Cam Follower

THK Cam Followers represent a specialized category of linear motion components engineered to provide exceptionally smooth and reliable motion transfer in cam-driven mechanisms and guide applications. These precision devices consist of a stud-type or yoke-type shaft with a high-capacity, needle roller bearing unit integrated at one end. The outer ring, or outer race, is designed with a thick outer wall and is often through-hardened to withstand high loads and resist brinelling, ensuring long-term dimensional stability and operational integrity under demanding conditions. A critical technical feature is the crowned outer ring profile, a deliberate design element that mitigates edge loading. By distributing contact stresses more evenly across the roller path, this crowning dramatically extends service life and prevents premature failure, even in systems experiencing significant misalignment or moment loads. For environments where contamination is a concern, such as in food processing or outdoor machinery, models equipped with seals or a V-ring are available to effectively retain grease and exclude dust, debris, and moisture.

The performance advantages of THK Cam Followers are substantial and directly impact machine efficiency and longevity. Their high rigidity and load capacity, derived from the needle roller construction, allow them to handle heavy radial, axial, and moment loads simultaneously, making them far more robust than standard ball bearings in similar roles. This results in minimal deflection and maintained accuracy over millions of cycles. The low-friction operation of the needle rollers contributes to reduced drive torque and power consumption, while the optimized internal geometry and high-quality steel ensure quiet, low-vibration, and high-speed performance. These attributes collectively translate into reduced maintenance intervals, lower total cost of ownership, and enhanced reliability for the entire mechanical system.

Typical applications for THK Cam Followers are diverse and span critical sectors of industrial automation and precision engineering. In industrial machinery, they are indispensable within high-speed automated assembly lines, transfer systems, and material handling equipment, where they serve as faithful followers for cam plates, providing precise linear or oscillating motion to robotic arms, indexing tables, and pick-and-place units. The automotive industry heavily relies on them in automated welding and painting robots, as well as within engine test stands and transmission assembly jigs, where their durability is paramount. In the realm of precision equipment, THK Cam Followers are found in the intricate mechanisms of semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, printing and packaging machines, and precision measuring instruments, ensuring flawless, repeatable motion where the slightest deviation is unacceptable. Their versatility also extends to specialized applications like construction equipment booms and aircraft landing gear door mechanisms, proving their value wherever robust, guided linear motion is required.

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THK's Cam Follower Model CFN SERIES represents a specialized category of linear motion components engineered for applications requiring high rigidity, precision tracking, and exceptional durability under demanding mechanical conditions. These cam followers integrate a stud-type design with a thick outer ring and a full complement of needle rollers, enabling smooth rotational motion and high load capacity. The outer ring is through-hardened and precision-ground to maintain accurate profile dimensions, while the stud portion is manufactured from high-carbon chromium bearing steel, heat-treated to achieve optimal surface hardness and core toughness. Standard models feature a black oxide finish for corrosion resistance, with optional seals available to protect against contaminants like dust, chips, or moisture in harsh operating environments. Key technical features of the CFN SERIES include its ability to handle combined loads—simultaneously managing radial and axial forces—thanks to its robust stud construction and optimized roller arrangement. The full-complement needle roller assembly minimizes friction and provides high rigidity, ensuring stable motion even under shock or vibration. Dimensional accuracy is maintained through THK's precision grinding processes, which guarantee tight tolerances for outer diameter, width, and stud concentricity. This results in consistent performance, reduced wear, and extended service life. Additionally, the CFN SERIES is available in various configurations, including standard type, yoke type (with a screw-fixed shank), and hex hole type for easy installation and maintenance using common tools. Performance advantages of the CFN SERIES make it ideal for high-stress applications. Its high load capacity allows it to support substantial weights and forces without deformation, while the low-friction design reduces energy consumption and heat generation. The cam follower's durability ensures reliable operation over long periods, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. In industrial machinery, it is commonly used in cam mechanisms, conveyor systems, and automated transfer equipment, where it guides moving parts along precise paths or supports heavy loads in packaging, printing, and material handling machines. In automotive systems, the CFN SERIES finds application in assembly jigs, welding robots, and engine testing equipment, providing smooth linear motion under high-speed or high-temperature conditions. For precision equipment, such as semiconductor manufacturing devices or medical automation systems, its accuracy and repeatability contribute to enhanced product quality and process stability. By combining advanced materials, meticulous manufacturing, and versatile design, THK's CFN SERIES delivers a dependable solution for improving efficiency and reliability across diverse mechanical systems.
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The THK Cam Follower Model NUCF AB represents a specialized class of cam followers engineered for high-load, high-precision motion control in demanding industrial environments. Characterized by its integral stud design, this unit features a thick-walled, high-carbon chromium bearing steel outer ring that acts as the rolling element. This outer ring is through-hardened and precision-ground to an exceptionally high degree of roundness and surface finish, ensuring smooth, consistent engagement with cam surfaces, guide rails, or track systems. The stud shaft, manufactured from high-strength alloy steel, is induction hardened at the thread and flange contact areas to provide superior resistance to wear and impact loads, while the core retains its toughness to prevent shaft bending or fracture. A critical feature of the NUCF AB model is its sealed and lubricated design, which incorporates high-performance contact seals on both sides. These seals are highly effective at preventing the ingress of contaminants such as dust, chips, and moisture, while simultaneously retaining the high-quality lithium soap-based grease that is packed into the bearing cavity at the factory. This configuration ensures long-term, maintenance-free operation by protecting the internal needle roller bearings and minimizing friction and wear over the component's service life. The performance advantages of the NUCF AB Cam Follower are substantial, directly addressing the challenges of reliability and longevity in automated systems. Its robust construction allows it to withstand significant radial, axial, and moment loads, making it exceptionally durable in applications involving shock or vibration. The precision grinding of the outer ring minimizes rolling resistance and provides exceptionally smooth, low-friction motion, which is crucial for maintaining positional accuracy and preventing "stick-slip" phenomena. This smooth operation also contributes to reduced noise levels, a key benefit in high-speed machinery and noise-sensitive environments. The integrated sealing system is a primary contributor to its performance, dramatically extending the component's lifespan by protecting the critical rolling interface from environmental contamination. This results in reduced maintenance frequency, lower total cost of ownership, and increased machine uptime. Typical applications for the THK NUCF AB Cam Follower are found across a spectrum of industries where precise linear motion and high load capacity are paramount. In industrial automation and machinery, these followers are indispensable in transfer lines, pallet conveyors, indexing tables, and automated assembly systems, where they guide and support moving elements along hardened steel cams or tracks. Within the automotive manufacturing sector, they are extensively used in welding robots, material handling arms, and stamping press feeds, enduring the high-cycle, high-impact nature of production lines. In the realm of precision equipment, the NUCF AB is employed in precision measuring instruments, semiconductor fabrication equipment, and packaging machinery, where its smooth, predictable motion is essential for achieving micron-level accuracy and repeatability. Its sealed design makes it particularly suitable for harsh environments, including those found in food processing, woodworking, and metalworking, where exposure to coolants, washdowns, and abrasive particles is common.
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THK's Cam Follower Model CFT represents a specialized class of linear motion components engineered for applications involving high-load capacity and precise tracking along cam profiles and guide surfaces. This unit is fundamentally a stud-type roller bearing, but its design is optimized for the unique demands of cam mechanisms and linear guidance, where smooth, low-friction motion under substantial radial and moment loads is paramount. The CFT model is characterized by its robust outer ring, which is either through-hardened or case-carburized to provide exceptional surface durability and resistance to impact loads. This hardened outer ring directly engages with the cam or track, ensuring long-term operational integrity and minimal wear. Several key technical features define the CFT's performance. The most prominent is its crowned outer ring profile. Unlike a simple cylindrical design, this slight crowning prevents stress concentration at the edges of the roller, a phenomenon known as edge loading, which can lead to premature failure and vibration. This design ensures a more even distribution of contact stress, significantly enhancing the component's service life and allowing for higher permissible load ratings. The CFT incorporates a needle roller and cage assembly, which provides a high load-carrying capacity within a compact cross-section. Precision-ground raceways and high-quality steel ensure smooth, quiet operation with minimal rolling resistance. Sealing is another critical aspect; the CFT is equipped with highly effective seals that prevent the ingress of contaminants like dust, chips, and moisture, while effectively retaining grease, making it suitable for harsh industrial environments. The performance advantages of the CFT Cam Follower are directly linked to its design. Its high rigidity and load capacity allow machinery designers to build more compact and robust systems without sacrificing performance. The crowned outer ring translates directly into greater accuracy and repeatability of motion, as it mitigates the skidding and brinelling that can degrade positional precision over time. The combination of high-speed capability and excellent sealing results in low maintenance requirements and extended intervals between re-lubrication, reducing total cost of ownership. Typical applications for the THK CFT Cam Follower are widespread across industries that demand reliable, high-precision linear guidance. In industrial automation and machinery, they are indispensable in transfer lines, palletizers, packaging equipment, and automated assembly systems, where they guide moving carriages and follow complex cam paths. Within the automotive sector, these followers are critical components in robotic welding arms, material handling robots, and various assembly and testing jigs. In the realm of precision equipment, the CFT finds use in semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, precision measuring instruments, and optical positioning systems, where its smooth, accurate motion is essential for achieving micron-level tolerances. Ultimately, the THK CFT Cam Follower provides a foundational element for creating machinery that is simultaneously powerful, precise, and durable.
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THK's Cam Follower Model CF SFU represents a specialized category of linear motion components engineered for applications requiring high rigidity, precise tracking, and exceptional durability under demanding mechanical conditions. This model features a stud-type design with a thick outer ring and a crowned outer surface, which minimizes edge loading and ensures stable contact with cam surfaces or guide rails. The CF SFU incorporates a full complement of needle rollers, optimizing load distribution and rotational efficiency while maintaining a compact cross-sectional profile. A key technical feature is its sealed configuration, which includes integrated contact seals on both sides to prevent lubricant leakage and block contaminants such as dust, chips, or moisture. This sealing mechanism extends service life and reduces maintenance frequency, even in harsh operational environments. The outer ring is through-hardened and precision-ground, providing high surface hardness and wear resistance, while the stud portion is manufactured from high-strength alloy steel and heat-treated to withstand heavy radial and axial loads. Performance advantages of the CF SFU Cam Follower include its ability to handle high-speed rotations and oscillating motions with minimal friction and vibration. The crowned outer surface design prevents stress concentration at the edges, reducing the risk of brinelling and extending both the follower and mating component lifespan. Its high static and dynamic load ratings make it suitable for applications involving shock loads or repetitive impact forces. Additionally, the sealed construction ensures consistent lubrication retention, contributing to quiet operation and reduced noise levels in precision machinery. The compact and lightweight design allows for easy integration into space-constrained assemblies without sacrificing load capacity or positional accuracy. Typical applications for the THK Cam Follower Model CF SFU are widespread across industrial machinery, automotive systems, and precision equipment. In industrial automation, it is commonly employed in cam-driven indexing tables, transfer lines, and packaging machinery where precise reciprocating or oscillating motion is critical. The automotive industry utilizes these followers in engine valve trains, transmission systems, and robotic welding arms, where high-speed operation and resistance to thermal variations are essential. Within precision equipment, the CF SFU is found in semiconductor manufacturing devices, optical positioning stages, and medical automation systems that demand minimal backlash and high repeatability. Its robustness also makes it ideal for heavy-duty applications such as construction machinery linear guides, material handling systems, and agricultural equipment, where exposure to particulate debris and variable loads is common. By combining advanced sealing technology, optimized geometry, and superior material properties, the THK Cam Follower Model CF SFU delivers reliable performance, extended service intervals, and enhanced system efficiency across diverse mechanical applications.
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THK's Cam Follower Model CFH AB represents a specialized evolution in linear motion components, engineered to deliver exceptional performance in demanding cam follower applications. This model features a unique stud-type design with a hexagonal hole for secure, tool-assisted installation and adjustment, preventing slippage and ensuring precise positioning during assembly. The outer ring incorporates a crowned raceway profile, a critical design element that mitigates edge loading under misalignment conditions, distributing stress evenly across the roller and significantly extending service life. Internally, the CFH AB utilizes high-carbon chromium bearing steel for rings and rollers, heat-treated to achieve superior hardness and wear resistance. Needle rollers are precisely arranged and guided by a robust rib structure, maintaining optimal alignment and rotational smoothness even under high-speed operation and substantial radial loads. A sealed design with integrated contact seals effectively guards against contaminants like dust, chips, and moisture, while retaining grease lubrication to ensure consistent performance and reduce maintenance frequency in harsh industrial environments. The performance advantages of the CFH AB are substantial and directly address common challenges in motion systems. Its high rigidity and load capacity enable it to withstand significant radial, axial, and moment loads simultaneously, making it exceptionally durable in applications with complex force vectors. The crowned raceway not only prevents stress concentration but also allows for a slight degree of misalignment without compromising performance or accelerating wear, providing greater design flexibility and forgiveness in real-world installations. This results in smoother motion transmission, reduced vibration, and lower noise levels during operation, contributing to overall system stability and precision. The enhanced sealing technology drastically improves contamination resistance, leading to longer lubrication intervals and reduced risk of premature failure, which in turn lowers total cost of ownership by minimizing unplanned downtime and replacement part costs. Typical applications for the THK Cam Follower Model CFH AB are found across industries where precise motion following and high reliability are non-negotiable. In industrial automation and machinery, it is extensively used in cam-driven index tables, transfer lines, packaging equipment, and printing machinery, where it accurately translates cam profiles into linear or oscillating motion. Within automotive manufacturing systems, these followers are critical components in automated welding robots, assembly conveyor guides, and stamping press auxiliaries, enduring high-cycle operations and shock loads. Precision equipment sectors, such as semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and precision measuring instruments, leverage the CFH AB for its smooth motion and positional accuracy in delicate positioning stages and scanning mechanisms. Its robust construction and sealed nature also make it suitable for food processing, textile, and woodworking machinery, where exposure to particulates, moisture, or washdowns is common.
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The THK Cam Follower Model CFH represents a specialized class of linear motion components engineered for applications involving high-load cam mechanisms, guide mechanisms, and linear motion under demanding conditions. At its core, this unit is a stud-type cam follower, characterized by its integral stud shaft and a high-precision, needle roller-bearing-equipped outer ring. This outer ring is often available with either a standard black oxide finish or a option for a thick chrome plating, enhancing its corrosion resistance for use in harsh environments where exposure to moisture or chemicals is a concern. The bearing itself is sealed on both sides with highly effective contact seals, which are instrumental in preventing the ingress of contaminants like dust, debris, or moisture, while simultaneously retaining the high-performance grease lubricant within the bearing cavity. This design ensures a long service life and maintains consistent performance with minimal maintenance requirements. Technically, the CFH model is distinguished by several key features. The incorporation of a full complement of needle rollers provides a significantly high load-carrying capacity relative to its compact cross-sectional dimensions. This design allows it to withstand substantial radial loads, making it exceptionally robust. The outer ring is manufactured from high-carbon chromium bearing steel, ensuring excellent wear resistance and durability, even under high-stress, high-cycle operations. For applications requiring precise tracking, the outer ring features a crowned profile. This crowning is a critical performance attribute as it helps to mitigate edge loading, a common phenomenon where stress is concentrated at the ends of the roller path. By distributing the load more evenly across the roller and the raceway, the crowned design prevents premature flaking and failure, thereby extending the component's operational lifespan and enhancing its reliability under misalignment or deflection scenarios. The performance advantages of the THK CFH Cam Follower are substantial. Its high rigidity and load capacity translate to improved accuracy and repeatability in motion control systems. The low coefficient of friction inherent in the needle roller design contributes to smooth, consistent operation, which minimizes heat generation and power consumption. The combination of effective sealing and superior grease retention means the unit is often pre-lubricated for life, reducing the need for frequent re-lubrication and lowering overall maintenance costs. This makes it a highly reliable and "fit-and-forget" component in many automated systems. Typical applications for the CFH are widespread across industries that demand precision and endurance. In industrial machinery, it is a fundamental component in the guide mechanisms of automated transfer lines, pallet changers, and material handling equipment. Within the automotive sector, these cam followers are indispensable in robotic welding arms, assembly jigs, and the cam-driven systems of engine valve trains and transmission testing equipment. In the realm of precision equipment, they provide reliable linear guidance in semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, precision measuring instruments, and packaging machinery, where smooth, low-friction, and high-accuracy motion is non-negotiable for product quality and throughput.
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THK's Cam Follower Model CF AB represents a specialized category of linear motion components engineered for applications requiring precise tracking of cam profiles while withstanding significant radial, axial, and moment loads. This robust unit integrates a stud-type design with a needle roller bearing structure, delivering exceptional durability and rotational performance under demanding operational conditions. The outer ring undergoes a through-hardening process, enhancing surface strength to resist brinelling and wear from repeated cam contact, while the inner ring and stud are manufactured from high-carbon chromium bearing steel, heat-treated to achieve an optimal balance of toughness and hardness. Key technical features include the incorporation of a crowned outer ring profile, which mitigates edge loading by distributing contact stresses more evenly across the cam surface, thereby extending both component and cam life. The CF AB series is available with various stud end configurations, including standard types and those with a threaded portion for simplified mounting and adjustment. Sealing is addressed through the use of highly effective labyrinth seals combined with grease-filled cavities, providing robust protection against contaminants like dust, chips, and moisture, ensuring reliable performance in dirty or washdown environments. Lubrication is facilitated via grease nipples, allowing for routine maintenance to replenish the high-quality lithium soap-based grease that ensures smooth, low-friction operation. Performance advantages are substantial, starting with high load capacity derived from the needle roller construction, enabling the support of heavy loads in compact dimensions. The low coefficient of friction and optimized internal geometry contribute to minimal rotational torque variation, ensuring consistent motion and precise tracking even at high speeds. This results in reduced noise generation, lower vibration transmission, and decreased heat buildup, all critical for maintaining accuracy and prolonging service intervals. The design also accommodates slight misalignments, forgiving minor installation errors without compromising function or leading to premature failure. Typical applications span numerous sectors where reliable cam follower performance is non-negotiable. In industrial machinery, the CF AB is commonly deployed in packaging equipment, textile machines, and transfer lines, guiding moving parts along complex paths with repeatable precision. Automotive production systems utilize these followers in welding robots, assembly conveyors, and indexing tables, where they endure high-cycle operations and exposure to particulate debris. Within precision equipment, they are found in semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, printing presses, and automated inspection devices, providing the smooth, accurate motion necessary for high-quality outputs. By combining rigorous engineering with versatile application potential, the THK Cam Follower Model CF AB delivers a dependable solution for enhancing the performance and longevity of motion systems across diverse industries.
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The THK Cam Follower Model CF is a specialized linear motion component engineered for applications involving cam mechanisms, guide mechanisms, and linear motion under high-load conditions. Characterized by its robust outer ring and integrated stud, this unit is designed to withstand substantial radial, axial, and moment loads while maintaining precise tracking and smooth operation. The outer ring features a crowned or cylindrical outer surface, with the crowned design (CF Type) compensating for misalignments and reducing edge stress, and the cylindrical variant (CFS Type) providing consistent contact in applications requiring straight-line tracking. Internally, the Cam Follower incorporates a full complement of needle rollers or a cage-guided roller assembly, ensuring high load capacity and durability. The stud shaft is manufactured from high-grade chromium steel, heat-treated to achieve superior surface hardness and core toughness, while the outer ring is made from bearing steel, through-hardened for exceptional wear resistance. Sealing is provided by highly effective contact seals, which prevent the ingress of contaminants such as dust, debris, and moisture, and retain lubrication, thereby extending service life even in harsh operating environments. Lubrication is facilitated through a grease nipple on the stud, allowing for easy re-lubrication during maintenance intervals. Key performance advantages of the THK Cam Follower Model CF include its exceptional load-carrying capability, which allows it to handle heavy loads and shock loads without compromising operational integrity. The optimized internal geometry and high-quality materials contribute to low friction and minimal rotational torque, enhancing efficiency and reducing heat generation. Its precision construction ensures high running accuracy and repeatability, critical for maintaining consistent performance in automated systems. The inclusion of effective sealing mechanisms makes it suitable for use in contaminated or washdown environments, such as those found in food processing or automotive manufacturing, where exposure to coolants, lubricants, or particulates is common. Additionally, the Cam Follower’s design allows for smooth and quiet operation, reducing noise levels in machinery and contributing to a better working environment. Typical applications for the THK Cam Follower Model CF are widespread across industrial machinery, automotive systems, and precision equipment. In industrial automation, it is commonly employed in cam-driven indexing tables, transfer lines, and packaging machinery, where it translates rotary cam motion into precise linear or oscillating movements. Within the automotive industry, it is utilized in welding fixtures, assembly robots, and engine valve train mechanisms, providing reliable guidance and load support under high-speed and high-temperature conditions. In precision equipment, such as printing presses, textile machinery, and semiconductor manufacturing systems, the Cam Follower ensures accurate positioning and smooth motion control, contributing to high product quality and reduced downtime. Its versatility and robustness make it an indispensable component in any application demanding reliable linear guidance, high load capacity, and long-term performance in challenging operational settings.
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THK's Cam Follower Model CFS SERIES represents a specialized category of linear motion components engineered for applications requiring precise tracking of cam profiles and robust support under high radial and axial loads. These units integrate a stud-type design with a heavy-duty outer ring, available in both standard and crowned outer diameter configurations to accommodate varying contact stress distributions and alignment tolerances. The CFS SERIES features deep-groove ball tracks optimized for smooth rolling motion and extended service life, with optional configurations including sealed or shielded variants to enhance contamination resistance in harsh operating environments. Constructed from high-carbon chromium bearing steel (SUJ2) subjected to stringent heat treatment processes, these followers achieve a core hardness of HRC 58-64 while maintaining dimensional stability under dynamic loading conditions. Technical innovations in the CFS SERIES include precision-ground raceways with controlled micro-geometry to minimize vibration and noise generation during high-speed operation. The stud portion incorporates a threaded shank with machined flats for secure mounting, while the crowned outer ring design—designated as CF...S variants—effectively mitigates edge loading by distributing contact forces across a broader surface area. Lubrication is facilitated through radial grease holes and grooves, ensuring consistent film formation between rolling elements and raceways. Performance advantages manifest as exceptional durability under shock loads, with dynamic load ratings reaching 14.3 kN for standard models and operational temperatures spanning -10°C to 120°C. The optimized contact angle enables simultaneous absorption of radial and axial forces, reducing system complexity by eliminating need for additional thrust elements. Industrial implementations leverage these characteristics across multiple sectors. In automotive transfer lines, CFS units guide indexing mechanisms in engine block machining stations where cam-actuated lifting arms require zero-backlash motion. Packaging machinery employs them in intermittent motion assemblies, such as rotary fillers where followers engage with barrel cams to convert rotational input into precise linear strokes. Semiconductor manufacturing equipment utilizes the sealed CFS variants in wafer handling robots, maintaining positioning accuracy despite particulate contamination risks. For heavy-duty applications like steel processing lines, the series' high moment load capacity stabilizes oscillating guide rolls in continuous casting machines. The crowned profile variants prove critical in printing press registration systems, compensating for parallel misalignment between cam shafts and follower arrays while maintaining print registration within ±0.1mm. Through these deployments, the CFS SERIES demonstrates its fundamental role in enhancing mechanical efficiency and reliability across industrial automation landscapes.
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