The Computer-Aided Drafting and Manufacture of Cams

Abstract

The rendering of a cam profile, whether in the form of a blueprint or as a metal or plastic workpiece, has posed a challenging problem to engineers over the years. However, with the development of computer peripherals, such as the cathode-ray tube (CRT), the plotter, and the numerically-controlled (NC) machine tool, these tasks have become routine work. In fact, contrary to the most common machine elements, which involve either straight-line segments or circular arcs, cam profiles contain rather complex shapes which cannot be produced accurately with conventional—i.e., non-digital—drafting and machining facilities. This chapter focuses on the rendering of cams using a computer, but conventional methods are briefly reviewed, for completeness.