Guided Motion, Track Roller Support & Precision Machinery Performance

What keeps a roller moving accurately along a machine's track? The answer often comes down to choosing the correct cam follower, mounting arrangement & running profile.

Cam followers are rolling-contact components designed to follow suitable cams, tracks & guide surfaces. They play an important role in machinery where controlled movement, load support & consistent alignment are required.

Explore Industrial Shed's Cam Followers collection for stud-type cam followers, yoke-type track rollers & related components used in automation, conveyors, packaging equipment & industrial machinery.

Choose the Right Cam Follower for Your Application

The most useful first question is how the roller mounts to the machine.

Different mounting arrangements serve different mechanical designs.

• Stud-type cam followers: feature an integral mounting stud for compatible frames & brackets.

• Yoke-type track rollers: mount on a separate shaft, pin or bolt.

• Cylindrical cam followers: use a straight outer-ring running profile.

• Crowned cam followers: feature a curved outer-ring profile for specified alignment conditions.

• Sealed cam followers: incorporate a sealing arrangement intended to help manage lubricant retention & contamination.

• Eccentric cam follower designs: provide adjustment capability in compatible mechanisms.

A similar outside diameter does not guarantee compatibility. The mounting interface, load rating, profile & lubrication requirements must also match.

Stud-Type Cam Followers vs Yoke-Type Track Rollers

Need to replace a roller but unsure whether it's a stud-type or yoke-type design?

Look at the mounting arrangement.

A stud-type cam follower includes its own mounting stud, while a yoke-type track roller uses a separate shaft or pin.

When comparing the two, check:

• Stud diameter or bore size.

• Thread size & length.

• Roller outside diameter.

• Roller width.

• Available mounting clearance.

• Load direction & magnitude.

• Lubrication access.

• Manufacturer installation requirements.

These designs are not automatically interchangeable.

Cylindrical vs Crowned Cam Followers

Imagine a roller travelling along a precisely aligned steel track.

A cylindrical running profile may be suitable for that arrangement.

Now consider a mechanism where limited angular misalignment must be accommodated. A crowned outer-ring profile may be appropriate, depending on the manufacturer's design.

Cylindrical cam followers have a straight running surface.

Crowned cam followers have a curved running surface.

The correct choice depends on track geometry, alignment & load distribution.

Neither profile should be used to compensate for damaged or severely misaligned equipment.

Cam Follower Sizes & Replacement Identification

A worn cam follower can be difficult to identify once its original markings have faded.

Start with the manufacturer's full part number whenever possible.

Then confirm:

• Roller outside diameter.

• Roller width.

• Stud diameter or bore size.

• Thread size & length.

• Outer-ring profile.

• Sealing arrangement.

• Lubrication requirements.

• Dynamic & static load ratings.

• Operating speed limits.

• Manufacturer series & suffixes.

Industrial Shed's previously reviewed assortment included series such as KR, NUKR, NATR, NART & NAST.

These designations can represent different constructions & mounting arrangements. Match the full part number rather than selecting by roller diameter alone.

Cam Followers for Automation & Industrial Machinery

In an automated machine, a cam follower may guide a moving component along a defined path.

On conveyors or material-handling equipment, track rollers may provide rolling contact against specified guide surfaces.

Packaging machinery can involve repeated cycles, making mounting accuracy & lubrication especially important.

Agricultural equipment may introduce dust, vibration & moisture exposure.

The correct roller must suit the operating loads, contact surface, mounting arrangement & duty cycle.

Sealed Cam Followers & Maintenance Requirements

Does a sealed cam follower need maintenance?

That depends on its design.

Some cam followers are supplied with lubricant for specified operating conditions, while others require relubrication.

Consider the operating environment before selecting a replacement:

• Dust & abrasive particles.

• Moisture or washdown.

• Operating temperature.

• Load & shock loading.

• Roller speed.

• Lubrication accessibility.

• Corrosion resistance requirements.

Always follow the exact manufacturer's maintenance instructions.

Cam Followers vs Needle Roller Bearings

Cam followers & conventional needle roller bearings may use similar rolling elements, but their functions differ.

A cam follower is designed to roll against a track, cam or guide surface.

A conventional needle roller bearing primarily supports relative rotation between a shaft & housing.

For conventional shaft-support applications, explore Ball Bearings.

Where a one-way locking function is required instead of track-following movement, browse Cam Clutch Bearings.

Selecting by mechanical function helps prevent ordering a component that looks similar but performs a different task.

Installation, Alignment & Track Condition

A new cam follower may not solve a problem caused by a damaged track.

Before installation, inspect the running surface for scoring, indentation, uneven wear & alignment problems.

Check mounting studs, shafts, brackets & fasteners for damage.

Use the manufacturer's installation method & specified tightening requirements.

Where eccentric adjustment is provided, follow the approved procedure to establish the required position.

After installation, verify smooth movement & appropriate clearance before returning the machine to service.

Safety & Care

• Isolate machinery before servicing moving assemblies.

• Confirm the correct mounting style & dimensions.

• Inspect tracks, brackets & shafts for damage.

• Match the original running profile.

• Follow approved tightening procedures.

• Maintain the specified lubrication schedule.

• Investigate abnormal vibration, noise or uneven wear.

• Obtain competent advice for safety-critical mechanisms.

Cam Followers from IKO, FAG & Other Bearing Brands

Industrial Shed's previously reviewed Cam Followers range included products identified by IKO, JAP Bearing & NBR, with additional manufacturers represented in the collection filters.

For replacement work, use the full manufacturer's designation as your starting point.

Where an alternative brand is being considered, verify dimensions, load ratings, sealing, running profile & mounting requirements before substitution.

Cam Followers FAQs

What Is a Cam Follower Bearing?

A cam follower is a rolling-contact component designed to follow a suitable track, cam or guide surface in a machinery mechanism.

What Is the Difference Between a Stud-Type Cam Follower & a Yoke Roller?

A stud-type cam follower has an integral mounting stud. A yoke roller mounts on a separate shaft or pin.

Should I Choose a Crowned or Cylindrical Cam Follower?

Choose according to track geometry, alignment & the manufacturer's specifications. Neither design is universally better.

Do Sealed Cam Followers Need Lubrication?

Some are lubricated for specified service conditions, while others require maintenance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the exact model.

Industrial Shed Support

Industrial Shed supplies cam followers, track rollers & bearing components to Australian machinery maintenance teams, manufacturers & trade buyers. Review Shipping & Delivery for delivery arrangements. For replacement-part enquiries, explore Warranty & Parts Support.