Types of cams

Cams can be classified based on their physical shape.

a) Disk or plate cam (Fig. 1a and b): The disk (or plate) cam has an irregular contour to impart
a specific motion to the follower. The follower moves in a plane perpendicular to the axis of
rotation of the camshaft and is held in contact with the cam by springs or gravity.

Fig. 1 Plate or disk cam.

b) Cylindrical cam (Fig. 2): The cylindrical cam has a groove cut along its cylindrical surface.
The roller follows the groove, and the follower moves in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation of
the cylinder.

Fig. 2 Cylindrical cam.

c) Translating cam (Fig. 3a and b). The translating cam is a contoured or grooved plate sliding
on a guiding surface(s). The follower may oscillate (Fig. 6.3a) or reciprocate (Fig. 6.3b). The
contour or the shape of the groove is determined by the specified motion of the follower.
 Fig. 3 Translating cam
Types of followers:
(i) Based on surface in contact. (Fig. 4)
(a) Knife edge follower
(b) Roller follower
(c) Flat faced follower
(d) Spherical follower

Fig. 4 Types of followers

(ii) Based on type of motion: (Fig. 5)
(a) Oscillating follower
(b) Translating follower
 Fig. 5: Oscillating follower & Translating follower
(iii) Based on line of motion:
(a) Radial follower: The lines of movement of in-line cam followers pass through the centers of
the camshafts (Fig. 4 a, b, c, and d).
(b) Off-set follower: For this type, the lines of movement are offset from the centers of the
camshafts (Fig. 6 a, b, c, and d).

Fig.6 Off set followers

Last Updated: Monday, March 18, 2013
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1. Plate or disk cams: Plate or disk cams are the simplest and most common type of
cam. A plate cam is illustrated in figure 3 (a). This type of cam is formed on a disk or
plate. The radial distance from the center of the disk is varied throughout the
circumference of the cam. Allowing a follower to ride on this outer edge gives the
follower a radial motion.
2. Cylindrical or drum cam: A cylindrical or drum cam is illustrated in figure 3 (b). This
type of cam is formed on a cylinder. A groove is cut into the cylinder, with a varying
 location along the axis of rotation. Attaching a follower that rides in the groove gives the
follower motion along the axis of rotation.
3. Linear cam: A linear cam is illustrated in figure 3 (c). This type of cam is formed on a
translated block. A groove is cut into the block with a distance that varies from the plane
of translation. Attaching a follower that rides in the groove gives the follower motion
perpendicular to the plane of translation.

FIGURE 3 Cam types

Types of Followers
Followers are classified based on their motion, position and shape. The details of followers
classifications are shown in the figure 4 and discussed below
 FIGURE 4 Follower types
1. Based on Follower Motion
Based on the follower motion, followers can be classified into the following two categories:
(i). Translating followers are constrained to motion in a straight line and are shown in figure
4 (a) and 4 (c).
(ii). Swinging arm or pivoted followers are constrained to rotational motion and are shown in
figure 4 (b) and 4 (d).
2. Based on Follower Position
Based on the follower position, relative to the center of rotation of the cam, is typically
influenced by any spacing requirements of the machine. The position of translating followers
can be classified into the following two categories:
(i). An in-line follower exhibits straight-line motion, such that the line of translation extends
through the center of rotation of the cam and is shown in figure 4 (a).
(ii). An offset follower exhibits straight-line motion, such that the line of the motion is offset
from the center of rotation of the cam and is shown in figure 4 (c).
In the case of pivoted followers, there is no need to distinguish between in-line and offset
followers because they exhibit identical kinematics.
3. Based on Follower Shape
Finally, the follower shape can be classified into the following four categories:
(i). A knife-edge follower consists of a follower that is formed to a point and drags on the
edge of the cam. The follower shown in figure 4 (a) is a knife-edge follower. It is the
simplest form, but the sharp edge produces high contact stresses and wears
rapidly. Consequently, this type of follower is rarely used.
(ii). A roller follower consists of a follower that has a separate part, the roller that is pinned
to the follower stem. The follower shown in figure 4 (b) is a roller follower. As the cam
rotates, the roller maintains contact with the cam and rolls on the cam surface. This is the
most commonly used follower, as the friction and contact stresses are lower than those for
the knife-edge follower. However, a roller follower can possibly jam during steep cam
displacements.
(iii). A flat-faced follower consists of a follower that is formed with a large, flat surface
available to contact the cam. The follower shown in figure 4 (c) is a flat-faced follower. This
type of follower can be used with a steep cam motion and does not jam. Consequently, this
type of follower is used when quick motions are required. However, any follower deflection
or misalignment causes high surface stresses. In addition, the frictional forces are greater
than those of the roller follower because of the intense sliding contact between the cam and
follower.
(iv). A spherical-faced follower consists of a follower formed with a radius face that contacts
the cam. The follower shown in figure 4 (d) is a spherical-face follower. As with the flat-
faced follower, the spherical- face can be used with a steep cam motion without jamming.
The radius face compensates for deflection or misalignment. Yet, like the flat-faced follower,
the frictional forces are greater than those of the roller follower.