Types of followers

Cam followers are different types they are classified according to :

1. Shape
2. Types of follower motion
3. Location of the line of movement

According to shape :

1. Knife-edge follower
2. Roller follower
3. Mushroom follower 

Let we check it out above follower in details :

• Knife-edge follower :

In knife-edge follower, the connecting end of the follower has a sharp knife-edge so that its called knife-edge follower.

This type of follower is quite simple in construction.

It produces great wear of the surface at the point of contact and considerable thrust exist so its use is limited.

• Roller follower :

In roller follower, the connecting end of the follower is a roller so that is called roller follower.

Wear rate is greatly reduced because of rolling motion between contacting surfaces of the cam and follower.

At low speed, the follower has a pure rolling action but at high speeds, some sliding also occurs.

Roller followers are commonly used where more space is available in the large stationary gas or oil engines and aircraft engines.

In case of a steep rise, a roller follower jams the cam and therefore it is not preferred.

• Mushroom follower :

A mushroom follower is also two types :

1. Flat-faced follower
2. Spherical follower

• Flat-faced follower :

In flat-faced follower connecting end of the follower is perfectly flat-faced so that is called flat-faced follower.

The thrust at the bearing exerted is less as compared to another follower.

In this follower, high surface stresses and wear are quite high due to deflection and misalignment.

This types of follower are mostly used in an automobile.

• Spherical follower :

In spherical follower connecting end of the follower is spherical in shape so its called spherical follower.

In flat-faced follower, high surface stress is produced to minimize these stress the follower is machined to spherical shape.

According to follower movement :

1. Reciprocating follower 
2. Oscillating follower 

• Reciprocating follower :

In this type, the cam rotates and the follower reciprocates or translates in the guides of the cam.

This is also called translating follower.

• Oscillating follower :

In this type, cam makes the rotary motion and follower is pivoted at the suitable point on the frame and oscillating as the cam makes a rotary motion.

According to the location of the line of movement :

• Radial follower :

In this type of follower, the line of movement of the follower passes through the centre of rotation of the cam. 

• Offset follower :

In this type of follower, the line of movement of the roller follower is offset from the centre of rotation of the cam.

You may also check different types of the cam.