Cam Follower VS Roller Follower

Cam followers and roller followers are essential parts in machines that change spinning movements into sliding ones. These parts are essential in many different uses, such as industrial automation to power generation.

This article aims to help you understand cam followers and roller followers better. It will compare their features, advantages, and best applications for you to choose the right solution.

What Are Cam Followers?

Definition and General Characteristics

Cam followers, also known as tappets, are important parts used in machines. They take the rotary motion from a camshaft and change it into linear. They have a built-in stud, which means you can just slot them directly into the right spot without needing an extra shaft.

The primary components of a cam follower bearing include an outer ring, a stud, and needle rollers. The outer ring, available in both round (spherical) and straight (cylindrical) shapes, is where the cam pushes against. The stud is the part you attach it to, and the rollers help everything move smoothly.

Types of Cam Followers

Cam followers come in various types to suit different applications:

• Stud Cam Follower: Features a simple stud for direct mounting.
• Eccentric Stud Cam Follower: Allows for adjustable movement along the stud.
• Flange Stud Cam Follower: Includes a flange for added support and mounting options.
• Yoke Cam Follower: Utilizes a yoke for mounting, providing a more robust structure.
• Flange Yoke Cam Follower: Combines the features of a flange cam follower and a yoke cam follower.
• V Groove Cam Follower: Offers a V-shaped groove for additional guidance.
• Special Cam Followers: Custom designs for specific applications.

Applications of Cam Followers

Cam followers are widely used in conveyor systems, process transfer lines, power generation, automation and so on. They work really well when you can attach them directly. For example, in heavy duty machines where you can just screw the cam follower into a flat surface. This means you don't need extra components.

What Are Roller Followers?

Definition and General Characteristics

Roller followers, or track rollers, work in a way that's similar to cam followers. But the difference is that they operate with an existing shaft.

They consist of an outer ring, needle rollers, and an inner ring. The outer ring engages with the cam, while the inner ring slides on the shaft, allowing for linear motion.

Roller bearings are famous for being able to handle high weight and for moving in a very accurate, straight line.

Types of Roller Followers

The table below compares two types of roller followers, showing how they're built and what they're usually made of.

Applications of Roller Followers

Roller followers are great at turning spinning movements into linear ones. Besides, you can easily attach them to existing shafts, which makes designing and installing much simpler.

Roller followers work really well in industries where things need to move around easily, like in machines that make other things, machines that do tasks automatically, and systems that move things from one place to another. They give a great boost to the performance of these systems work by making sure everything moves in a straight line precisely.

Cam Follower vs Roller Follower: Key Differences

Mounting Style

Load Capacity and Shock Resistance

Roller followers and cam followers both excel in handling high radial and shock loads because their robust design.

Roller followers, with their thicker outer rings, offer an advantage in managing heavy loads and shock resistance. The extra thickness allows them to handle heavier loads and take more impact forces. That makes them perfect for industrial jobs where they need to handle heavy load.

Cam followers are strong, but they might not handle heavy loads as well as roller followers due to their construction and material placement.

Durability and Maintenance

Cam followers and roller followers have their own strengths regarding durability and maintenance.

Cam followers perform best in dry conditions. However, in dirty or wet environments, their performance might not be as good because their design is simpler and less suited for such conditions.

Roller followers can handle tougher conditions thanks to their better seals, but they need more regular oiling.

Roller followers need routine care more often than cam follower because they're more intricate. Both types last longer and work well with routine care.

Misalignment Handling

Roller followers and cam followers handle alignment issues in different ways. Roller followers usually have a special crowned outer ring that deals with small misalignments. This feature helps to keep things running smoothly and reduces wear.

Cam followers use a special crowned ring that helps to lessen the stress caused by misalignment, which is really good for making the bearings last longer.

The crowned rings in cam followers also help to keep the contact area well-oiled. In contrast, roller followers might need more frequent oiling to handle the effects of misalignment.

Fitness for Applications

Cam followers are best for flat surfaces, offering easy direct mounting without the need for extra components like shafts. They're ideal for conveyors and industrial lines. Roller followers need a shaft that's already there. They work great in engines or carrier systems where they can reduce friction and stress. The choice depends on whether your setup has a flat surface or an existing shaft.

Advantages of Cam Followers

Easy Installation

Cam followers have a handy built-in stud that makes them easy to install directly. This can save you time and means you won't need extra components.

Versatile Outer Rings

Cam followers come in both crowned and cylindrical outer ring options. This means they can easily fit with different cam shapes and meet the needs of various tasks

Advantages of Roller Followers

High Load Capacity

Roller followers have sturdy outer rings and needle bearings that can handle a lot of weight. They're just right for tough tasks that need some extra strength.

Flexibility in Use

The open bore design of roller followers is a smart featur. It indeed makes mechanical designs especially flexible by allowing easy mounting onto existing shafts.

It makes installation and integration processes simpler and easier. It also means engineers can tailor solutions without the need for additional components. All this makes things run more smoothly, performs better, and can even save money and reduce downtime in different jobs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Cam Followers and Roller Followers

Design Constraints

The choice between cam followers and roller followers often comes down to design constraints. If a flat surface is available for direct mounting, cam followers may be the better choice. If an existing shaft is present, roller followers may be more appropriate.

Operating Environment

When choosing roller followers, environmental factors play a key role.

Temperature swings can affect performance, so heat-resistant materials might be needed.

Corrosion is a concern in environments with chemicals or saltwater, making stainless steel a popular choice for its resistance.

Contaminants like dust or dirt can cause wear, so sealed or shielded followers might be necessary to keep out debris. Each of these factors can dictate the material and design of the follower to ensure it lasts and performs well in specific conditions.

Cost Considerations

The price of each follower type depends on what they're made of, if they need extra parts like shafts, and how easy or hard they are to install.

Cam followers can save cost by eliminating the need to buy a separate shaft and the installation is simple.

Roller followers might cost more to install because they require a shaft and precision alignment. But they can be cheaper if you already have a shaft for mounting.

The total cost also depends on the intended application of the follower, the quantity to be produced and the service life demanded.

Conclusion

Choosing between cam followers and roller followers comes down to your project's needs. Think about the method of mounting, load capacity and their job in the project. Each has its own strengths and works better in different situations. When choosing between them, it's important to think about what your application actually needs.

FAQs About Cam Followers and Roller Followers

What is the Main Difference Between Cam and Roller Followers?

The main difference is that cam followers have a built-in stud for direct mounting. On the other hand, roller followers require an existing shaft for mounting.

Can I Use Roller Followers in Place of Cam Followers?

Switching between them can work in some situations. However, it depends on the specifics of your project and any design limits.  If an appropriate shaft be present for attachment, you may choose roller followers instead of cam followers.

Which is Better for High Load Applications?

Roller followers are often the best choice for tasks that involve heavy loads. They can handle more weight and are robust in construction. However, it depends on the final precise requirements of your project.