UNIDURE polyurethane-coated cam follower sleeves are urethane covers that fit over the outer ring of a standard cam follower or track roller. They reduce noise, protect the surface the roller rides on, and resist wear. Uniflex molds them in Brighton, Michigan, in press-fit or fully bonded designs, with custom sizes and durometers.
Steel rollers are tough, but they can be loud, and they are not always kind to the tracks they run on. A layer of high-performance urethane changes that. Whether you are designing new OEM equipment or upgrading machinery that has been rattling along for years, UNIDURE coated bearings give you quieter, smoother, longer-lasting rolling contact.
What Are UNIDURE Polyurethane Coated Cam Followers?
Cam followers and track rollers are roller bearings with a thick outer ring, built to roll along tracks, cams, and guide rails. A UNIDURE polyurethane-coated cam follower adds a layer of urethane to that outer ring. The steel bearing carries the load, while the urethane handles the contact: it grips, cushions, and wears so your equipment does not have to.
UNIDURE is Uniflex’s line of polyurethane-coated cam follower sleeves and urethane-coated bearings. Every one is molded in-house in Brighton, Michigan, using the same quality standards as our other custom molded urethane products.
Why Choose Polyurethane Coated Cam Followers Over Steel?
Standard steel cam followers perform well in plenty of applications. But when your equipment needs quieter operation, better grip, a non-marking surface, or more resistance to wear, urethane coating is the upgrade worth making.
| Standard Steel Cam Follower | Press-Fit UNIDURE Sleeve | Bonded UNIDURE Bearing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise and vibration | Higher | Reduced | Reduced |
| Track or surface marking | Can mark or wear surfaces | Non-marking | Non-marking |
| Traction and grip | Low | Improved | Improved |
| Installation | Not applicable | Fits over an existing bearing | Integrated, ready-to-use unit |
| Best for | Basic-duty rolling | Quick, cost-effective upgrades | Maximum bond strength in demanding duty |
What you gain with UNIDURE polyurethane coating:
- Superior abrasion and wear resistance
- Reduced operating noise and vibration
- Improved traction and grip
- Non-marking contact surfaces that protect tracks and guides
- Strong polyurethane-to-metal bonding
- Longer bearing and equipment life, with less downtime and maintenance
Press-Fit or Bonded: Which Is Right for You?
Every manufacturing process is a little different, so we offer two ways to coat your bearing.
Press-Fit Polyurethane Sleeves
Our press-fit sleeves are designed to go over standard cam followers and track rollers. They are the quick, cost-effective way to upgrade bearings you already have. Learn more about our press-fit cam follower sleeves.
Fully Bonded Polyurethane Coated Bearings
When the job calls for maximum durability and bond strength, a fully bonded design gives you an integrated unit built for demanding operating conditions.
Not sure which fits your equipment? Tell us about your load, speed, and track surface, and we will point you in the right direction.
Custom Polyurethane Bearing Solutions
No two applications are identical, so we do not treat them that way. Uniflex manufactures custom UNIDURE bearings and sleeves for OEMs, equipment manufacturers, and industrial customers.
| Option | What Is Available |
|---|---|
| Durometer | Multiple polyurethane durometers |
| Size | Custom dimensions |
| Configuration | Press-fit or fully bonded |
| Color | Custom colors |
| Materials | Food-grade polyurethane options and specialty materials |
| Quantities | Rapid prototyping, low-volume runs, and high-volume production |
| Support | Application-specific engineering support |
Need help choosing a compound? Our urethane compound selection guide and polyurethane technical data are a good place to start, or just ask our team.
Where UNIDURE Cam Followers Work Hard
Polyurethane coated cam followers earn their keep anywhere rollers face repeated contact, heavy wear, or surfaces that should not be marked.
- Material handling and conveyors: Quiet, non-marking rolling along tracks and guides.
- Automotive: Assembly lines, production equipment, and automation systems.
- Mining: Wear-heavy rolling contact in handling and processing equipment.
- Oil and gas: Equipment that runs hard. Tell us about the fluids and temperatures involved, and we will recommend the right compound.
- Robotics and industrial automation: Smooth, quiet motion on linear guides and moving assemblies.
- Packaging and food processing: Food-grade urethane options for sanitary environments.
- Also: Aerospace, marine, textile, and printing equipment, and general OEM machinery.
Why Manufacturers Choose Uniflex
Uniflex has specialized in custom molded urethane and rubber since 1979. We design, machine, and mold under one roof, which helps keep pricing competitive and lead times short.
- Made in the USA: Every UNIDURE product is manufactured at our Brighton, Michigan facility.
- Designed to fit: Custom engineering and precision over molding for a dependable fit and bond.
- Flexible volumes: Rapid prototyping, low-volume runs, and high-volume production.
- Strict quality control: Consistent fit, bonding strength, and long-term durability.
- Responsive service: Fast, free quotes and short lead times.
As a manufacturer, we can also take your project beyond coated bearings, from custom molded polyurethane and custom molded rubber to precision machining.
Let’s Make Something Together
We do not just sell a product. We build parts that customers have trusted since 1979, and we like making the process easy. Tell us what you are working on and our team will help you find the right UNIDURE solution, from a standard replacement sleeve to a fully custom bearing.
Request a Quote | Call 248-486-6000 | sales@uniflexinc.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a polyurethane coated cam follower?
A polyurethane-coated cam follower is a steel cam follower or track roller with a layer of urethane on its outer ring. The steel bearing carries the load, while the urethane reduces noise, grips the track, and protects the surface it rolls on. Uniflex makes these as UNIDURE sleeves and bonded bearings.
What is the difference between press-fit and bonded UNIDURE designs?
Press-fit sleeves are molded separately and pressed onto a standard cam follower, which makes upgrades quick and cost-effective. Bonded designs have the urethane molded and bonded directly to the bearing for maximum bond strength in demanding applications. The right choice depends on load, speed, and how often you expect to replace the coating.
Will a UNIDURE sleeve fit my existing cam follower or track roller?
Our press-fit sleeves are designed to fit standard cam followers and track rollers. Send us your bearing part number, or the outer diameter and width, and we will confirm the fit or make a custom size.
Why choose a urethane-coated cam follower over a standard steel one?
Urethane runs quieter, grips better, and will not mark or wear the track the way bare steel can. It also cushions vibration and resists abrasion. If your equipment runs on delicate, painted, or soft surfaces, or noise is a concern, urethane is usually the better fit.
What polyurethane durometers are available?
We mold UNIDURE products in multiple durometers, from soft Shore A to hard Shore D. Softer grades add grip and noise reduction, while harder grades carry heavier loads. We can recommend a grade based on your application.
Can UNIDURE sleeves be made in custom colors and sizes?
Yes. We offer custom colors, dimensions, and durometers in both press-fit and bonded configurations. Rapid prototyping is available for new designs.
Are food-grade polyurethane options available?
Yes, food-grade polyurethane options are available for food processing and packaging equipment. Tell us which regulations your application must meet when you request a quote.
Which industries use polyurethane-coated cam followers?
They are common in material handling, conveyors, packaging, automation, and assembly lines. Uniflex also supplies industries including automotive, robotics, mining, oil and gas, aerospace, and marine.
What operating conditions can they handle?
Performance depends on load, speed, temperature, and exposure to oils or chemicals. Share your operating conditions and our team will recommend a compound.
Do you offer both low-volume and high-volume orders?
Yes. Uniflex handles prototypes, small runs, and high-volume production. Designing, machining, and molding all happen under one roof in Brighton, Michigan, which helps keep pricing competitive and lead times short.
What information do I need to request a quote?
Provide the cam follower or track roller size (or part number), the urethane durometer if you know it, your quantity, and any color or compliance needs. If you are unsure, describe your application and we will help you specify it. Call 248-486-6000 or use our quote form.
Does Uniflex supply the bearings too?
Yes. Uniflex supplies Enduro industrial bearings, which pair with UNIDURE sleeves and coatings, so you can source the complete assembly from one place.