Cam and Follower

Cam-

Cam is mechanical member for transmission of desired motion to a follower by direct contact. The driver is called cam and driven member is called follower.

Types of followers-

It may be divided on different basis.

1 on the basis of construction and surface in contact

2. On the basis of type of motion

3. On the basis of location of line of motion w.r.t. cam center

on the basis of construction and surface in contact

Knife edge follower- 

In this type of follower a sharp edge is appear at the end of the follower that is continuously make a contact with cam.
Chances of wear in cam is high due to sharp edge.

Roller follower- 

in this follower there is a roller at the end of the follower.

It doesn't responsible for wear in cam but sometimes it make a linear motion which decreases it's effectiveness.

Flat face follower-

 in this type of follower end is flat

Spherical face follower.-

In this type of follower, follower end is spherical which is the most convenient for cam.

On the basis of motion

1. Translational follower- 

in this type of follower, they move up and down from original position

2. Rotational follower- 

these type of follower rotate about the hinged position. 

On the basis of location of line of motion of follower

1. In line follower-

In this case followers line of motion is conside with the fix point of cam

Off-line motion-  

In this case follower motion is shifted from the fixed point of cam.