CAM AND FOLLOWER
CAM AND FOLLOWER
A cam follower, also known as a track follower or cam roller, is a
specialized type of roller or needle bearing designed to follow the profile
of a cam lobe. Cam followers are necessary for the smooth and effective
conversion of rotational motion into linear motion, which is a frequent
function of cams in machines. The primary purpose of a cam follower is to
transfer motion from the rotating cam to another part of a machine or
system.
The cam-follower consists of three parts:
1. Cam – is a profiled disc, cylinder or sphere that
rotates. The shape or profile of the cam influences
the motion of the follower.
2. Follower – is a rotating or oscillating component
of a device that directly tracks the motion of a
cam.
3. Frame – it holds the cam and follower.
Concepts Of Motion Conversion
The camshaft is a rotating shaft with
one or more cams, which are
eccentric or oblong-shaped
projections. As the camshaft rotates,
the cam follower moves in response
to the shape of the cam, translating
the rotary motion of the camshaft into
linear motion.
Application
There are many different uses for cam followers, such as:
1. Engine Valves - Cam followers are used to open and close engine valves, letting air and fuel into the
engine and releasing exhaust fumes.
2. Crankshaft Positioning - Cam followers are used to position the crankshaft in relation to the camshaft,
which is essential for proper engine timing.
3. Pumps - A pump's ability to transfer fluid is dependent on the movement of its pistons, which are
controlled by cam followers.
4. Clutch Actuators - Cam followers are used to engage and disengage clutches, which is necessary for
smooth gear shifting.
5. Automotive Window Lifts - Cam followers are used to raise and lower automotive window lifts.
Benefits of Cam Followers
Cam followers offer several benefits, including:
1. High Efficiency - Cam followers have a high degree of efficiency when
converting rotational motion to linear motion.
2. Smooth Operation - Even at high speeds, cam followers may operate quietly and
smoothly.
3. High Load Capacity - Cam followers are able to support big loads.
4. Compact Design - Cam followers can be made to be small in order to maximize
available space.
TYPES OF CAM-FOLLOWER
MECHANISMS
Rotating Cam, Translating Follower
When a follower moves along a guide
while a cam rotates, the motion is
categorized as a rotating cam and
translating follower. This is further
categorized based on the motion of the
follower.
Rotating Cam, Oscillating Follower
When the rotary motion of the cam is
converted into oscillatory motion,
the configuration is known as a
rotating cam and oscillatory
follower.
Translating Cam, Translating Follower
In this case, both the cam and
follower exhibit translational motion.
This means that the motion to the
follower is due to the profile height
of the cam.
Stationary Cam, Moving Follower
There are cases in which the cam is
stationary and the follower traces the
profile of the cam. This type of
arrangement is classified as a
stationary cam and moving follower.
Point Follower
A point follower is a mechanism in
which a pin on a follower slides in a
slot. The slot can be of any profile.
Thank you!
Leader: Jairo Malixi Santos
Group Members:
Justine Dimla
Alvic Novera
Jerry Sabado
John Paul Salta
Princess Mendoza Bungay
Gabrielle Valencia
