Carving out time for traditional maintenance practices can be difficult. It is rarely convenient to stop your production to inspect your equipment, but it has to be done to ensure consistent equipment performance. Or, does it?

An innovative solution gaining traction in the industry is the adoption of maintenance-free cam followers. Let’s take a look at maintenance obstacles industrial manufacturers face, and how transitioning to maintenance-free cam followers could be a game-changer for your facility. 

What is a Cam Follower?

A cam follower is a specialized kind of roller or needle bearing. It is specifically designed to follow cam profiles. It is a crucial component in machinery where precise and reliable motion control is required. So, let’s first explore what a cam is. 

At a basic level, a cam is a component that transmits power. It is used to convert different kinds of rotational motion into linear motion. An external power source rotates the shaft within the cam, and in response, the cam rotates. It will then make contact with the cam follower. This moves the cam follower in a linear fashion, continuing the transference of power. 

This interaction is precise and controlled– what differs is the “path” the cam creates with rotational motion, and how the cam follower translates that motion linearly. Cam followers also contain rolling elements that help distribute the load evenly. As we noted above, cam followers are a specialized kind of bearing, so they distribute weight and reduce wear. 

For example, in the canning industry, cam followers play a crucial role in automated machinery for precise and efficient operations. They are used to guide and support the movement of cams, enabling smooth and accurate control of canning processes such as filling, sealing, and labeling. Their robust design ensures reliability and long service life, which are essential for maintaining high-speed production lines.

Traditional Cam Follower Maintenance Routines

Traditional maintenance practices for cam followers typically involve regular inspections, lubrication, and component replacements. While essential for ensuring optimal performance, these tasks can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. Manufacturers often deal with the following challenges:

1. Downtime Costs: Scheduled maintenance activities require production downtime, impacting productivity and revenue generation. Moreover, unexpected breakdowns due to inadequate maintenance can result in extended downtime, increasing financial losses due to being offline.
2. Labor Intensity: Performing manual maintenance tasks on cam followers demands skilled labor and dedicated resources. Manufacturers must allocate personnel and time for inspections, lubrication, and repairs, diverting resources away from core production activities.
3. Lubrication Challenges: Proper lubrication is crucial for minimizing friction and wear in cam follower systems. However, maintaining optimal lubrication levels can be challenging, particularly in harsh operating environments where contamination and temperature variations are prevalent.
4. Component Wear and Replacement: Cam followers are subject to wear and tear over time, requiring periodic component replacements. Identifying worn components, sourcing replacements, and conducting repairs can be disruptive and costly for manufacturers.

An Innovative, Maintenance-Free Option

In response to these challenges, maintenance-free cam followers like the RBC Roller® offer a compelling alternative. The RBC Roller®, manufactured by RBC Bearings, combines advanced engineering with innovative design features to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability. 

The RBC Roller® is available in stud type and yoke type configurations. Standard contacting lip seals offer enhanced protection against contaminants, and positive grease retention. Hex sockets are a standard feature, and crowned outer rings are available as an option. 

There are several reasons to consider making the switch to a maintenance-free cam follower like the RBC Roller®: 

1. Elimination of Routine Maintenance: Maintenance-free cam followers require no periodic lubrication or manual inspections, significantly reducing maintenance-related downtime and labor costs. Manufacturers can focus resources on production activities, enhancing overall efficiency.
2. Extended Service Life: The RBC Roller® is engineered for durability, with specially designed seals and lubrication reservoirs that ensure long-lasting performance in demanding applications. Manufacturers benefit from extended service intervals and reduced frequency of component replacements.
3. Enhanced Reliability: Less maintenance means minimizing the risk of human error and oversight! Manufacturers can enjoy excellent reliability and consistency in equipment performance, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.
4. Cost Savings: While the initial investment in maintenance-free cam followers may be higher than its traditional counterparts, the long-term cost savings are substantial. Reduced downtime, labor, and maintenance expenses translate into improved profitability and competitive advantage.
5. Improved Safety: Removing the need for manual lubrication can mean less risk of accidents and injuries, and the consistent performance of maintenance-free cam followers means less chances of unexpected failures and downtime in your facility. 

A variety of applications can benefit from maintenance-free cam followers. For example, robotic assembly lines with constantly running machinery will appreciate the uninterrupted operation and high productivity. Alternately, dusty environments like textile plants will enjoy less bearing contamination due to the sealed design. 

The transition to maintenance-free cam followers like the RBC Roller® presents an opportunity for industrial manufacturers to overcome maintenance challenges and optimize operational efficiency. By investing in innovative solutions that prioritize reliability and performance, manufacturers can stay ahead in today’s competitive marketplace.

Need More Solutions?

Whether you need help with maintenance issues, bearing concerns, or just looking for replacement parts, IBT is here to help. 

Our Industrial Maintenance Services team can help you identify issues before they happen, or help you troubleshoot when problems arise. Our Bearing and Power Transmission experts are always on hand to answer questions, source products, and recommend new solutions. For even more in-depth guidance, we offer in-person bearing and power transmission training. 

You can also explore all of our products on ShopIBT.com! Take a look at our RBC inventory, or knock some facility maintenance to-dos off your list.

And you can always come in and see us in person at one of our 38 branches– click here to find the location nearest you. 

We look forward to assisting you!