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.

Bushings: Composite vs. Metallic Self-Lubricating Bushings

Unlike most traditional bearings, bushings stand out due to the fact that they contain no rolling elements. These bearings offer unique elements not offered by their rolling element counterparts and are used to reduce friction within an application. Common applications for bushings include pumps, food applications such as bakery ovens and bottling plants, as well as in mixers, oil pumps, meters, and more. Common names for bushings include solid, sleeve, journal, or plain bearings.

Composite Self-Lubricating Bushings
Because of the lubrication involved with these bearings, composite bushings will be able to stand up to the highest temperatures and are able to withstand heavy loads. These bushings have resistance to wear, impressive strength, stability within various elements such as water and chemicals, are easily machines, are low maintenance, and have a shock load resistance.

Metallic Self-Lubricating Bushings
There are many pros when it comes to choosing metallic self-lubricating bushings, such as their massive strength due to the metal backing and solid lubricants. This metal proves tough and can carry a high load capacity, has good fatigue properties and stability, and provides low-friction movements. You can also re-machine this bearing for tighter tolerance control. Certain types of metallic self-lubricating bushings can also be used under high temperatures, corrosive and chemical environments, and may also be used under intense pressure.

In the end the type of bushing you choose is relative to what design you are looking for and what application will benefit most from which bushing. Both are great choices.  At VNC, we know bearings.

We look forward to partnering with you to provide high quality bushings and bearings. Our bushing are produced using only the best materials and adhere to strict quality standards. VNC Bearings can supply a bearing for whatever your needs and provide the best quality-to-cost ratio in the industry. Trust your bushings with VNC and call today at 800.862.3211.