NATR15PP Cam follower bearing

I. Core Features and Identification of NATR Roller Bearings

​Component Structure: 

Outer ring: Thick-walled, sturdy. The outer cylindrical surface has undergone precise grinding and heat treatment (usually surface hardening), serving as the rolling contact surface. 

Rolling element: The interior consists of ball bearings, which offer extremely high radial load-bearing capacity. 

Spindle (bolt shaft): The center of the shaft is a high-strength bolt. One end has threads, and the other end usually has a flat surface or a hexagonal hole, which is convenient for fixing during installation. 

Sealing: Both sides are equipped with high-performance sealing rings to prevent the leakage of lubricating oil and the intrusion of contaminants. 

Core Function: It is both a bearing that can rotate at high speed, and a roller that can directly contact the track, cam, or other surfaces, converting sliding friction into low-resistance rolling friction. 

Model example: NATR 8PPA 

II. Main application scenarios of NATR roller bearings

NATR bearings are specifically designed for the following scenarios: 

Cam mechanism: In automated equipment, the follower of the cam acts as a component that converts the rotational motion of the cam into precise linear or oscillating motion. 

Linear guide rails: Used to support and guide worktables, sliders, etc. to move smoothly along straight or curved tracks. Commonly found in large sliding doors, automated warehouses, and production lines. 

Guide wheel/tension wheel: Used to direct the direction of chains, belts or cables, or to adjust their tension. 

III. Installation and Usage Steps and Key Precautions

Step 1: Verify the Model and Conduct Inspection 

Confirm that the received bearing model is consistent with the design. 

Check for any scratches or damages on the outer ring surface, and ensure that the sealing ring is intact. 

Step 2: Installation and Fastening 

Clean Installation: Ensure that the installation holes and bolts are clean and free of burrs. 

Inserting bolt: Place the bolt shaft of the bearing through the holes in the mounting plate. 

Select gaskets: Depending on the requirement, either flat gaskets or spring gaskets can be chosen. 

Tighten the nut: 

Use the appropriate wrench to secure the end of the bolt (usually a hexagonal head or an internal hexagonal socket). 

The other wrench tightened the nut. 

Key point: The fastening must be carried out according to the recommended tightening torque. Insufficient torque will cause loosening, while excessive torque may damage the bolt threads or the internal clearance of the bearing. Do not directly clamp or strike the outer ring of the bearing during the tightening process! 

Step 3: Gap Adjustment (for Eccentric Type) 

IKO offers eccentric cam follower bearings of the type "NATR...X" (with "X" suffix). 

The threaded part of the bolt's axis is eccentric. 

Adjustment method: Loosen the nut, rotate the bolt shaft with a tool. Due to the eccentric effect, the center position of the roller will undergo a slight radial movement, thereby precisely adjusting the gap between the roller and the track (tightening or eliminating backlash). After the adjustment is completed, re-tighten the nut. 

Step 4: Intermediate Check 

Make sure that the bearing rollers have a good contact with the track or the cam surface, and avoid tilting or edge contact. 

IV. Lubrication and Maintenance

Initial Lubrication: The NATR bearings were filled with high-performance lubricating grease upon leaving the factory. 

Further lubrication: Most NATR bearings have oil injection ports on their sides. 

Use an oil gun to inject the same type of lubricating grease until the old grease begins to seep out slightly from the sealing lip. 

The lubrication cycle depends on the working frequency, load and environment. In hot and dusty conditions, the cycle needs to be shortened. 

V. Common Mistakes and Taboos

​Error 1: Directly striking or clamping the outer ring. 

Consequence: It will damage the precision raceways on the outer ring, the internal ball bearings or the sealing ring, causing the bearing to be immediately scrapped. 

Error No. 2: Incorrect torque application. 

Consequences: If it is too loose, the bolts will become loose and fall off; if it is too tight, the bolts will be stretched, the threads will be damaged, or the internal part of the bearing will get stuck. 

Error 3: Bearing axial loads. 

Consequence: The NATR bearing is designed to withstand radial loads, but its ability to withstand axial loads is extremely weak. Incorrect axial forces will quickly lead to failure. 

Error 4: Mixing lubricants or not lubricating at all. 

Consequence: Leads to lubrication failure and early wear of the bearings. 

VI. Fault Symptoms

​Inflexible or stuck rotation: Lubrication failure, internal damage, or foreign objects intrusion. 

Abnormal noise: A sign of wear or lack of oil. 

Radial clearance is too large: The internal ball bearings or raceways have been severely worn out and need to be replaced immediately. 

Summary: Key points for successful implementation of NATR

→ Precise selection of components → Standard installation (centering, fixed torque) → Regular lubrication → Condition monitoring. 

View it as a precise "functional wheel" assembly. With proper application and maintenance, it can provide long-lasting and reliable performance in the automated system. If you have a specific application scenario, I can offer more targeted suggestions.