Cam followers are critical components in a wide range of mechanical systems, combining elements of a bearing and a cam mechanism. If you’re exploring what a cam follower does, how to tell if it’s bad, its common applications, size charts, and more, you’ve come to the right place. At BYWB Bearing, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality cam followers built for durability, performance, and precision.
What Is a Cam Follower?
A cam follower bearing, also known as a track follower or roller follower, is a specialized type of bearing designed to follow the motion of a cam profile. This bearing plays a critical role in converting the rotational or reciprocating motion of a cam into linear motion. In many mechanical systems, the cam follower moves vertically or linearly in relation to the cam’s axis, allowing for precise movement control in automated machinery, conveyors, and industrial automation setups.
At BYWB Bearing, we manufacture high-quality cam follower bearings designed to handle the unique demands of cam-driven systems. These bearings are engineered to accurately follow the lobe profile of a cam, whether the motion is smooth or irregular, transforming it into controlled reciprocating or oscillating motion.
Depending on the design and application, cam follower bearings may:
Roll or slide along the cam surface
Operate under spring-loaded pressure for constant contact
Support uniform velocity or acceleration for predictable performance
Handle high radial loads and resist misalignment in high-speed environments
BYWB cam follower bearings are widely used in industries such as packaging, printing, textile machinery, and automated equipment, where precise motion transmission and durability are essential.
Key functions of a cam follower:
Converts rotary motion into linear motion.
Supports loads from both radial and axial directions.
Provides smooth tracking along a cam profile.
Reduces friction and wear between machine components.
Cam followers are engineered to be robust because they often operate under demanding conditions, including heavy loads, high speeds, and harsh environments.
How Do I Know If My Cam Follower is Bad?
Like all mechanical components, cam followers are subject to wear and tear over time. Early detection of a failing cam follower can save you from costly downtime and repairs. Here are the key signs your cam follower may need replacement:
1. Excessive Noise
If you hear grinding, clicking, or squealing sounds from the bearing area, it could indicate internal damage or lack of lubrication.
2. Increased Vibration
A bad cam follower may cause abnormal vibrations in the machinery, signaling uneven motion or internal degradation.
3. Irregular Movement
If the motion along the cam profile becomes jerky or inconsistent, the cam follower may have surface wear, flat spots, or internal damage.
4. Visual Damage
Inspect the cam follower for signs like corrosion, pitting, or spalling on the outer ring surface. Cracks and excessive wear are red flags.
5. Excessive Play or Looseness
When the cam follower is manually rotated or moved, there should be minimal play. Excessive looseness often means the internal raceways or rolling elements are worn.
6. Heat Buildup
Overheating around the cam follower area suggests inadequate lubrication, excessive load, or internal damage, leading to potential failure.
How to Prevent Premature Failure:
Regular lubrication maintenance.
Correct installation with proper torque.
Avoiding overloads beyond the rated capacity.
Using seals to prevent contaminants from entering.
At BYWB Bearing, our cam followers are built with advanced sealing technology and premium materials to maximize service life and reduce the risk of failure.
What Is a Cam Follower Bearing Used For?
Cam followers find applications in various industries and mechanical systems where reliable linear tracking and load support are crucial.
Common applications of cam followers include:
1. Automation Equipment
In automated assembly lines and robotic arms, cam followers help manage precise movements.
2. Textile Machinery
Textile production equipment relies heavily on cam followers for consistent fabric processing and tension control.
3. Conveyors
Material handling and conveyor systems use cam followers to support belts and chains, ensuring smooth movement.
4. Printing Machines
High-speed printing presses utilize cam followers to maintain precise registration and movement control.
5. Packaging Machines
In the packaging industry, cam followers guide complex mechanical actions required for cutting, folding, and sealing.
6. Automotive and Aerospace Industries
Valve trains, aircraft door mechanisms, and other critical systems use cam followers for their high-load and reliable tracking abilities.
7. Food and Beverage Processing
Given their stainless steel options and hygienic designs, cam followers also play a role in food production lines.
Types of Cam Followers
Cam followers come in a vast array of different configurations and are mostly categorized into three basic categories with their specific sub-categorizations. Here’s the breakdown of follower types by category:
Stud Type Cam Followers: Easy to mount, ideal for applications requiring quick installation.
Yoke Type Cam Followers: Mounted on a shaft, better suited for applications needing higher load capacities.
According to the follower’s shape:
Roller follower
Spherical follower
Knife-edge follower
Flat-faced follower
According to the follower’s movement:
Oscillating follower
Reciprocating follower
According to the follower’s line of movement:
Radial follower
Offset follower
At BYWB Bearing, we provide both types with options for standard and heavy-duty requirements.
Cam Follower Size Chart
Choosing the correct size cam follower is vital for optimal performance. Here’s a general size chart for reference. For precise selection, always consult BYWB’s technical team.
CF series Cam Follower Size Chart
| Model | Stud Thread | Outer Ø (D) | Roller Width (C) | Stud Ø (d1) | Stud Length (L1) | Roller Length (L) | Total Length (L2) | Static Load (C₀) | Weight (g) |
| CF6 | M6×1.0 | 16 | 11 | 4 | 16 | 6 | 27 | 1.50 kN | 18 |
| CF8 | M8×1.25 | 19 | 12 | 6 | 20 | 8 | 32 | 2.00 kN | 35 |
| CF10 | M10×1.25 | 22 | 12 | 8 | 24 | 10 | 36 | 3.15 kN | 55 |
| CF12 | M12×1.5 | 30 | 14 | 10 | 28 | 12 | 42 | 4.20 kN | 120 |
| CF16 | M16×1.5 | 35 | 18 | 12 | 32 | 16 | 50 | 6.30 kN | 200 |
| CF18 | M18×1.5 | 40 | 20 | 14 | 36 | 18 | 55 | 8.20 kN | 300 |
| CF20 | M20×1.5 | 52 | 24 | 16 | 40 | 20 | 62 | 10.0 kN | 460 |
| CF24 | M24×2.0 | 62 | 28 | 20 | 50 | 24 | 76 | 12.5 kN | 750 |
| CF30 | M30×2.0 | 72 | 30 | 25 | 60 | 30 | 90 | 18.0 kN | 1150 |
NUTR series Cam Follower Size Chart
| Part Number | Inner Diameter, d | Outer Diameter, D | Inner Ring Width, b | Outer Ring Width, B | Dynamic Capacity, Cr. | Static Capacity, Cor. | Weight |
| NUTR 15 | 15 mm | 35 mm | 19 mm | 18 mm | 23,000 N | 27,000 N | 0.218 lb |
| NUTR 1542 | 15 mm | 42 mm | 19 mm | 18 mm | 23,000 N | 27,000 N | 0.348 lb |
| NUTR 17 | 17 mm | 40 mm | 21 mm | 20 mm | 24,800 N | 31,000 N | 0.324 lb |
| NUTR 1747 | 17 mm | 47 mm | 21 mm | 20 mm | 24,800 N | 31,000 N | 0.485 lb |
| NUTR 20 | 20 mm | 47 mm | 25 mm | 24 mm | 39,000 N | 50,000 N | 0.540 lb |
| NUTR 2052 | 20 mm | 52 mm | 25 mm | 24 mm | 39,000 N | 50,000 N | 0.708 lb |
| NUTR 25 | 25 mm | 52 mm | 25 mm | 24 mm | 43,500 N | 60,000 N | 0.620 lb |
| NUTR 2562 | 25 mm | 62 mm | 25 mm | 24 mm | 43,500 N | 60,000 N | 0.992 lb |
| NUTR 30 | 30 mm | 62 mm | 29 mm | 28 mm | 59,000 N | 79,000 N | 1.025 lb |
| NUTR 3072 | 30 mm | 72 mm | 29 mm | 28 mm | 59,000 N | 79,000 N | 1.537 lb |
| NUTR 35 | 35 mm | 72 mm | 29 mm | 28 mm | 65,000 N | 93,000 N | 1.389 lb |
| NUTR 3580 | 35 mm | 80 mm | 29 mm | 28 mm | 65,000 N | 93,000 N | 1.843 lb |
| NUTR 40 | 40 mm | 80 mm | 32 mm | 30 mm | 90,000 N | 134,000 N | 1.799 lb |
| NUTR 4090 | 40 mm | 90 mm | 32 mm | 30 mm | 90,000 N | 134,000 N | 2.489 lb |
| NUTR 45 | 45 mm | 85 mm | 32 mm | 30 mm | 95,000 N | 147,000 N | 1.947 lb |
| NUTR 45100 | 45 mm | 100 mm | 32 mm | 30 mm | 95,000 N | 147,000 N | 3.078 lb |
| NUTR 50 | 50 mm | 90 mm | 32 mm | 30 mm | 100,000 N | 161,000 N | 2.095 lb |
| NUTR 50110 | 50 mm | 110 mm | 32 mm | 30 mm | 100,000 N | 161,000 N | 3.726 lb |
| NUTR 50110A | 50 mm | 110 mm | 32 mm | 40 mm | 100,000 N | 161,000 N | 4.605 lb |
Note: Specific dimensions may vary based on design variations (sealed type, heavy-duty type, stainless steel type).
If you need help selecting the right cam follower size for your project, contact BYWB Bearing’s engineering support team. We offer customized solutions tailored to your exact needs.
Conclusion
Cam followers are essential components in many industries, offering the ability to smoothly convert rotary motion into linear motion while supporting heavy loads and minimizing wear. Recognizing the signs of a failing cam follower, such as noise, vibration, or irregular movement, can prevent costly machine downtime.
From automotive manufacturing to food processing equipment, cam follower bearings are versatile, reliable, and critical to maintaining operational efficiency. Choosing the correct type and size—whether a stud type or yoke type—is vital for maximizing performance and service life.
At BYWB Bearing, we manufacture high-quality cam followers engineered to meet the toughest application demands. With superior materials, precise engineering, and rigorous quality control, our cam followers offer exceptional reliability and performance.
Looking for the perfect cam follower solution?
Explore our full range of cam followers today at BYWB Bearing or contact our experts for personalized recommendations!
