Glossary

Cam

Is a component that rotates or slides within a mechanical system and is primarily used to convert rotary motion into linear motion. It is commonly found as part of a rotating wheel or an irregularly shaped shaft, such as an eccentric wheel or a cylinder. When the cam rotates, it interacts with a follower at one or multiple points along its circular path. The cam can take various forms, such as simple teeth for transmitting power pulses or a peculiarly shaped disc, creating a smooth back-and-forth motion in the follower that touches the cam.