In this article, we’ll discuss cam followers, what exactly they are, what are the different types, and how they’re classified using different classification criteria.

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The cylindrical cam has a groove cut along its cylindrical surface. The roller follows the groove, and the follower moves in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the cylinder.

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This type of follower has a curved but regular follower as well as cam. This is a modification of a flat-faced follower.

In this type of follower, the follower has an oscillating motion. Cam rotates and as per the cam profile follower also moves but the follower is fixed at the point about which the follower is oscillating. This type of follower is called an oscillatory motion type follower.

For proper functioning of the cam and follower mechanism, it is important to keep the surface contact between the cam profile and the follower at all times of rotation and any motion. For this, spring force, gravitational force, or positive drive are used in the cam and follower mechanism. On this basis, cams are classified based on the type of follower and are as follows.

In this type, follower movement is considered. As per the name follower movement is done in a way that first dwells then rise again dwells then return and again dwells. This process is done in one rotation (360 degrees) of the cam.

In an IC engine the valves have to be kept open; first, then close it and keep it closed, all these timing operations can be easily set by having cam-follower mechanisms. In the case of linkages, we study planar linkages or two- dimensional linkages, and more.

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Globoidal cam is a shaft and has a concave or convex circumference. Which groove is made by machining and this groove use for giving movement to the follower. Globoidal cam use for oscillating followers about a fixed point.

A cam is a rotating element that gives oscillating or reciprocating motion to the follower, another element of this machine by direct contact.

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This type of cam, it does not require any external force. The follower is designed in such a way that it does not require any external force.

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A follower is a mechanical component concerning which, the Cam rotates in an oscillatory or circular motion. The follower inhibits the push and pull of the Cam.

A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage, which is used in particular to convert a rotary motion into a linear motion.

A cam is a reciprocating, oscillating, or rotating body that imparts reciprocating or oscillating motion to a second body, called the follower, with which it is in contact.

The translating cam is a contoured or grooved plate sliding on a guiding surface(s). The follower may oscillate or reciprocate. The contour or the shape of the groove is determined by the specified motion of the follower.

For the smooth functioning of a cam-follower mechanism, the follower must move smoothly without requiring too much input power, which means the follower should not jam, during its movement.

The cam can be a simple tooth, such as is used to give pulses of power to a steam hammer, or an eccentric disc or other shapes that allow a gentle reciprocating motion in the follower, which is a lever making contact with the cam.

A cam timer is similar and was widely used to control electrical machines before the advent of inexpensive electronics, microcontrollers, integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, and digital controls (an electromechanical timer in a washing machine is a common example).

This type of follower has a sharp area of contact with the cam. This is the simplest among all of the followers and these kinds of followers are not in use in the case of fast applications, because of its sharp edge.

In these category types of the cam is classified as per the movement of the follower. The movement of followers is depending upon the cam profile for this; cams are also classified according to follower movement.

When it comes to transforming rotary and vibration motion into linear, there’s rarely a better and more appropriate mechanism than a cam and cam follower assembly.

In this type, follower movement is considered. As per name follower movement is done in a way that first dwells then rises then returns and again dwells. This process is done in one rotation (360 degrees) of the cam.

A follower is a translating or oscillating mechanical member that follows the motion of the cam. It can touch the surface profile of the cam or can be spring-loaded.

The spiral cam consists of a semi-circular or a spiral that shapes the Grooved contour, the cam moves in a reciprocating motion and the follower moves perpendicular to the axis of the cam.

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The mechanism for Cam and the mechanism for Followers depend upon each other so the main mechanism of Cam and Followers. The mechanism is essential in the engineering field and has many different functions for different machines.

In this type of follower, followers have translatory motion means the cam is rotating and the follower reciprocates between the guideway. Example of this type of follower is knife-edge follower, roller follower, flat follower, and spherical follower.

In these types two discs connect to each other and the axes of discs are offset by the distance, to form a cam profile. The follower has surface contact with a cam profile by two rollers. As the cam rotates followers follow it.

Cam and cam follower mechanisms are often used in mechanical engineering and various machinery, like internal combustion engines, automatic lathe machines, diesel fuel pumps, and other repeating machinery and manufacturing applications.

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bearingclearance c1, c2, c3

It can have a uniform velocity or can have uniform acceleration motion. Complicated output motion can be achieved with the help of the follower motion.

A follower is used to transfer the motion to the required machine part. The follower rotates in an oscillating or circular arc.

The shape of the cam depends upon its own motion, the required motion of the follower, and the shape of the contact face of the follower.

The cam profile is designed to achieve the desired motion, and its varying cross-section makes the cam follower reciprocate.

This type of follower looks like a flat surface with an irregular cam. This type of cam is used when the space is limited and this follower can resist more side thrust. This follower can also be used in a precision application.

This type of cam looks like an asymmetric heart. It is mainly used to return a shaft to hold the cam to a set position by its pressure from a roller.

Engine bearings should operate with the least amount of oil clearance as possible. Tighter oil clearances produce less peak loading on the bearings and the engine runs smoother with less vibration. Remember, you can mix bearing sizes offered by King to achieve desired oil clearances. Ex. Pair a STD half bearing with either a .001 or STDX half bearing to obtain your clearance. Read more about optimization of clearance

A cam and follower mechanism is a profiled shape mounted on a shaft that causes a lever or follower to move. Cam and follower are used to convert rotary motion into linear (reciprocating) motion.

It is often part of a rotating wheel (e.g. an eccentric wheel) or a shaft (e.g. a cylinder with an irregular shape) that hits a lever at one or more points on its circular path.

Cams are specifically designed rotating components that are used to transform rotary motion into linear motion. They’re driving the cam follower (driven member) that internally connects to the cam.

When we study about cam follower mechanism, some common terminology like a prime circle, base circle, pressure angle, etc. are used to describe a cam.

Cams are commonly used in engines to control valves (in which the valve is the follower), sewing machines, children’s toys, and many other mechanical applications. The shapes of individual Cams are designed to produce specific types of motion.

In this type, follower movement is considered. As per the name follower movement is done in a way that first dwells then rise then again dwells. This process is done in one rotation (360 degrees) of the cam. And at 360 degrees it suddenly falls to its first position.

A CAM is a rotating machine element that gives reciprocating or oscillating motion to another element known as a follower.

In this type of follower, the line of movement passes through the center of the camshaft. Mainly the movement of the follower is in line. The follower is in a reciprocating motion.

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A spherical cam is in the form of a spherical shape on which a groove is made. The follower has surface contact with this groove. As the cam rotates follower oscillates about a fixed point.

There are different types of surface contact between cam and follower and according to surface contact they are classified as follows:

A cam and follower mechanism is a profiled shape mounted on a shaft that causes a lever or follower to move. Cams are used to convert rotary to linear (reciprocating) motion. The follower maintains contact with the cam through the force of gravity or by a spring.

In this type, follower movement is considered. As per name follower movement is done in a way that first rises and then returns. This process is done in one rotation (360 degrees) of the cam.

In this category, followers are classified by the relative motion and movement between cam and follower these are as follows.

A cam and follower mechanism is a profiled shape mounted on a shaft that causes a lever or follower to move. Cams are used to convert rotary to linear (reciprocating) motion. As the cam rotates, the follower rises and falls in a process known as reciprocating motion.

The disc (or plate) cam has an irregular contour to provide a specific motion to the follower. The follower rotates in a plane that moves on the axis of rotation of the camshaft and is placed in contact with the cam by springs or gravity.

In this type of cam, the spring force is used. The compression spring is preloaded into followers in such a way that it maintains surface contact at all times.

A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion. It is often a part of a rotating wheel (e.g., an eccentric wheel) or shaft (e.g. a cylinder with an irregular shape) that strikes a lever at one or more points on its circular path.

In order for bearings to maintain a stable oil film, which is vital to their life, there must be a perfect match with clearance size, oil viscosity, engine operating  temp, crank surface finish and geometrical alignments. General rule of thumb for determining oil clearance is .001 of clearance for every inch of shaft dia. Ex .001 x 2.00 shaft dia.  = .002 oil clearance.  For clearances smaller and larger than the rule of thumb ,refer to the factors listed below:

This type of follower mainly uses in high-speed operation because it has smooth contact with the surface. This type of follower has less wear and tear as compared to the other followers.