CAMS

INTRODUCTION
 A cam is a rotating machine element which gives
reciprocating or oscillating motion to another
element known as follower.
 Cam and follower is one of the simplest and most
important mechanisms found in modern machineries
today.
 Used for operating inlet and exhaust valves of
internal combustion engines, paper cutting
machines, spinning and weaving textile machineries,
feed mechanism of automatic lathes etc.
Classification of Followers

 According to the surface in contact.

a) Knife edge follower

b) Roller follower
c) Flat faced or mushroom follower
d) Spherical faced follower.
 According to the motion of the follower.
a) Reciprocating or translating follower
b) Oscillating or rotating follower.

 According to the path of motion of the

follower.
a) Radial follower
b) Off-set follower.
Classification of CAMS
 Radial or disc cam
In it, follower reciprocates or oscillates in a
direction perpendicular to the cam axis.

 Cylindrical cam
In it, follower reciprocates or oscillates in a
direction parallel to the cam axis. The
follower rides in a groove at its cylindrical
surface.
 Spiral cams
It is a face cam in which a groove is cut in
form of a spiral. The spiral groove consists of
teeth which mesh with a pin gear follower.

 Conjugate cams
It is a double disc cam, the two discs being
keyed together and are in constant touch
with the two rollers of a follower. Thus, the
follower has a positive constraint.
 Globoidal cams
It can have two types of surfaces, convex
and concave. A circumferential contour is cut
on the surface of rotation of the cam to impart
motion to the follower which has an
oscillatory motion.

 Spherical cams
In it, follower oscillates about an axis
perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the
cam.
 Wedge and flat cams
A wedge cam has a wedge which has a
translational motion. The follower can either
translate or oscillate. A spring is used to
maintain contact between the cam and the
follower.
Instead of using a wedge, a flat plate with a
groove can also be used.
Terms used in Radial Cams

 Base circle
 Trace point
 Pressure angle
 Pitch point
 Pitch circle
 Pitch curve
 Prime circle
 Lift or stroke