1.Difference between cam follower and roller bearing
Although cam followers and roller bearings are rolling components, they are designed for different purposes. Cam follower is mainly used to track the track or cam profile, which is one of motion executive elements, while roller bearings is mainly used to support rotating shaft, which is a typical rotating support element.
Cam followers usually need to roll repeatedly on a guide rails, slide or cam surface, so they need not only to be able to roll, but also to be strong impact resistance and abrasion resistant. Roller bearings pay more attention to rotation accuracy, low friction and long-term continuous operation capability.
2.Structural differences
Structurally, cam follower is usually designed with a thick-walled outer ring and can withstand external shock and eccentric load pressures effectively. Many cam followers also equipped with screws, eccentric shafts or mounting holes for easy fastening directly to the device structure.
The structure of roller bearings is relatively standard, generally including inner ring, outer ring, roller and cage. It relies on rollers rolling between two rings to reduce friction and therefore requires high internal machining accuracy. Roller bearings place more emphasis on rotational stability and high-speed performance than on withstanding external shocks.
In addition, the outer ring of the cam follower is often in direct contact with the track, so the outer ring is subjected to special heat treatment, usually with higher hardness. The focus Roller bearings is to strengthen the contact surface between the roller and the roller and improve the rotary life of the roller.
3.Differences in working methods
The cam follower often moves up and down, swings or intermittently with the cam profile during operation. This kind of movement will cause the direction of force to change constantly, so the fatigue resistance of the parts is very high.
roller bearings work in a relatively simple mode, mainly around the fixed axis of continuous rotation. Its core task is to reduce rotary friction, improve the efficiency of mechanical operation and make it more suitable for high-speed and stable operation.
Simply put, cam followers tend to follow a path of motion, while roller bearings tend to support rotating motion.
4.Difference in carrying capacity
Cam follower can usually withstand large radial loads and a certain impact loads. In automation equipment, frequent mechanical movement will produce strong impact, so cam followers must have strong pressure resistance.
Although roller bearings also have a high bearing capacity, they are mainly used to optimize rotary loads. Different types of roller bearings can also withstand axial forces or combination load, but usually not suitable for long-term strong shock.
In addition, the cam follower is often subjected to eccentric forces, so the design of cam follower pays attention to the overall stiffness. Roller bearings pay more attention to the uniformity of contact of internal rolling bearings.
6. Differences in installation methods
cam followers installation method is more flexible, many products are equipped with threaded shafts, can be directly fixed to the robot arm, slider or guide rail. Some eccentric products can also be adjusted to meet the precision requirements of the device.
Roller bearings usually require to be mounted on shafts and bearing mounts to be positioned through interference coordination or fixed structures. In the process of installation, the accuracy of coaxial degree and dimensions is high, otherwise it will affect the service life.
6.Variance in usage scenarios
Cam is widely used in automation equipment, packaging machinery, logistics conveying equipment, printing equipment, mechanical guide rail systems, etc.. For example, cam tracking devices can be used to assemble guide rollers and robotic arm tracking devices on assembly lines.
Roller bearings are widely used in motor, automobile, speed reducer, fan, machine tools, construction machinery and other rotary equipment. As long as the support to the rotary shaft is involved, bearing products are generally used.
7.Differences between maintenance and useful life
Cam followers require high lubrication due to frequent shocks and complex movements. If the lubrication is insufficient, the contact area between the outer ring and the track is easy to wear.
Roller bearings pay more attention to internal lubrication and sealing performance. If there is a lack of lubrication during long high-speed operation, it is easy to cause temperature rise and damage to the raceway.
Under normal working conditions, the continuous operating life of roller bearings is usually long, while the life of cam moving parts is influenced by impact frequency and working environment.