camprofiel

Camprofil, or cam profile (camprofiel in Dutch), is the geometric outline of a cam surface that shapes the motion of a follower in a cam-follower mechanism. It defines how far and when the follower moves during each rotation of the cam. The profile is a two-dimensional curve traced on the cam face and is typically described by the follower displacement as a function of the cam angle.

Key concepts include the base circle, the lobes, and the lift. The base circle is the smallest radius of the cam, from which the lobes rise. The lift is the amount the follower moves away from the base circle, and the profile determines the timing, speed, and smoothness of this movement. The lobe separation angle and the overall duration of motion influence the motion characteristics and are central to design choices.

How it works: as the cam rotates, the contact between cam and follower converts rotational motion into translational motion of the follower. The shape of the cam profile determines valve opening and closing in engines, or shaft motion in various machinery, affecting timing, acceleration, and overall performance.

Design considerations include achieving the desired motion profile while minimizing wear and peak stresses. Profiles can be symmetric or asymmetric, with choices affecting acceleration and jerk. Roller followers reduce friction and wear, while flat-tappet followers require appropriate surface hardness and lubrication.

Manufacture and measurement: cams are machined from steel or other alloys, typically by CNC milling and grinding to tight tolerances. Modern workflows store profiles as coordinate data or CAD/CAM models, and verification uses profilometry or 3D scanning to ensure accuracy.

Variants and applications include radial, cylindrical, and disc cams, with single- or multi-lobe designs. They are used in internal combustion engines, automated machinery, packaging, robotics, and textile equipment, where precise timing and motion control are essential.