Mechanical Engineering Cams and

Followers

University of Guyana
FET- MEC

Theory of Machines IV
MEC 3207

Lecturer: Mr. Vishal Persaud

GROUP MEMBERS
TROY ALFRED - 1037753
MOHAMMED BAKSH -1036007
LERON DAWSON- 1037478
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 CAM & FOLLOWER
What is a CAM?
A cam is a notch- equipped tool used to convert
rotational motion into linear motion. They come in a
variety of sizes, styles, and materials. All of them are
made to transform rotational motion into linear
motion. The rotary motion of a part will press against
the cam, thus generating linear motion.
 CAM & FOLLOWER
TYPES OF CAMS
1. Radial CAM
2. Cylindrical CAM
3. Wedge CAM
4. Conjugate CAM
5. Spherical CAM
 Radial CAM
A flat plate or disc is carved and
is used as a cam to obtain the
required motion of the follower.
In this type, the motion of the
follower is perpendicular to the
axis of rotation of the cam.
 CAM & FOLLOWER
Applications
Radial cams: These are commonly used in the IC engine to
control the opening and closing of the inlet and outlet valves.

Where the follower track (groove) on the radial cam causes

the follower to move linearly in and out as the cam rotates.
This linear motion can be used to rotate another object,
control the flow of materials, or trigger on-off mechanisms.
 Cylindrical CAM
This cam is cylindrical in
shape, and there is a groove cut
on its surface. The follower
moves along the path of the
groove. In this type, the motion
of the follower is parallel to the axis of rotation of the
cam.
 CAM & FOLLOWER
Applications
Cylindrical cams: A common application is in web
handling and tensioning systems, where a
cylindrical cam can be used to maintain constant
tension on a web of material as it feeds through a
machine, i.e. in sewing machines to guide thread,
packaging machines, pick and place machines, and
musical instruments.
 Wedge CAM
The cam is in the shape of a
wedge and has a sliding
motion. The follower moves
up and down as the cam
moves to and from. Here the motion of the cam and
follower are perpendicular to each other.
 CAM & FOLLOWER
Applications
Wedge cams: These are used for generating
quick on-off or switching actions. Wedge cams
are often used in machinery such as punch
presses and bottling machines, where they
control the actuation of valves or levers.
 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.
 CAM & FOLLOWER
Applications
Conjugate cams: Conjugate cams are used in
applications such as textile weaving looms and
robotics, where precise control over the
follower's motion is essential
 Spherical CAM
The spherical cam are similar to
the cylindrical cam as it has a
groove cut in it, except here, the
cam is in the shape of a sphere.
 CAM & FOLLOWER
Applications
Spherical cams: These are used to generate three-
dimensional motions for the follower. The spherical
shape of the cam allows the follower to move in any
direction relative to the cam center. Spherical cams
are less common than other types but can be found
in applications such as machine tool positioning
systems and gimbals
 CAM & FOLLOWER
What is a Follower?
A cam follower, also called a track follower, roller
follower, or oscillating component of an assembly
follows the translating cam's motion by means of
direct contact and moves with respect to the cam's
axis to convert the reciprocating motions of the
cam into a linear motion.
 CAM & FOLLOWER
TYPES OF FOLLOWERS
1. Knife Edge Follower
2. Roller Follower
3. Flat Faced Follower
4. Spherical Faced Follower
 Knife Edge Follower
This follower has a pointed tip in
contact with the cam. The pointed
tip causes wear and tear in the
cam.
 Roller Follower
To overcome the defect of knife-edge
followers, roller followers are used.
In this, a roller is attached to the tip of
the follower to make contact with the
cam. It reduces the friction as well as
wear and tear of the cam.
 Flat- Faced Follower
This follower has a flat surface to
make contact with the cam. This
is used when a quick motion is
needed, but it develops a high
surface tension during
misalignment and deflection.
 Spherical- Faced Follower
Spherical followers are used to
overcome the difficulty of
flat-faced followers. Here, the
contact area is spherical,
resulting in lesser wear and
tension.
 Design Considerations
1. Follower Motion 4. CAM Speed
2. Follower Force 5. Manufacturing Cost
3. Friction and Wear 6. Accuracy and Repeatability
7. Safety
Thank You For Listening !