Cam Profile Generator | Engineering Tool

📐 Basic Parameters

Follower Type

Base Circle Radius (mm)

Roller Radius (mm)

Total Lift (mm)

🔄 Motion Parameters

Rise Motion Type

Return Motion Type

Rise Angle (°)

Dwell After Rise (°)

Return Angle (°)

Dwell After Return (°)

Smooth Transitions

⚙️ Output Options

Angular Resolution (°)

Show Velocity

Show Acceleration

Show Jerk

A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice versa.

This tool helps you design cam profiles by specifying the follower motion characteristics and visualizing the resulting cam shape.

Key parameters include:

Base Circle: The smallest circle centered on the cam rotation axis
Follower Type: Knife-edge, roller, or flat-faced
Motion Laws: Different mathematical functions that define how the follower moves

Uniform Motion

Constant velocity motion. Produces abrupt changes in acceleration (infinite jerk) at transitions.

Simple Harmonic (SHM)

Sinusoidal motion. Continuous acceleration but has discontinuities in jerk.

Cycloidal Motion

Smooth acceleration profile with continuous jerk. Good for high speeds.

Polynomial (3-4-5)

3-4-5 polynomial motion provides smooth transitions with zero acceleration at endpoints.

Modified Sine

Combines harmonic and cycloidal segments for low vibration at moderate speeds.

Knife-edge Follower

Simplest type with point contact. Theoretical concept only - not practical due to rapid wear.

Roller Follower

Most common type. Roller reduces friction and wear. Requires offset in cam profile calculation.

Flat-faced Follower

Flat contact surface. Can handle higher loads but requires precise alignment.

For high-speed applications, use cycloidal or polynomial motions
Keep pressure angle below 30° to prevent jamming
Larger base circles reduce pressure angle but increase cam size
Ensure total of all angles (rise, dwells, return) equals 360°
Use smooth transitions between motion segments to minimize vibrations

Cam Specifications

Type	-
Base Radius	- mm
Total Lift	- mm
Roller Radius	- mm
Total Angle	- °
Rise Motion	-
Return Motion	-

🔧 Cam Profile Generator

📐 Basic Parameters

🔄 Motion Parameters

⚙️ Output Options

Introduction to Cam Design

Motion Types Explained

Follower Types

Knife-edge Follower

Roller Follower

Flat-faced Follower

Design Tips

Cam Specifications