They feature a single notch at the end of the base. There are single cams as well as double cams. Single vs Double Cams: What’s the Difference? They are installed alongside rotary parts, such as camshafts, so that they can convert the part’s rotary motion into linear motion. Cams are separate parts that solve this problem. They are only capable of generating rotary motion. The up and down movement of the cams is linear motion.Ĭamshaft alone can’t generate linear motion. The camshaft will rotate continuously, whereas the cams will move down when struck by the camshaft. Cams will move in response to these strikes. Cams are designed to convert rotary motion such as this into linear motion.Īs a camshaft turns, it will strike one or more cams below it. The camshaft will generate rotary motion. When running, an engine’s camshaft will turn. The rotary motion of a part will press against the cam, thus generating linear motion.Ĭommon types of cams include the following:Ĭams are used in conjunction with a part that rotates, such as an engine’s camshaft. Nonetheless, they are all designed to convert rotary motion into linear motion.

You can find them in different materials, sizes and styles. What are cams exactly, and how do they work? What Is a Cam?Ī cam is a notched device that’s designed to convert rotary motion into linear motion. While small in size, they play an important role in the function of these devices. Cams are commonly found in engines, industrial printers, manufacturing machines and various mechanical equipment.

Cam works