INA Track Rollers: The Ultimate Guide to Yoke & Stud Type Solutions
(Technical Analysis for Industrial Bearing Catalogs)
- Track Roller Fundamentals: Purpose & Engineering
INA Track Rollers (Cam Followers) are robust, integrated bearing systems designed to handle high radial loads while rolling along tracks, cam profiles, or guide rails. They transform sliding friction into rolling motion, enabling precision motion control in demanding environments. Key design features include:
Thick-Walled Outer Ring: Case-hardened (60-64 HRC) and precision-ground to withstand impact loads
Crowned Running Surface: Spherical profile compensates for misalignment (±2°-4°)
Integrated Mounting: Threaded studs (Stud Type) or yoke forks (Yoke Type)
Sealed Units: Triple-lip seals (2RS) standard for IP6X contamination protection
- Application-Specific Solutions
- Stud Type Dominant Applications
Packaging Machinery: Cam-driven sealing jaws (KRE-PP with eccentric adjustment)
Conveyor Systems: Guide rollers in tight spaces (KRV series)
Robotics: Joint articulation in 7th-axis rails
Medical Equipment: Flat-track imaging systems (KRIB-FT FDA-compliant)
- Yoke Type Critical Use Cases
Construction Equipment: Excavator linkage joints (KRVU: 25 kN+ loads)
Steel Mills: Roller table guides (KUKU with flat profile)
Agricultural Machinery: Planter parallel arms (KRVPP: mud-resistant seals)
Printing Presses: Cylinder engagement cams (High-moment capacity)
- Selection Methodology: 5 Critical Factors
Load Profile Analysis
Radial load magnitude (use dynamic rating C)
Moment load presence (yoke type if >15% of radial load)
Impact/vibration factors (apply 1.5-2x safety factor)
Environmental Conditions
Corrosion risk: Stainless steel options (INA suffix “SS”)
Temperature extremes: Specialty greases (-50°C to +150°C)
Contamination levels: Multi-labyrinth seals for ISO 4406 Class 8/9
Motion Requirements
Oscillation angle: Full-complement rollers for <90° rotation
Linear speed: Limit to 2 m/s without forced lubrication
Accuracy needs: Flat rollers require track grinding (±0.05mm)
Mounting Constraints
Space-limited: Stud type saves 40% radial space
Adjustment needs: Eccentric collar (AXW) for ±0.5mm tuning
Maintenance access: Relubrication fittings vs. sealed-for-life
Economic Considerations
High-volume: Standard KR series
Extreme life: KT cylindrical rollers (3x lifespan vs. needles)
Critical systems: Yoke types reduce downtime costs
- Why INA Track Rollers Lead the Industry?
Load Density: Needle rollers deliver 30% higher capacity than ball-type followers
Precision: Profile grinding to ABEC 3 tolerances (±0.025mm)
Longevity: 15,000+ hour design life in ISO 4406 Class 8 environments
Innovation: Patented eccentric collar (AXW) for field adjustments
Global Support: 24/7 engineering consultation for application optimization
Conclusion: Precision Engineered for Industrial Motion
INA Track Rollers provide the critical interface between moving machinery and fixed guides, combining extreme load capacity with contamination resistance. Stud types (KR/KRE/KT) excel in space-constrained linear guidance, while yoke variants (KRVU/KUKU) dominate high-moment applications. With industry-leading sealing, adjustable positioning, and application-specific designs, INA delivers reliable performance in packaging, automation, heavy equipment, and beyond. Select based on load dynamics, environmental challenges, and motion requirements to maximize system uptime and ROI.
