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.

The Differences Between Ball Bearing Types

Bearings allow certain devices to spin or roll, reducing friction between the spinning and still surfaces. These devices allow constrained “rolling” motions and are essential to tires and basically any device that moves or rolls. There are four main types of ball bearings: radial, self-aligning, miniature precision, and inserts, with each variation serving a different purpose. If you’ve ever wondered what these different types are all about, prepare to be enlightened.

Radial - As one of the most popular types of ball bearings, the Radial bearing is built with an inner and outer ring, as well as precision balls. The deep-grooved build of radial ball bearings allow for higher rotation speeds and are able to support high radial and thrust loads.

Self-Aligning - Self-aligning bearings contain a double row of balls and can be produced with either tapered or straight bores. This bearing is created with the least amount of friction. Self-aligning bearings are generally used when there is a misalignment from shaft deflection, assembly errors, or mounting. This bearing will correctly realign without creating stress, and allows bearings to operate at higher rotational speeds.

Miniature Precision - This bearing is aptly named, as these small gems are used for precision jobs. This bearing has an internal diameter smaller than 3/8 inches, or 9.525 mm and are able to operate at extremely high speeds. Miniature ball bearings are useful in devices where space is limited.

Insert - For specific applications you’ll want to look into insert ball bearings. These feature an inner ring to provide shaft support. Insert bearings, sometimes referred to as “Y-bearings”, are fixed into a locked position and work wonderfully for easy replacements. This bearing is built as a unit, or as a single piece and are designed for easy and quick mounting.