What is a Cam Follower?
A cam follower uses a cam, usually a flat piece of tooled metal, and follower system to replicate a specific motion. As the cam is rotated, pressure is applied to the follower, which tracks the shape of the cam by its edge and translates the movement of the cam into a movement pattern. The cam follower operates on a very simple principle and can be applied to a wide number of tasks, because although basic, it is highly versatile. Cam follower systems are used in a wide variety of daily applications, including motor vehicles, moving lawn ornaments, and pumping devices. Cam follower systems usually take the form of a rotating rod that turns the cam or cams and followers mounted above the cams. A follower with a pointed head will more accurately hold and replicate the motion of the cam, but it will also wear down and require replacement more quickly. Followers with broader heads will not wear down as easily, but some accuracy will be sacrificed. It is important that an external downward f
