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| UNUSUAL CAMS | |
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The Cylindrical Cam / Barrel Cam: As the cylinder cam profile rotates the follower moves upwards. When the follower reaches the top, the cylinder cam rotates in the opposite direction and follower moves back down. |
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These unusual cams are normally composed of a cylinder which has a groove cut out of its surface and it is in this that the follower runs up and down. This type of cam can be seen in some old clock mechanisms and still in modern sewing machines. Machines that perform repetitive movements may use a cylinder cam profile. |
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| Cylindrical cams are often used when precise, smooth movement is required. They are sometimes used in equipment when fine adjustment is necessary. A roller follower is ideal for this application and this type of follower is unlikely to jam. It is also possible to have multiple followers working with the same thread. | |
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A specialised measuring / sensing device is seen below. It accurately measures movement to the right and left. It is part of a control system, that ensures a robotic vehicle in a factory, stays within a path drawn on a factory floor. If the device detects too much movement left or right, the control system automatically corrects the direction of the robot. One of the most important components is the cylindrical cam. This is composed of a large screw thread and a roller follower (called the swing arm). The roller follower ensures that movement of the swing arm is smooth and ‘jam’ free. |
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