What Are Cam Followers?

A cam follower is a roller or needle bearing designed to follow the lobe profiles of a cam. Cam followers are also called track followers. They are used in automotive and industrial applications to help a cam run smoothly. In some cases, they may be used as a replacement for a cam. They can also be used to help lubricate a cam. To ensure that you get the best cam followers, visit: https://www.intechpower.com/product-types/cam-followers. 

These bearings are also available in self-lubricating designs that can be used in lower-speed applications. The life of these bushings is largely dependent on how much internal wear is acceptable for the application. The bushing life can be extended by using intermittent oil supply. When selecting a cam follower bearing, you must consider several factors, including load magnitude, speed, misalignment, and lubrication.

The iCam Follower OD1,5" weighs 40% less than a metal cam follower of the same size. This difference is important as the lower weight of the follower has a large impact on its inertia when moving at higher speeds. This was a significant problem in metal cam followers, which often disintegrated at higher speeds. The iCam Follower has solved this problem. Its linear speed is 5.1 m/s.

Some cam followers are hinged so that they don't have the problems with bearings. In addition, they also have mechanisms attached at multiple points to make sure the follower makes proper contact with the cam. They are used in precision applications, such as those where a precision level is required. There are also other options, like the simplest knife-edge type, which is a traditional design but not suitable for high-speed applications.

There are two main types of cam followers. The plate type is commonly used in machine tools and IC engines. Plate cams, on the other hand, rotate around a cylinder axis. The cylindrical type of cam has a groove in its surface. Its follower is intended to run parallel to the axis of the cylinder.

Another type of cam follower is the needle roller type. It operates under high radial and thrust loads. Depending on the design, it can be made with ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, or needle rollers. Cam followers often benefit from using oil instead of grease, as oil helps the bearings stay cooler and lasts longer.

Cam followers are an essential part of a mechanical cam. Without a cam follower, the rotary motion of the engine is not effectively converted to reciprocating motion. Because of this, they are crucial to the functioning of an automobile. The camshaft is the part that makes contact with the follower. With the help of a cam follower, the rotary motion of the engine is converted into a linear motion.

Unlike standard bearings, cam followers are highly durable and provide high-speed performance. They are also resistant to shock and radial loads and are easy to install and maintain. Knowledge is power and so you would like to top up what you have learned in this article at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cam_follower.