a mechanical pierce that slides or rotates in a specific motion. The second part is the follower, a traveling component that moves along the cam’s surface. This bearing is highly versatile and can be used for all different types of machinery, including vehicles and pumps.

The application of cam followers is part of the reason this bearing is so unique. While there are differences in cam followers, the typical bearing is made in a cylindrical roller fashion and is attached to its machine component using a hexagonal nut. This unit is often mounted to its mate using either a yoke or stud style cam follower. This bearing makes for a quick, simple, and convenient attachment.

Cam followers are designed to recreate specific motions and contain anti-friction elements that allows them to take on high radial loads. One of the upsides of using cam followers is that they are able to evenly distribute loads while reducing distortion and absorbing shock through their thick outer rings. Variations of this roller bearing allows for high speeds but decreased loads, and may allow the bearing to hold more lubrication over a longer period of time. This ensures your bearings stay smooth, operate fluidly, and stay free of harmful debris and road salts that can cause decay in your bearings.

Need help selecting a particular bearing for your application? At VNC bearings, we know our cam followers. Already know what you need? Visit our online catalog of Cam Followers, or contact us at 800-862-3211 for more information on how to best use cam followers and get the best life out of your bearings.