Knowledge of Cam Follower

A cam follower is a type of bearing typically used to replicate a specific motion. In a cam and follower system, the cam is a mechanical element often in the form of a flat piece of metal tooled into an oblong shape that rotates or slides. The follower travels along the surface of the cam, tracking the shape by its edge and translating that shape into a movement pattern. The cam follower operates on a very simple principle and can be applied to a wide number of tasks, because although it is basic, it is also highly versatile. Cam follower systems are used in a wide variety of devices, including motor vehicles, moving lawn ornaments, and pumping devices.

There are a number of different types of cam followers, each of which can support different amounts of force and speed applied by the cam. One of the most common types is the needle roller, which contains long, sometimes pointed bearings; these anti-friction elements inside the cam follower allow it to move smoothly and support heavier loads. Another type, the caged roller, is similar, but the needles are separated by a cage; this allows for more lubrication and operation a higher speed, but it cannot support as high a load.

Most cams are made in simple shapes designed to create basic motions — the more complex the shape of the cam, the harder the follower must work to translate it. Many cam follower systems take the shape of a teardrop or have a single jagged inset to create a specific motion. The follower systems used on motor vehicles to control the pistons, for example, usually have a teardrop shape that causes a sharp upward motion, or displacement, as the follower reaches the apex of the teardrop, causing the attached piston to fire.

A Stud Type Cam Follower is usually has a standard sized stud, but heavier studs are available to handle increased static loads. This is as opposed to “Yoke type” cam follower which has a hole through the middle and is usually used in applications where minimal deflection is necessary.

Changzhou Zhihua Bearings Co., Ltd has a wide variety of cam follower roller bearing products in its interactive online catalog. If you need help in selecting the best products for your particular application, please remember that design engineering and application assistance are available from Zhihua as part of our value-added services designed to make your job easier.

For further information on our extensive range of Zhihua cam followers, please contact us: http://www.czhbearing.com/

Phone:+86-519--86382158 Mobil:+86-015295162034

E-mail: info@czhbearing.com

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