SMITH BEARING

A stud-type cam follower has an integral threaded stud that is used to mount the bearing directly to a machine member. The stud typically includes a hex socket for installation and may have a lubrication hole. A yoke-type cam follower has a plain bore and is mounted on a customer-supplied shaft or pin, often in a yoke or bracket. Stud types are common in cam drives where the follower is cantilevered, while yoke types are used when both sides of the bearing are supported. Smith Bearing offers both configurations in metric and inch sizes.

A crowned outer ring has a slight curvature across its width, which helps compensate for misalignment between the cam follower and the track or cam surface. This reduces edge loading and can extend bearing life in applications where perfect alignment is difficult. Double-sealed means the bearing has two seals, one on each side, to retain lubricant and exclude contaminants. Smith Bearing cam followers with double seals are suitable for moderately dirty environments. Double-shielded versions use metal shields instead of elastomer seals and are generally used where higher speeds or lower friction are required.

The choice depends on the radial load, shock loads, and duty cycle of the application. Standard-duty cam followers, such as the MYRV-25-S, have a single row of rollers and are intended for moderate loads and speeds. Heavy-duty cam followers, such as the NUKR series, have a double row of rollers and a thicker outer ring, which increases radial load capacity and resistance to shock. For cam drives with high loads or frequent starts and stops, heavy-duty models are typically specified. The stud thread size and outer diameter also increase with duty level, so mounting dimensions must be checked.

Smith Bearing heavy stud cam followers are available with metric stud threads including M10x1.00, M12x1.50, M16x1.50, M20x1.50, M24x1.50, and M30x1.50. Outer diameters range from 22 mm to 85 mm. Stud lengths vary by model; for example, the NUKR-30-B has a 25 mm stud length, while the NUKR-85-B has a 63 mm stud length. Inch-series threads are also available in the broader Smith Bearing line. When replacing a cam follower, confirm the thread size, pitch, and stud length to ensure compatibility with the mounting hole.

Many Smith Bearing cam followers are pre-lubricated and sealed for life, meaning they do not require relubrication under normal operating conditions. However, some models may include a lubrication hole in the stud or outer ring for relubrication in severe applications. If relubrication is needed, use a grease compatible with the original lubricant and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for interval and quantity. Over-lubrication can damage seals, so caution is advised. Consult the specific product data for the cam follower model to determine if relubrication is possible.

Double-row heavy stud cam followers are used in cam-driven automation, packaging machinery, conveyor systems, linear motion guides, and material handling equipment. They are often found in applications requiring high radial load capacity and resistance to shock, such as indexing tables, cam indexers, and heavy-duty roller conveyors. The double row of rollers distributes the load over a larger area, which can extend service life in demanding environments. Smith Bearing models like the NUKR-30-B, NUKR-35-B, NUKR-47-B, and NUKR-52-B are commonly specified for these tasks.