Friday, March 7, 2008
Cams and Followers
Circular cam
A cam is a specially shaped piece of wood, metal or hard wearing plastic, which is usually fixed to a rotating shaft.
A follower is held against the cam, either by its own weight or by a spring. As the cam turns (rotary motion) the follower moves up and down (reciprocating motion).
The distance and speed at which the follower moves depends on the shape of the cam.
Triangular Cam
Triangular Cam
Followers working with triangular cams do not have a dwell period like other cams. This means they move continuously as the cam turns. Triangular cams are found in mechanisms that use clapping movements.
Pe
ar shaped cam
Pe
ar shaped camA pear shaped cam has a long dwell period during which time the follower does not move. This is ideal for the 'Sailing Ship' model where various parts move in sequence as the crank is turned.
Circular cam
A circular cam is also known as an 'eccentric' cam. The centre of rotation of the cam is offset from the centre of the circle.
My Everyday's Life
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