Elements of Mechanism 2

CAMS

1.1 DEFINITION OF CAMS

A cam is a plate, a cylinder or any solid piece designed in such a way as to produce any
desired motion of the follower or the cam itself.

1.2 TERMINOLOGIES

Follower
Is the piece in contact with the cam to which motion is imparted to.
Radial Follower
Is a follower whose line of action passes through the cam shaft center.
Offset Follower
Is a follower whose line of action does not coincide with the center of the cam.
Base Circle
Is a circle with the center at camshaft center and radius equal to the nearest point in the
pitch profile.
Pitch Profile
Is the path followed by the tracer point during one revolution of the cam.

Cam Profile or Working Curve

Is the projection of the actual cam surface.
➢ For a plate cam having a knife-edge or point follower, the theoretical and working
curves are the same.
➢ For a plate cam having a roller follower, the theoretical curve is plotted with
respect to the roller center and working curve is drawn by making the necessary
adjustments for roller radius.
Cam Angle
An angle the cam turns through while the follower is displaced. In a number of cases
several cam angles are required in one complete revolution of the cam for the follower to
make several strokes during a cam rotation.
Displacement Diagram
Is a diagram plotted in a rectangular axis, it is used to show the relation between
successive positions of the follower and the cam. The diagram represents the follower
displacement as the ordinate, and the linear distances in the abscissa representing the
angular cam displacements.
Rise or Throw
Is the outward or upward displacement of the follower from its lowest position. We may
also call this outward movement the stroke or lift.
Return or Fall
Is the inward or downward displacement of the follower from its highest point.
Dwell, Still, or Rest
A dwell, still, or rest occurs when the follower remains stationary for a finite rotation of
the cam.

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1.3 Displacement Diagram

The relations between the successive positions of the driver and follower in a cam motion
may be represented by means of a displacement diagram, whose abscissas are linear distances
arbitrarily chosen to represent angular motion of the cam and whose ordinates are the
corresponding displacements of the follower from its initial position.

1.4 Types of Follower Motion (using eight divisions for all types of motion)

a) Uniform Motion
Motion of the follower is proportional to the cam displacement and is represented by a
straight line.
FOLLOWER DISPLACEMENT, cm / mm

o
CAM DISPLACEMENT, ANGLE / TIME UNIT

b) Harmonic Motion
Motion of the follower is defined by a point moving at constant speed about the
circumference of a circle.
FOLLOWER DISPLACEMENT, cm / mm

o
CAM DISPLACEMENT, ANGLE / TIME UNIT

o-d, accelerated harmonic motion

d-h, decelerated harmonic motion

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 c) Gravitational or Parabolic Motion (Uniformly Accelerated and Retarded Motion)
Motion of the follower is defined by the action of gravity acting on a body.
FOLLOWER DISPLACEMENT, cm / mm

o-d, uniformly accelerated motion

d-h, uniformly retarded motion

o
CAM DISPLACEMENT, ANGLE / TIME UNIT

d) Cycloidal Motion
Motion of the follower is defined such that its displacement satisfies the equation
S = L  − 21 sin 2  .  
FOLLOWER DISPLACEMENT, cm / mm

o
CAM DISPLACEMENT, ANGLE / TIME UNIT

For the construction of cycloidal motion with eight intervals and follower displacement of L,
use the origin O as center and draw a circle of radius equal to L/2π. Divide the circumference of
this circle into the same number of parts as the angle/time scale, in this case eight. The eight
marks on the circumference are projected horizontally onto the vertical diameter of the circle.
The marks on the vertical diameter are then projected parallel to the corresponding line Oh on
the angle/time axis. The intersections made with the division lines in the angle/time line will
determine the required curve.

1.5 PLATES FOR DISPLACEMENT DIAGRAM

PLATE 1
Plot the displacement diagram for a body that is to rise and fall as follows: rise 70cm
with gravitational motion as the cam turns 120o; fall 30cm with uniform velocity for 60o; still

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while the cam turns 60o; and it to return to its original position with harmonic motion for the rest
of the cycle. Use KF=1:5, KC= 1cm: 15o.(Use eight divisions for all types of motion).

PLATE 2
Plot the displacement diagram for a follower that rises 40mm with simple harmonic
motion in a quarter revolution; dwells for an eighth revolution; rises 50mm with parabolic motion
in a quarter revolution; dwells for a sixteenth revolution; returns to its original position with
uniform motion in a quarter revolution and dwells for a sixteenth revolution of the cam. Use
KF=1.5:1, KC=32cm: 1rev. (Use eight divisions for all types of motion).

PLATE 3
Plot the displacement diagram for a follower that rises 30mm with accelerated harmonic
motion for 60o turn of the cam; still for 30o; rise 40mm with uniformly decelerated motion for 90o
turn; fall 40mm with uniformly accelerated motion for 90o turn; still for 30o; fall 30mm with
decelerated harmonic motion for the remainder of the cycle. Use KF=2:1, KC=10mm:15o. (Use
eight divisions for all types of motion).

PLATE 4
Plot the displacement diagram for a follower that rises 140mm with decelerated harmonic
motion in 15 seconds; dwells for 5 seconds; rises 140mm with accelerated harmonic motion in 15
seconds; dwells for 5 seconds; returns to its lowest position with gravitational motion in 20
seconds. Use KF=1:2, KC=30cm: 60seconds. (Use eight divisions for all types of motion).

PLATE 5
Plot the displacement diagram for a follower that has the following displacements: rise
6cm with uniform retardation for 90o turn of the cam. Rise 8cm with harmonic motion for 120o;
rest for 30o; fall 3cm at once; fall 3cm with uniform motion for 30o; return to its initial position
with decelerated harmonic motion the remainder of the cycle. Use KF=1:1; KC= 1cm:15o. (Use 4
divisions for uniform motion and 8 divisions for other types of motion).

PLATE 6
Plot the displacement diagram for a follower that rises 70mm with accelerated harmonic
motion as the cam turns 60o; rise 80mm with uniformly decelerated motion for the next 60o turn;
fall instantly by 90mm; still for the next 30o; rise 80mm with uniform motion for the next 60o
turn; fall to its original position with harmonic motion for the remainder of the cycle. Use KF=1:1,
KC=300mm:360o. (Use eight divisions for all types of motion).

PLATE 7
Plot the displacement diagram for a follower that is to rise and fall as follows: rise 40mm
with uniformly decelerated motion for 60o turn of the cam; still for the next 15o; rise 30mm with
decelerated harmonic motion while the cam turns 60o; still for the next 15o; fall 20mm at once;
fall 20mm with uniform motion for the next 60o; hold it at rest while the cam turns 30o; and allow
it to return to its original position with gravitational motion for remainder of the cycle. Use
KF=2:1, KC= 1cm: 10o. (Use eight divisions for all types of motion).

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PLATE 8

Plot the displacement diagram for a follower to rise 40cm with cycloidal motion while the
cam turns 120o; dwell while the cam turns 30o; rise 30cm with harmonic motion 90o; dwell while
the cam turns 30o; fall 20mm at once; and it to return to its original position with gravitational
motion for the rest of the cycle. Use KF=1:5, KC= 1cm: 15o.(Use eight divisions for all types of
motion).

2.1 CAM PROFILES

2.11 In-Line Knife Edge (Point) Follower

The most efficient manner to describe the construction of a cam with a knife-edge
follower is through an actual construction. Using Fig. 2-1, a cam profile to be used with a knife-
edge follower has been constructed and shown.

1 cm
1 cm

2 cm

FIG. 2-1

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The following general procedure is used to graphically construct such a profile:

1.) Draw the base circle of diameter DB. The size is typically a function of the spatial
constraints of the application.
2.) Draw the follower in the home position.
3.) Draw radial lines from the center of the cam, corresponding to the cam angles identified
on the displacement diagram. For construction purposes, the cam will remain stationary
and the follower will be rotated in a direction opposite to the actual cam rotation.
4.) From the base circle measure and plot the type of displacement required on the vertical
line that corresponds to the follower displacement.
5.) Transfer the follower displacements to the radial lines. Draw a smooth curve through
these prescribed displacements.
6.) To accurately construct a profile consistent with the displacement diagram, it may be
necessary to transfer additional intermediate points from the rise and fall intervals.

2.12 Radial Roller Follower

The cam profile for a radial roller follower is shown in Fig. 2-2. Again, the most efficient
manner of describing the construction of a cam with a radial roller follower is through an actual
construction. Using the displacement diagram from Fig. 9.18, a cam profile to be used with a
radial roller follower has been constructed and shown in Fig.9.20.

FIG. 2-2

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 FIG. 2-3

The following general procedure is used to construct such a profile:

1.) Draw the base circle of diameter Db .
2.) Draw the follower of radius R f in the home position, tangent to the base circle.
3.) Draw radial lines from the center of the cam, corresponding to the cam angles identified
on the displacement diagram.
4.) Identify the trace point at the home position. For a roller follower, this is the point at the
center of the roller.
5.) Draw the prime circle through the trace point at its home position.
6.) Transfer the displacements from the displacement diagram to the radial lines. Measure
these displacements from the prime circle.
7.) Draw the roller outline of radius R f , centered at the prescribed displacements identified in
the previous step.
8.) Draw a smooth curve tangent to the roller at these prescribed displacements.
9.) To accurately construct a profile consistent with the displacement diagram, it may be
necessary to transfer additional intermediate points from the rise and fall intervals.

2.13 Offset Roller Follower

The most efficient manner of describing the construction of a cam with an offset roller
follower is through an actual construction. Using the displacement diagram from Fig. 9.18, a cam
profile to be used with an offset roller follower has been constructed and shown in Fig. 9.21.

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The following general procedure is used to construct such a profile:

1) Draw the base circle of diameter Db .

2) Draw the follower centerline in the home position.
3) Draw the prime circle, whose radius is equal to the sum of the base and roller follower
radii (Rb+Rf).
4) Draw the follower in the home position of radius Rf, centered where the follower
centerline intersects at the prime circle.
5) Identify the trace point at the home position. For a roller follower, this is the point that is
at the center of the roller.
6) Draw an offset circle of radius e, centered at the cam rotation axis. It will be tangent to
the follower centerline.
7) Draw lines tangent to the offset circle, corresponding to the reference cam angles on the
displacement diagram. For construction purposes, the cam will remain stationary and the
follower will be rotated in a direction opposite to the actual cam rotation.
8) Transfer the displacements from the displacement diagram to the offset lines. Measure
these displacements from the prime circle.
9) Draw the roller outline of radius Rf, centered at the prescribed displacements identified in
the previous step.
10) Draw a smooth curve tangent to the roller at these prescribed displacements.
11) To accurately construct a profile consistent with the displacement diagram, it may be
necessary to transfer additional intermediate points from the rise and fall intervals.

FIG. 2-4
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2.14 Translating Flat-Faced Follower

The most efficient manner for describing the construction of a cam with a flat-faced follower is
through an actual construction. Using the procedure discussed below, a cam profile to be used
with a translating flat-faced follower has been constructed and shown in Fig. 9.22 and Fig. 7.21.

The following general procedure is used to graphically construct such a profile:

1.) Draw the base circle of diameter Db.
2.) Draw the follower in the home position, tangent to the base circle.
3.) Draw radial lines from the center of the cam, corresponding to the cam angles on the
displacement diagram. For construction purposes, the cam will remain stationary and the
follower will be rotated in a direction opposite to the actual cam rotation.
4.) Transfer the displacements from the displacement diagram to the radial lines, measured
from the base circle.
5.) Draw the flat-faced outline by constructing a line perpendicular to the radial lines at the
prescribed displacements,
6.) Draw a smooth curve tangent to the flat-faced outlines.
7.) To accurately construct a profile consistent with the displacement diagram, it may be
necessary to transfer additional intermediate points from the rise and fall motions.

FIG. 2-5

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 FIG. 2-6

2.15 PLATES FOR CAM PROFILE

(For point and flat face follower use DHUB= 0.6DBC / DSHAFT= 0.4DBC ; For roller follower use
DHUB= 0.5DBC / DSHAFT= 0.3DBC Shaft Section Lines 3mmx 1mm spacing; Key 8mm x 8mm) Note:
Vertical orientation of the drawing paper is suggested.

PLATE 1
Design a plate cam to give the following motion to a point follower, raise 4cm in one-third
turn with simple harmonic motion, remain still for one-third turn; allow it to return to its original
position with uniform motion for the remainder of the cycle. The cam rotates counter clockwise.
Use an 9cm base circle.

PLATE 2
Draw the cam profile for a knife edge follower having the following motion: rise 50mm
during 150° turn with gravitational motion, to dwell for 30°, to fall 50mm during 150° turn with
gravitational motion, to dwell for 30°. Use a 100mm base circle. Cam rotates clockwise.

PLATE 3
Design a plate cam to give the following motion to a point follower, rise 40mm with
accelerated harmonic motion for 150° turn of the cam; rise 30mm with uniform motion for 60°
turn; fall 70mm with decelerated harmonic motion for 150° turn. The cam rotates counter
clockwise. Use a 80mm base circle.

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PLATE 4
Design the cam profile for a disk cam with flat-face follower. The follower is to move
outward 50mm with harmonic motion in one-third turn of the cam, return to the original position
with harmonic motion in one-third turn, and dwells in the last one-third turn. Use a 90mm base
circle. Rotation is counter clockwise.

PLATE 5
Design the working curve for a plate cam with a flat-face follower. The plane of the face
is perpendicular to the line of motion and is directly above the cam. The follower is to rise 6cm
with accelerated harmonic motion in one-third revolution, dwell for one-third revolution and
return to its original position with uniformly decelerated motion for the remainder of the cycle.
Use a 7cm base circle. Rotation is clockwise.

PLATE 6
Design a plate cam that gives the following motion to a flat face follower: rise 40mm with
accelerated harmonic motion for 120° turn, rise 30mm with uniform motion for 90° turn, and
return to its original position with uniformly decelerated motion for the remainder of the cycle.
The line of motion and is directly above the cam. Use a 70mm base circle. Cam rotates counter
clockwise.

PLATE 7
Design the required plate cam for a radial roller follower that is to move with the following
displacement: ascend 55mm with harmonic motion while the cam rotates 120°; dwell for the
next 120° and descend to its original position with uniformly accelerated motion for the
remainder of the cycle. Use a base radius of 45mm and a roller diameter of 20mm. Cam rotates
clockwise.

PLATE 8
Design a plate cam to give the following motion to a roller follower: raise 50mm with
uniform motion for 120°, dwell for 30°, return to its position with uniformly accelerated motion
and retarded motion for 180°, and dwell for the remainder of the cycle. Use a 110mm base circle
and a 20mm roller. Cam turns counter clockwise.

PLATE 9
Design the profile for a plate cam that provides the following motion to a radial-roller
follower: raise 25mm with uniformly accelerated motion for 90° turn; raise 30mm with
decelerated harmonic motion for 90° turn; dwell for 60°, fall 25mm at once and return to its
original position with decelerated harmonic motion for the remainder of the cycle. Use a 110mm
base circle and a 20mm roller. Cam turns clockwise.

PLATE 10
An offset-roller follower has its axis 45mm to the right and 55mm above the cam axis
when it is in its lowest position. Draw the cam profile if the follower is to rise by 40mm with
harmonic motion for a cam rotation of 240°, fall instantly by 40mm and hold it at that position for
the remainder of the cycle. Use a 20mm roller diameter. Cam rotates counter clockwise.

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PLATE 11
An offset-roller follower has its axis 45mm to the right and 55mm above the cam axis
when it is in its lowest position. Draw the cam profile if the follower is to rise by 40mm with
harmonic motion for a cam rotation of 240°, fall instantly by 40mm and hold it at that position for
the remainder of the cycle. Use a 20mm roller diameter. Cam rotates counter clockwise.

PLATE 12
An offset-roller follower has its axis 40mm to the right and 50mm above the cam axis
when it is in its lowest position. Design the cam profile if the follower is to rise by 40mm with
gravitational motion for a cam rotation of 120°, fall by 40mm with decelerated harmonic motion
for the next 180°, and hold it at rest for the remainder of the cycle. Use a 20mm roller diameter.
Cam rotates clockwise.

PLATE 13
With a 20mm diameter roller follower whose center is on a vertical line passing 30mm to
the right of the cam axis, layout the working curve for a plate cam turning uniformly clockwise.
The motion of the follower is to be down, 35mm with harmonic motion for 90° turn of the cam;
dwell for 60°; down 15mm at once; up 50mm with harmonic motion in 180° turn and remains at
rest for the remainder of the cam cycle. Find the radius of the base circle if the highest position
of the roller is to be on the plane 90mm above the axis of the cam.

PLATE 14

An offset-roller follower has its axis 45mm to the left and 55mm above the cam axis when
it is in its lowest position. Design the cam profile if the follower is to rise by 40mm with
gravitational motion for a cam rotation of 90°, rise by 25mm with uniform motion for the next
60°, fall instantly by 20mm, fall by 25mm with decelerated harmonic motion for the next 150°,
fall by 20mm at once, and hold it at rest for the remainder of the cycle. Use a 20mm roller
diameter. Cam rotates counter-clockwise.

PLATE 15
Follower F slides in guides, and starts when the rocker is at its lowest point. It remains at
rest for 60° revolution of the cam; then rises 60mm with gravitational motion for 120° revolution;
then falls to its original position with uniform motion for the next 120° revolution; then lingers at
rest for the remainder of the cam cycle. Cam rotates clockwise. Use a base radius of 50mm.
(distance from guide center line to rocker center line = 170mm; distance from cam center line to
rocker center line = 110mm;

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