CAM S AN D

CAM
FO LLO W ER S
 W H AT A R E
CA M S?
Cams convert rotary oscillating or
linear motion into a linear or
reciprocating action to carry out useful
work.

The cams are classified according to :

(a) Shape,
(b) Follower movement, and
(c) Manner of constraint of the follower
TY P ES O F C A M S
Plate cam

Face cam

Cylindrical
cam

End cam
Plate cam
Sometimes called
a disc, radial or
edge cam.

The follower
moves in a plane
perpendicular to
the axis of rotation
of the camshaft.
 TY Pcam
Cylindrical ES O F CA M S
Sometimes called a
barrel cam.

Its curved surface

has a groove
machined, within
which a follower is
contained. The
movement
is parallel to cam axis.
 TY P ES O F C A M S
Face cam
Groove cut within
which a
constrained
follower moves.

The groove
ensures no need
for a return spring.
End cam
TY P ES cam
The cylindrical OF CA M S
has the profile
machined on the
end.
a rotating portion of
a cylinder .

The follower
translates or
oscillates, whereas
the cam usually
rotates.
TY P ES O F C A M
FO LLO W ER

Wedge or
Knife Type

Roller
Flat Ended
Wedge or Knife
TY P ES O F CA M
type
FO
It is not often LLO W
used ER
as it wears rapidly,
due to the high
frictional forces.

It can also track

profiles in both
directions.
 TY P ES O F C A M
FO LLO W ER
Roller
The advantage that wear is
minimised, due to the
roller action.

The profile of the cam and

roller radius must not
conflict.

If the profile is smaller than

the radius of the roller then
the roller will follow the
incorrect path.
Flat ended
This cannot be used
for concave profiles.

It wears slower than a

knife-edge follower,
points of contact
move across the
surface of the follower.

These are often offset

and allowed to spin.
C A M U SE
Camshaft of an
Engine
The use of cam and
follower systems are
vital in engines, where
they are used to open
and close the inlet
valve and the exhaust
valve to the cylinder
head
 CAMSHAFT OF AN
ENGINE
INCORPORATING A
ROCKER ARM

In this case the

motion of the cam
imparts on the
follower is translated
to the valve through a
push rod and the
rocker arm.
TH E M O V EM EN T TYP E IN
FO LLO W ER

Motion events
TH E C A M M O TIO N O R
P R O FILE
The motion of the cam follower
depends upon the profile or shape
of the cam. Therefore the profile
determines the resultant action.