A CAD/CAM system for high performance precision drum cams

This paper describes a computer-aided design and manufacturing system for t he design and production of complex profiles for high-performance drum cams within the specified tolerance. The system graphically generates the cam p rofile on the cylindrical drum after performing an analysis of the kinemati c performance for the prescribed follower motion, using a B-spline represen tation of follower curves. Eight different types of follower motion for a t ranslating follower are considered The kinematic performance is based on th e criteria of achieving the lowest levels of velocity and acceleration for each curve. The system is also able to simulate the motion of the designed cam graphically. The system also recommends the best cam profile on the bas is of comparing the kinematic performance of all the B-spline representatio ns of all the follower motions.