How does a cam work?

A cam is a mechanical device that translates rotational motion into linear motion. It consists of a rotating disk (the camshaft) with an eccentrically mounted lobe that makes contact with a follower (the cam follower). As the camshaft rotates, the lobe causes the follower to move up and down, converting the rotary motion of the camshaft into linear motion of the follower.

Cams are used in a variety of applications, such as engines, pumps, and machine tools. In an engine, the camshaft is driven by the engine's crankshaft and is used to operate the valves that control the flow of air and fuel into and out of the cylinders. In a pump, the camshaft is used to operate the piston that moves the fluid. In a machine tool, the camshaft is used to control the movement of the cutting tool.

Cams can be designed to produce a variety of different types of motion, such as reciprocating motion, oscillating motion, and intermittent motion. The shape of the cam lobe determines the type of motion that is produced.

Cams are an important mechanical component that is used in a wide variety of applications. They are a simple and effective way to convert rotary motion into linear motion.