The smooth operation of any industry depends on the seamless operation and advancement of its machinery. A cam follower is one of these machines’ essential and effective parts that help control precise movement in these machinery. The significance of cam followers can be gauged by their utilisation in mechanical engineering, and machinery like internal combustion engines, diesel fuel pumps, lathe machines, etc.
Cam followers play a vital role in various mechanical systems like automobiles and textile machinery for accurate motion control, reducing friction and wear in production lines, enhancing efficiency in systems such as conveyors, and increasing durability in construction and mining equipment.
A cam is a specifically designed rotating component and a cam follower is an element that internally connects to the cam and works together to convert rotary motion (spinning) into linear motion (straight movement).
- Cam: A rotating or sliding component with a specific shape that spins/slides around a fixed axis and controls the motion of the follower.
- Follower: A part that follows the cam’s shape through direct contact and converts its motion into linear or oscillatory movement.
The motion of the cam and cam follower depends on the shape/profile of the cam (usually circular), and its interaction with the cam follower. As the cam moves typically in a rotary motion, it pushes the cam follower, which further reacts by moving in a specific way usually in linear or oscillatory motion.
Types of Cam Followers
There are different types of cam followers, each designed for different applications based on the structure, motion requirement, and operating condition.
- Stud Cam Follower: Simple cam followers with pin/roller bearing surface. The bearing is mounted to a stud (a pin or a shaft) and provides support to the cam follower. Stud-type followers are preferred for moderate-load applications, like light machinery, textile machinery, conveyors, etc. This type of cam follower is simple in design and easy to install.
- Yoke Cam Follower: Cam follower with a yoke, (a bracket or a frame) around the follower to hold it in place and ensure its stability and smooth flow along the cam’s shape. The follower can move with precision and accuracy as the cam rotates or slides due to the design. Yoke-type followers are optimal for applications with a heavy load.
- Roller Cam Follower: A Cam follower with rollers (small wheels, cylinders) to move smoothly along the cam. The roller minimises the amount of friction and wear that occurs between the cam follower and the cam. These followers are best suited for durability, high load and reduced friction are crucial for heavy machinery, automotive engines, pressing equipment, etc.
| Feature | Stud Cam Follower | Yoke Cam Follower | Roller Cam Follower |
| Design | Simple pin with roller bearing | Follower with a guiding yoke | Roller bearing that reduces friction |
| Load Capacity | Moderate to high loads | High loads, stable motion | High load, low friction motion |
| Usage | Light to medium machinery | Heavy duty machines, high-speed conveyors | Heavy machinery, engines, presses |
Selection Criteria for Cam Followers:
The selection of cam followers is influenced by several factors:
- Load Capacity: While cam followers are generally intended to support loads, their capacity varies based on how they are used and their applications in different types of machinery.
- Speed: Speed plays a vital role in the operation of cam followers. The selection should depend on the specific use, yoke cam followers are suitable for steady movement with heavy loads while roller cam followers are ideal for smooth motion with heavy loads.
- Temperature: Extreme temperatures (both high and low) can impact the strength, durability and overall performance of the cam follower. Selection must be made based on the operating temperature range. Extreme high temperatures lead to material weakness or expansion and may also break down lubrication while in low temperatures material may become brittle and lubrication might thicken or freeze.
- Lubrication Requirements: Lubrication is an important factor that ensures the durability and reliability of the cam follower. Cam followers should be chosen based on the lubrication needs and frequency, such as in high-speed or heavy-load applications lubrication is required more frequently.
- Environmental Conditions: Factors such as dust, moisture, and chemicals can affect the durability of cam followers. Before choosing a cam follower, it is important to take into account environmental factors as some followers may require sealing or special coatings to safeguard against these environmental factors.
Installation Techniques for Cam Followers
Proper installation ensures that cam followers work as intended. It includes the following steps:
- Preparation: The initial step involves checking the cam follower and cam surface for any damages and making sure the installation spot is clean of dirt, grease, etc.
- Alignment: It involves aligning the cam follower to the cam surface and manually turning the cam to ensure smooth movement.
- Mounting: This step involves securing the cam follower into the mounting point on the system. Proper mounting ensures smooth flow, and reliability, and prevents premature wear.
- Stud type mounting: The threaded stud needs to be mounted to the pre-drilled hole on the mounting surface. Manufacturer’s torque specifications must be considered to avoid over-tightening or under-tightening.
- Yoke type mounting: Mounted through a shaft/pin, supported by a yoke, the cam follower is to be positioned into the yoke and secured using retaining clips, bolts, etc.
Importance of Proper Alignment, Lubrication, and Torque Specifications during Installation:
Ensuring correct alignment, lubrication, and adherence to torque specifications is essential when installing cam followers to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
- Proper Alignment: Correct alignment reduces strain on parts and guarantees consistent functioning.
- Lubrication: Regular and proper lubrication of the cam follower enhances its efficiency and longevity.
- Torque Specifications: Adhering to the proper torque values is crucial for a secure and steady setup
Maintenance and Lubrication Practices
| Practices | Actions |
| Regular Inspection | Check for wear, cracks/damages or misalignment |
| Lubrication | Maintain the lubrication frequency |
| Monitor Load and Speed | Avoid overloading and excess speed |
| Manufacturer Guidelines | Follow maintenance schedules & recommendations |
| Replace Worn and Damaged Components | Replace worn followers and related parts |
Guidelines for Lubrication, Inspection, and Bearing Replacement:
- Lubrication Techniques: Use the recommended grease or oil, avoid over and under-lubrication and lubricate regularly according to the usage and environment, such as high-speed systems needing more frequent lubrication.
- Inspection Intervals: Check for misalignment, unusual noises or irregular motion during operation.
- Bearing Replacement Procedure: To change a cam follower bearing, make sure to remove the old follower carefully to avoid harming nearby components, properly clean and examine the installation area, and carry out any necessary repairs. Adjust and fasten the new follower with the appropriate torque or fasteners, lubricate correctly, and test the system for smooth functioning.
Industry Applications and Use Cases
A cam follower is an essential component used in various industries, including:
- Automotive: Cam follower plays a crucial role in automotive engines, with the opening and closing of valves, thereby influencing the engine performance and timing.
- Aerospace: Cam followers in aerospace are used in critical systems with high precision, durability, and reliability required such as in controlling aircraft flaps and landing gear mechanisms.
- Robotics: In the robotics industry cam followers are widely used in managing the motion of joints in robotics arms ensuring the motion is smooth and precise.
Other industries where cam followers play a crucial role are textile, packaging, material handling, food processing, printing, construction equipment, power generation, etc.
Installation Tools and Equipment
Given the significance of property installation and its correlation with reliability and efficient operations, having the right installation tools and equipment is crucial.
- Bearing Installation Tools: These tools are used for accurately & safely installing bearings into machines or equipment. Bearing installation tools are of various types including:
- Bearing drivers: Used for pushing the bearing evenly without causing damage.
- Bearing pullers: These are tools used for removing bearings in case of replacement.
- Hydraulic presses: These help push the bearing into place with pressure.
- Alignment Gauges: To ensure parts cam followers are perfectly aligned, alignment gauges are used. There are various types of alignment gauges including.
- Feeler gauges: This tool is like a ruler that helps check if two parts are lined up properly.
- Laser alignment: To check how parts are lined up, especially for more complex jobs, laser alignment tools are used.
- Torque Wrenches: These are wrenches used to tighten bolts to a specific amount of tightness, called torque.
FAQ's
What is a cam follower used for?
A cam follower is used to convert rotary motion into linear motion.
What is an example of a cam and follower?
A cam in a sewing machine is the disk or cylinder with a groove that rotates, while a follower is the needle bar that follows the cam’s groove, moving up and down.
What is another name for a cam follower?
Cam follower is also called track roller, cam roller, roller follower, etc.
What is the cam and cam follower mechanism?
The mechanism of cam and cam follower is the conversion of rotary motion into linear or oscillating motion.
What are cam followers made of?
Cam followers are made of stainless steel, carbonitrided steel, bronze, etc.
Is a cam follower a bearing?
Yes, a cam follower is a type of bearing used to convert rotary motion into linear or oscillating motion.
