User Manual
Chapter 15
GFK-1742F
Jan 2020
Using the Electronic CAM Feature
326
15.2
Basic Cam Shapes/Definition
Electronic Cams duplicate the behavior of their mechanical counterparts. The following
figure illustrates the elements of a basic mechanical cam system and shows the Slave
Position for two positions of the Master Cam. As the Master Shaft rotates, the Master Cam,
which is fastened to the Master Shaft, rotates as well. The Cam Follower (which is a ball
bearing mounted to the Offset Link Arm) rolls on the Master Cam as the Master Cam rotates.
The Cam Follower either pushes up or pulls down on the Offset Link Arm, depending on the
position of the Master Cam. The Lever Arm, which is coupled to the Offset Link Arm, moves
up and down in turn, pivoting on the Fulcrum as the Offset Link Arm moves. Besides the
Master Cam shape, additional parameters that affect slave motion are the Cam Phase value
(the amount that the Master Cam position is offset from the Master Shaft position), the
Offset Length of the Offset Link Arm, and the Follower Amplitude (based on the Fulcrum
position). These mechanical parameters all have Electronic Cam counterparts.
Figure 149: CAM Model