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To fully understand the purpose of a cam follower, users must first understand how a cam functions. A cam is a rotating or sliding mechanical part of a linkage that helps transform rotary motion into linear motion. More specifically, a cam is usually part of a rotating wheel or shaft that strikes a lever once, or even more, on its circular path.
A cam follower — also known as a track follower — comes into sliding or rolling contact with a rotating cam and is given motion by it. These roller bearings are often used on conveyors and process transfer lines — such as those employed in the food and beverage, plastics, packaging, power generation, wastewater treatment, glass, defense, and aircraft industries, in which maintainability and system reliability are key design considerations.
The ideal type of cam follower for a specific application will depend on several factors, including the operating environment, the speed of operation and maintenance, and the accessibility of the installation. Cam followers are available in a variety of configurations, which differ in relation to how the components mount to their mating parts. Common types of cam followers include anti-friction, drive, and eccentric. The two main types of cam followers, however, are stud types and yoke types.
Stud-Style Vs. Yoke-Style Cam Followers
Stud-style cam followers usually feature standard-sized studs, but heavy studs are available for conditions involving high loads and heavy shock, and in situations with low deflection. Yoke-type cam followers, on the other hand, have a hole through the middle and are usually used in applications requiring minimal deflection, as these followers can be supported on both sides.
Yoke styles can support the same static load as heavy stud followers. Stud-type cam followers typically provide more versatility than their yoke-style counterparts, however. In certain situations, stud types only require a mounting hole in a support, housing, or frame. These followers are designed with materials and finishes that help ensure minimal friction.
Yoke-type cam followers are typically very cost-efficient and serve as an easily mounted solution. Known for their accuracy, these bearings can mount in multiples with distributed load sharing. As with stud types, yoke-type cam followers are constructed with materials and finishes designed to minimize friction. Both styles come with a corrosion-resistant finish on their external surfaces.
Features and Benefits of Cam Followers
Cam followers offer some unique benefits. These versatile components are precision-machined, which means that they offer superior noise elimination and help ensure low rolling resistance and dampened vibrations and shocks. Depending on how accurately cam followers are constructed, they can reduce machinery noise levels by up to 10 decibels. The more precise the construction, the quieter the operation. Sound waves can often be attenuated through the use of acoustical insulation as well.
Additionally, cam followers only need to be lubricated once throughout their entire lifespan — ensuring high performance and reducing overall costs and maintenance needs. And versatility is unparalleled, as long-lasting bearings can be customized to suit any specific industrial need. Finally, cam follower bearings always distribute evenly, regardless of the particular configuration of the unit.
The Value of Cam Followers
Thanks to their many unique benefits, cam followers serve as reliable, high-performing bearing solutions in a vast range of applications. These components play a critical role in many industrial operations and offer optimal noise reduction, ease of maintenance, great versatility, and stable, reliable performance.
To ensure that you choose the right type of cam follower for your specific application, be sure to partner with a trustworthy supplier who can guide you through each step of the product selection process.
Image Credit: Vasyl S/Shutterstock.com
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