Binay-An Report

The transformation of one of the simple motions, such as rotation, into any other
motions is often conveniently accomplished by means of a cam mechanism A cam

mechanism usually consists of two moving elements, the cam and the follower,
mounted on a fixed frame. Cam devices are versatile, and almost any arbitrarily-
specified motion can be obtained. In some instances, they offer the simplest and most
compact way to transform motions.
A cam may be defined as a machine element having a curved outline or a curved

groove, which, by its oscillation or rotation motion, gives a predetermined specified
motion to another element called the follower . The cam has a very important function
in the operation of many classes of machines, especially those of the automatic type,
such as printing presses, shoe machinery, textile machinery, gear-cutting machines,
and screw machines. In any class of machinery in which automatic control and accurate
timing are paramount, the cam is an indispensable part of mechanism.
Cam, machine component that either rotates or moves back and forth
(reciprocates) to create a prescribed motion in a contacting element known as
a follower. The shape of the contacting surface of the cam is determined by the
prescribed motion and the profile of the follower; the latter is usually flat or circular.
Cams are made in a variety of forms, such as: (1) a rotating disk or plate with the
required profile; (2) a plate with a groove cut on its face to fit a roller on the follower
(face cam); (3) a cylindrical or conical member with a follower groove cut around the
surface; (4) a cylinder with the required profile cut in the end (end cam); (5)
a reciprocating wedge of the required shape.
Cam-follower mechanisms are particularly useful when a simple motion of one

part of a machine is to be converted to a more complicated prescribed motion of
another part, one that must be accurately timed with respect to the simple motion and
may include periods of rest (dwells). The motion of the camshaft in an automobile
engine, for example, is a simple rotation that bears a fixed ratio to the crankshaft speed,
whereas the valve motion produced by the cams is accurately timed relative to the
crankshaft rotation and includes dwells during which the valves remain closed. Cams
are essential elements in automatic machine tools, textile machinery, sewing machines,
printing machines, and many others. If the follower is not restrained by a groove on the
cam, a spring is necessary to keep the follower in contact with the cam.
Cams are essential elements in automatic machine tools, textile machinery,

sewing machines, printing machines, and many others. If the follower is not restrained
by a groove on the cam, a spring is necessary to keep the follower in contact with the
cam.
Types of Cams:
1. Wedge and flat cams
- A wedge cam has a wedge of specified contour. The translation motion of the
wedge is imparted to the follower which either reciprocates or oscillates.
Generally, a spring is used to maintain contact between the follower and the
cam.
2. Radial or Disc Cams
- Radial Cams are one of the most common types of 'cam'. The 'radial cam' is a
rotating plate or disc with an outer circumference shaped to produce a
required movement (usually linear) to a 'follower' which is held against it.
3. Spiral Cams
- It is widely used in machines that require smooth and precise motion control.
The spiral cam is designed to convert rotary motion into linear motion with a
high degree of accuracy. The cam has a spiral shape that allows the follower
to move at a constant speed while following the cam's contour.
4. Cylindrical Cams
- Cylindrical cams are used when motion has to be transmitted parallel to the
axis of rotation of the cam. The cylindrical or barrel cam consists of a rotating
cylinder with a helical (screw shaped) groove in its curved surface. A follower
with a tapered roller end is located in the groove.
5. Conjugal Cams
- Conjugate Cam: Two rollers are connected to the follower in this cam. Both
rollers restrict the motion of each other, and this type of cam is used primarily
for noiseless operation.
6. Globoidal Cams (Concave and Convex Cams)
- Globoidal cams are a common, but still very special design of cam gears. In
practice, they are used almost exclusively in globoidal indexers, which are a
standard device for generating step-wise motions. The lever following the
cam by means of a roller oscillates for globoidal cams that are not indexing
cams.
7. Spherical Cams
- Spherical cams. • In a spherical cam, the follower oscillates about an axis
perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam •A spherical cam is in the form
of a spherical surface which transmits motion to the follower.
Types of Followers:
1. According to shape
a. Knife Edge Follower
- A knife-edged follower is a type of mechanical cam follower used in
machinery and industrial equipment. It is called a knife-edged follower
because the cam roller that comes into contact with the cam has a sharp,
knife-like edge
b. Roller Follower
- The roller follower is a compact and highly rigid bearing system. It contains
needle bearings and is used as a guide roller for cam discs and straight
motion. Since its outer ring rotates while keeping direct contact with the
mating surface, this product is thick- walled and designed to bear an impact
load.
c. Mushroom Follower (Flat or Spherical Faced Follower)
- When the contacting end of the. follower is a perfectly flat face, it is called a
flat-faced follower, as shown in Fig. When the flat faced follower is circular, it
is then called a mushroom follower or spherical follower.
2. According to movement
a. Reciprocating Follower
- Cams are used to convert rotary to linear (reciprocating) motion. As the cam
rotates, the follower rises and falls in a process known as reciprocating
motion. The motion of the follower is restricted to a pre-determined pattern by
a guide.
b. Oscillating Follower
- Converts the cam's rotational movement into a linear, oscillatory motion,
resulting in a vibratory action. Reciprocating Follower: Transforms the cam's
rotation into a back-and-forth linear motion.
3. According to the location of line of movement

a. Radial Follower
- The follower is known as a radial follower if the line of movement of the
follower passes through the centre of rotation of the cam. Offset follower: If
the line of movement of follower is offset from the centre of rotation of the
cam, the follower is known as an offset follower.
b. Offset Follower
- The center line of the follower does not pass through the center line of the
cam shaft. The amount of offset is the distance between these two center
lines. The offset causes a reduction of the side thrust present in the roller
follower.
Explain Cam vs. Linkages:

Linkages, while useful, cannot achieve all possible motions. For example, if the
output link must remain stationary for a certain period of time while the input link keeps
turning, linkages cannot be used. Cam mechanisms can realize any required output
motion. The composition of a cam mechanisms is simple: a cam, a follower and a
frame. (You may find springs used in a cam mechanism to keep the follower and the
cam in contact, but it is not part of the cam mechanism.)

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The transformation of one of the simple motions, such as rotation, into any other

motions is often conveniently accomplished by means of a cam mechanism A cam

A cam may be defined as a machine element having a curved outline or a curved

Cam-follower mechanisms are particularly useful when a simple motion of one

Cams are essential elements in automatic machine tools, textile machinery,

3. According to the location of line of movement

Explain Cam vs. Linkages:

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