Cam follower

[2] The modern stud type follower was invented and patented in 1937 by Thomas L. Robinson of the McGill Manufacturing Company.

The new cam followers were easier to use because the stud was already included and they could also handle higher loads.

Standard ball and roller bearings are designed to be pressed into a rigid housing, which provides circumferential support.

The inner race is induction hardened so that the stud remains soft if modifications need to be made.

Instead of using a type of a roller a plastic bushing is used to reduce friction, which provides a maintenance free follower.

[5][6] The outer diameter (OD) of the cam follower (stud or yoke) can be the standard cylindrical shape or be crowned.

[2] The standard driving system for a stud type cam follower is a slot, for use with a flat head screwdriver.

However, hex sockets are available for higher torquing ability, which is especially useful for eccentric cam followers and those used in blind holes.

RBC Bearings' Hexlube cam followers feature a relubrication fitting at the bottom of the hex socket.

[2] YOKE type cam followers are usually used in applications where minimal deflection is required, as they can be supported on both sides.