Authors Notes
Cam and Follower

How does a cam work?

A cam is a shaped 'wheel' that is fitted to a rotary axle or a shaft. A cam usually has a follower, which rests on the edge of the cam. When the shaft turns, the shaped wheel turns, which causes the follower to move up and down. As the cam turns, driven by the circular motion, the

 
cam_follower1
cam follower traces the surface of the cam transmitting its motion to the required mechanism.To the right is an animation, which shows a rotating cam pushing a follower up and then allowing it to slowly fall back down.

 

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