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This section provides an overview for cam followers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 34 cam follower manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked cam follower companies as of December, 2024: 1.Schmeing GmbH & Co. KG, 2.Lutco, Inc., 3.PCI ProCal, Inc..
Table of Contents
Cam followers are components that reduce the contact resistance between the cam and the linkage in a cam mechanism that converts the direction of motion.
Cam followers are characterized by a stud (screw) on the inner ring of the bearing. These studs are used to attach cam followers to linkage components. A cam mechanism is a mechanism for changing the direction of motion.
For example, it converts the rotational motion of a cam into the linear motion of a link, or conversely, linear motion into rotational motion. A widely used example is the gasoline engine of a car. The engine has multiple cylinders, and a cam mechanism is used to obtain the linear motion from the rotational motion of the engine output shaft to open and close the intake and exhaust valves that intake the air mixture into the piston chamber and exhaust the gas after combustion out of the piston chamber in each cylinder.
Cam followers are attached to the contact point between the cam and the linkage and are necessary for the two parts to move in smooth contact with each other.
Cam followers are used in cam mechanisms on a wide variety of machines. Basically, they are often installed inside machines that incorporate elements of rotation.
In addition to cam mechanisms, they are also used as linear guides for smooth, straight-line motion over rails and other surfaces, or as conveyor rollers to move products or loads even with light force as they roll over the rollers.
Linear guides are used not only in industrial machinery but also in copiers, printers, and other office automation equipment where paper is fed or scrapped. When cam followers are used in linear guides or roller conveyance, they are also called roller followers.
This section describes the case of a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion. A cam is attached to a rotating shaft and is a component with a shape other than a circle. When the cam rotates, if the end of the cam is continuously observed at a point outside the cam, the end will make a certain reciprocating motion at the observation point due to the difference in distance from the cam's center of rotation.
At this observation point, the cam followers attached to the link are in constant contact with the cam, allowing the link to make a linear motion. At this conversion point between rotational and linear motion, Cam followers play a role in preventing excessive friction between the two parts.
Specifically, friction is greatly reduced by the rolling motion of the needle inside the cam followers. Since the structure is the same as that of a needle bearing, it can also support large loads.
1. Do Not Directly Tap on the Brim When Installing Cam Followers
When installing cam followers, do not give any impact, especially to the brim. The mechanism of cam followers is a needle bearing.
When subjected to a large impact load, the rolling surfaces may be damaged, resulting in premature failure.
2. Install in the Proper Position
Cam followers have oil holes to lubricate the needles. Cam followers should be installed so that the oil hole is on the opposite side of the load area.
Installing the cam followers so that the oil holes are in the load area may shorten the life of the cam followers.
3. Install So That the Studs Do Not Loosen
Cam followers, like needle bearings, are used under heavy loads and must be securely fastened. Cam followers are usually cantilevered on a component with a stud threaded into it.
If the stud loosens and the support shaft becomes unstable, the needle is also subjected to unbalanced loads. It is important to ensure that the studs do not loosen while the machine is in operation. To prevent loosening, inserting washers or securing with double nuts are effective methods.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Carter Manufacturing Co., Inc., founded in the United States, is a manufacturer of high precision bearings for both standard and specialized applications in industries such as chemical, food processing, and industrial packaging. The company's product portfolio includes all bearings, available in various configurations, deliver low friction, high-speed performance in diverse applications, roller bearings, including cylindrical, spherical, and tapered types, and specialty bearings for unique applications, including aerospace, medical devices, and precision machinery.
Lutco, Inc., founded in 1945 and headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, is a manufacturer of precision ball bearings, bearing assemblies, and various custom-engineered components. The product range includes various ball bearings, roller bearings, and complex assemblies, used for the robust durability, precision, and stability. These products offer benefits such as reduced friction, extended equipment lifespan, and improved performance in challenging operating conditions across diverse industries, including automotive sector, industrial machinery, agriculture, and transportation of materials, where dependable and optimal-performance bearings are essential for necessary operation. The company is ISO9001:2015 certified, and offers customized solutions for clients.
Ondrives US, founded in Freeport, NY, in 2011 is a manufacturer of standard, modified, and custom precision gears, gearboxes, pulleys and mechanical components. The company's product portfolio includes gear hobblers, gear shapers, CNC vertical mills, bar fed CNC lathes and laser engraving. The company serves industries such as Oil and Gas, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Construction, and Power Generation. The company also provides services including two dimensional drawings of 3D CAD models, product selection, national distribution and customer support.
AndyMark Inc., started in 2004 and based in Kokomo, Indiana, is a manufacturer and distributor of mechanical and electrical parts for the mobile and robotics markets, centering on robotics education. Its mechanical products include wheels, pneumatics, and motion products like actuators, pulleys, and motors. Electrical products include sensors, control systems, and power products like chargers, assembled cables, and fuses. The company supports the FIRST global robotics community that prepares young people for the future, and it has created several products, such as NeveRest gear motors, PicoBox gearboxes, and FTC chassis, which make it easier for teams to build tech challenge robots.
Intech Power-Core, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Closter, New Jersey, is a manufacturer of self-lubricating, lightweight machine components. Its products include precision-machined plastic components, gears, rollers, cam followers, pulleys, and sprockets designed for various applications where vibration, inertia, moisture absorption, or corrosion pose problems with metal or traditional plastic materials. All finished parts undergo inspection to ensure compliance with specifications, and the company's plastics engineers utilize PRO-E for component design.
Roller Bearings Incorporated was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut. RBC manufactures and markets precision bearings and related components globally, mainly to the aerospace, agricultural, automotive, industrial, and semiconductor manufacturing sectors. The company’s products are primarily divided into two market segments: aerospace and industrial. Both segments include basic components such as airframe control ball bearings, needle track rollers, ball bearing rod ends, and thin-section ball bearings. The Aerospace Segment also includes special machine components while the Industrial Segment also includes heavy-duty needles roller bearings and self-lubricating bearings subsegments.
Boca Bearing Company, established in 1987 and headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida, operates as a distributor, manufacturer, and designer of ball bearings. Its product range includes ceramic balls, utilized for its durability and resistance to harsh environments, ceramic hybrid bearings that combine ceramic rolling elements with steel races, full ceramic bearings made entirely of ceramic material, and medical bearings. The company has over 8000 different bearings and well over 10 million bearings in stock.
PIB Bearing, Inc. is based in Union City, California, USA, and is a manufacturer and distributor of standard as well as custom bearings for industrial applications that was established in 1983 as Pacific International Bearing. The company produces various bearings including miniature bearings, angular contact bearings, and roller clutch bearings. It also offers bushings, rubber wheels, and oil seals for a range of compatible material transport systems. The company’s products are commonly used in the industrial automation sector, as well as in robotics and machine tools.
Eastern Industrial Automation, established in 1963 and headquartered in Waltham, United States of America, is a manufacturer and supplier of industrial goods and services. The company manufactures batteries, electric motors, electrical and industrial automation. It also produces bearings, extrusions & machine guarding, paints, and seals. The products are tailor-made for manufacturers’ various engineering purposes. It serves in New England, North America, and worldwide markets. It has passed ISO 9001:2015 certification and has supplied 1,000,000 products.
Accurate Bushing Co., Inc. established in 1938 and based in Garwood, New Jersey, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision needle roller bearings. The company's product lineup includes cam follower needle roller bearings in both inch and metric sizes, stainless steel cam followers for special corrosive applications, and Smith-Trax with tapered roller bearings for thrust load applications, among others. used in industries such as Aerospace, Military, and Industrial Manufacturing, these products are pivotal for engine, airframe applications, and thrust load operations. Its services include custom product manufacturing, precision machine component creation, and specialized assembly.
Supertech Performance Inc. is a San Jose, California-based manufacturer and supplier of valve and valve train components for the automotive industry and racing sector founded in 2000. The company offers various valves including Inconel valves, titanium valves, stainless steel valves, and sodium filled valves. The production line also includes head gaskets, connecting rods, springs, pistons, and components such as valve guides, cam followers, and block guards used in Powersports, SXS, watercraft, and automotive sectors.
Quality Bearings & Components (QBC) has been a distributor of bearings and related motion control components since 1950. The company is under the Designatronics division, headquartered in New York, USA. The company supplies various bearings, such as ball, roller, thrust, and spherical plain bearings. These components are critical in reducing friction and facilitating smooth motion in machinery and equipment. The company also has other motion components, including bushings, rod ends and linkages, linear motion products, pillow blocks and flanges, and shafting. The company serves a broad customer across various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and industrial machinery.
VXB Ball Bearings., founded in the USA is a supplier of bearings. The company's product portfolio consists of a variety of ball bearings, including deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, thrust ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, and spherical roller bearings. It also provides specialized bearings for specific industries and applications, such as agricultural bearings, automotive bearings, and medical equipment bearings. The company offers services including delivery, technical assistance, and after-sales support.
Applies Industrial Technologies, founded in 1923 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a supplier and distributor of bearings, seals, power transmission, belts, and gearboxes. The company offers products such as ball bearings, bulk V-belting, bevel gear reducers, bearing isolators, and hydraulic seals. The products are essential for maintaining and operating machinery and equipment, ensuring efficiency and longevity. These products cater to industries such as manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, mining, and agriculture.
USA Roller Chain & Sprockets, founded in Winter Garden, Florida, in 1931 is a supplier of industrial chains, sprockets, bearings, motors, and reducers. The company's product portfolio includes Roller Chain Breakers, Roller Chain Pullers, Roller Chain Tensioners, Roller Chain Lubricant, and Hollow Pin Roller Chain. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
Emerson Bearing is based in Boston, Massachusetts and serves both domestic and international customers of industries ranging from mining to machine tools to power generation to wood products to wastewater treatment to robotics and more with bearings and casters. Emerson Bearing’s product list includes adhesives, sealants, ball bearing, roller bearing, mounted nut bearings, linear motion bearings, rod ends, belts, sheaves, chains, sprockets, couplings, clutches, brakes, locknuts, washers, lubricants, pullers, tools, retaining rings, seals, and shaft collars.
THK Co., Ltd., established in 1971 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer that develops and produces mechanical components. The company manufactures a wide range of mechanical components, including linear motion systems, LM guides, ball splines, ball screws, and electric actuators. It also offers roller guides, slide packs, link balls, linear bushings, and cam followers. Its products are designed to provide accurate and smooth linear or rotational movement, ensuring precise positioning and motion control. The company has achieved ISO 9001 certification for its quality management systems. It serves a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Schmeing GmbH & Co. KG is a German gauge parts tufting products and components manufacturer that was originally established in 1952 before its acquisition by Groz-Beckert in 2010. The company’s product lineup mainly consists of tufting tools and components for producing textile surfaces such as astroturf, carpets, or automotive interiors. These include reed fingers, knife blocks, and needles which can be customized to meet client specifications or use cases. The company chiefly serves clients in the automotive and textiles industries, including companies such as Mohawk and Shaw.
NOSE SEIKO CO., LTD. established in May 1964 and headquartered in Chuo-ku, Osaka, Japan is a manufacturer and supplier of needle roller bearings. The company's product range includes needle roller bearings, cam followers, roller followers, S Lube needle bearings, and roller followers. These products are integral in various mechanical setups, ensuring optimized operations. They typically serve industries in need of precision bearings and related parts. As for its services, the company offers technical support, research and development, diversity management, and proactive response to market changes.
THK Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. THK is a manufacturer and supplier of machine components such as linear motion components for customers globally. THK’s products are used in many industries including electronics, aerospace, industrial robots, and precision instruments. THK’s primary product categories are Linear Motion, Feed Screw, Rotation, Custom Assemblies, and Seismic Isolation. Linear Motion products assist in linear motion and transportation. They include linear motion actuators, guides, and rollers. Feed screws include ball screws, screw nuts, and change nuts. Seismic Isolation includes both large systems and small guides.
SKF UK is the British division of SKF, originally founded in 1907 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. SKF designs, develops, and manufacturers bearings, seals, lubrication systems, and services worldwide, with industrial and automotive segments, providing solutions for industries including aerospace, agriculture, transportation, food and beverage, general machinery, material handling, mining, energy, paper, and wind energy. SKF UK offers rolling bearings, mounted bearings, automotive seals, lubrication management, vehicle aftermarket services, waste electric products, and electronic equipment products as well as services including maintenance, remanufacturing, customization, and training.
W M Berg, founded in 1967 and based in Cudahy, Wisconsin, is a manufacturer and supplier of precision industrial parts. The company delivers ISO 9001:2015 certified products and services, including assemblies, bearings, belts & chains, couplings & shafts, gears, fasteners & hardware, pulleys & sprockets and more. W M Berg provides designing, developing, manufacturing and testing facilities to its clients in the aerospace, medical and motion control industries. Its distributors include Applied Industrial Technology and Motion Industries.
Designatronics is based in New York, New York, USA, and is a manufacturer of mechanical products and components that was established in 1960 following the acquisition and subsequent merger of Quality Bearings & Components, QTC Metric Gears, SDP/SI, and Wybur Tools. The company’s products include belt and chain drives for enabling motion and power, gears for transmitting motion and power, and various shafts for supporting and connecting assembly components. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the aerospace, automotive, and defense sectors.
National Precision Bearing Group of Mechatronics, Inc. established in 1979 and based in Preston, Washington, USA, is an AS9100/ISO9001-certified manufacturer and supplier of bearings and motion-related products. The company's product range includes ball bearings, miniature bearings, bushings, airframe control bearings, and spherical plain bearings. These products play a crucial role in facilitating motion and reducing friction, providing services to industries such as aerospace, industrial, medical and dental, precision, and defense. The company offers services such as cleaning and lube facilities, bearing analysis, quality/ISO assessment, packaging, and stocking programs.
PowerDrive, LLC, located in Michigan City, Indiana, is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in synchronous drive products for high-tech applications and torque drives for power transmission. The company’s products include bearings, V-belt drives, sprockets, couplings and V-belt accessories. These products find applications in diverse industries such as manufacturing, lumber mills, computer printers, and more. With multiple locations in the U.S. including Indiana, Kentucky and Texas, the company serves customers across the nation and internationally.
PCI ProCal, Inc. is a US-based company that offers calibration services for various industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and aerospace. They provide instrument and equipment calibration services, as well as equipment rental and repair services. The company was founded in 1996 and has built a solid renown in the industry due to its team of highly skilled professionals who ensure accurate and efficient calibration. They are acknowledged for their dependable services to delivering top-notch calibration solutions to their clients.
IKO International was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Himeji, Japan. As a certified ISO 9001:2015, the company is a manufacturer of needle bearings, linear motion rolling guides, and precision positioning tables. Its products are used in a wide variety of applications, including industrial machinery, robotics, and medical equipment. The company's product range includes needle bearings, linear motion rolling guides, and precision positioning tables and are used in some of the world's advanced machines. IKO International has over 6,000 employees and operates in more than 50 countries.
Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd. - IKO is based in Japan and was established in 1950 as a manufacturer of bearings. The company designs Linear Motion Rolling guides and Mechatronics series and they were the first to produce Needle Roller Bearings. These products have vast applications in various industries as they are used in Electronics-related Devices and Equipment like semiconductors and for precision devices that are used in laboratory measuring instruments and medical equipment. Textile, printing, construction, transportation, and robotics are also on the list of industries that benefit from IKO products.
Unitec S.r.l. is an Italian precision bearings manufacturer and distributor that was established in Bologna in 1989 following the merger of the companies Unitec and Cuscinetti. The company’s product lineup includes combined bearings for handling systems or lifting equipment, cylindrical roller bearings for high-speed applications, and slewing bearings for oscillating or rotational movement. It also offers specialized bearings for unique client projects, as well as testing and logistics services. The company chiefly serves clients in Italy’s aerospace, automotive, and machine tools manufacturing industries.
Bearing Boys Ltd, established in 2006 and based in the United Kingdom, is a supplier of online bearing and power transmissions. The company procures different products such as grease, lubricants, castors, gearboxes, and fixings from Boeing, Dyson, Rolls Royce, and BAE systems. Apart from this, the company also sells metrology and measuring tools, janitorial equipment, site safety equipment, and PPE by partnering with various brands and distributors. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications and is working towards ISO 50001 certification.
IKO International, Inc. founded in 1950 and headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey is a manufacture of needle bearings, linear motion rolling guides, precision positioning tables & machine components. The company offers specialized solutions for diverse manufacturing environments, including clean rooms, vacuum conditions, high-temperature settings, and locations with dust or spatter protection. IKO also exclusively provides C-Lube, a maintenance-free lubrication system with a lifespan of up to 5 years or 12,500 miles for M series linear ways and maintenance-free cam followers.
UNASIS International Limited, founded in the United Kingdom in 1973, is a global supplier of precision bearings and related products. The company specializes in providing quality bearings for various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. With a well-established network, it serves a diverse customer base worldwide, offering a wide range of bearing solutions designed for precision and reliability. Its strengths lie in its extensive product catalog and delivering top-notch customer service. It has earned appreciation for its expertise in bearing technology and its ability to meet the exacting demands of industries where precision matters most.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Schmeing GmbH & Co. KG |
11.0%
|
| 2 | Lutco, Inc. |
8.8%
|
| 3 | PCI ProCal, Inc. |
7.7%
|
| 4 | W.M. Berg |
6.6%
|
| 5 | Unitec S.r.l. |
4.4%
|
| 6 | National Precision Bearing Group of Mechatronics, Inc. |
4.4%
|
| 7 | Roller Bearing Company Inc. |
4.4%
|
| 8 | THK CO., LTD. |
3.3%
|
| 9 | C.R. Cuscinetti a rulli srl |
3.3%
|
| 10 | Bearing Boys Ltd |
3.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the cam follower page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
16 | 64.0% |
|
Japan
|
4 | 16.0% |
|
United Kingdom
|
2 | 8.0% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 4.0% |
|
Sweden
|
1 | 4.0% |
Italy
|
1 | 4.0% |
36 products are listed.
NOSE SEIKO CO.,LTD.
160+ people viewing
◼︎Features ・A bearing designed so that the outer ring attached to the stud rolls directly on the raceway. - Since the outer ring is thick, it can ...
NOSE SEIKO CO.,LTD.
240+ people viewing
Last viewed: 23 hours ago
◼︎Features The studs are stepped and can be fixed with screws for easy installation.
NOSE SEIKO CO.,LTD.
260+ people viewing
◼︎Features Since the stud mounting axis is eccentric to the bearing, it is possible to easily fine-tune the position by turning the stud.
Makitec Co., Ltd.
490+ people viewing
Last viewed: 11 hours ago
A cam follower is a highly rigid shaft bearing with a thick outer ring and needle-shaped rollers inside. Can be used as a conveyance roller or guid...
Nippon Dick Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
This is the basic form of a cam follower. Size variations range from a minimum stud diameter of 3mm to a maximum of 30mm, allowing for use in a wid...
NOSE SEIKO CO.,LTD.
190+ people viewing
◼︎Features Since it has piping taps, it can be used in centralized greasing piping.
Tatsuta Co., Ltd.
40+ people viewing
*This product is made to order. Since the stud has an eccentric collar (eccentricity 0.4 to 1.5 mm), the radial position can be easily adjusted by...
Tatsuta Co., Ltd.
30+ people viewing
A cam follower that incorporates two rows of cylindrical rollers without a cage and is designed for heavy loads. The NUKR..R type has a spherical o...
NOSE SEIKO CO.,LTD.
170+ people viewing
Last viewed: 14 hours ago
◼︎Features Contains double rows of cylindrical rollers, making it possible to carry heavy radial loads.
Hatashige Shoten Co., Ltd.
20+ people viewing
■Cam follower Cam followers are compact, highly rigid bearings with shafts that have needle rollers built into them and are used as guide rollers f...
NOSE SEIKO CO.,LTD.
140+ people viewing
◼︎Features The outer diameter of the outer ring is smaller than the stud diameter, allowing for a compact design.
NOSE SEIKO CO.,LTD.
280+ people viewing
◼︎Features Since the stud mounting axis is eccentric to the bearing, it is possible to easily fine-tune the position by turning the stud.
NOSE SEIKO CO.,LTD.
240+ people viewing
Last viewed: 34 minutes ago
◼︎Features Since it has piping taps, it can be used in centralized greasing piping.
