Camshaft and its Types

Cams
Cams are used to convert rotary motion to oscillatory motion
(almost always) or oscillatory motion to rotary motion (rarely)
Cam Mechanism
A cam may be defined as a machine element having a curved
outline or a curved groove, which, by its oscillation or rotation
motion, gives a predetermined specified motion to another
element called the follower . The cam has a very important
function in the operation of many classes of machines,
especially those of the automatic type, such as printing
presses, shoe machinery, textile machinery, gear-cutting
machines, and screw machines. In any class of machinery in
which automatic control and accurate timing are paramount,
the cam is an indispensable part of mechanism.
The transformation of one of the simple motions, such as
rotation, into any other motions is often conveniently
accomplished by means of a cam mechanism A cam
mechanism usually consists of two moving elements, the cam
and the follower, mounted on a fixed frame. Cam devices are
versatile, and almost any arbitrarily-specified motion can be
obtained. In some instances, they offer the simplest and most
compact way to transform motions.

Types of Camshaft
Camshafts are of one of four types:
Hydraulic flat-tappet
Hydraulic roller
Solid flat-tappet
Solid roller

This designation is actually determined by the lifter design

Hydraulic flat-tappet
Flat-tappet cams use a lifter, sometimes called a follower,
that is essentially flat on the bottom where it rubs on the
camshaft lobe. It's actually slightly crowned in the center
for wear reasons, but it looks flat.
Most cams are coated at the factory with manganese
phosphate . This gives the cam a dull black appearance.
This coating is to absorb and hold oil during thebreak-in
period.
Most late model
designs use a
convex bottom
(.002) to
encourage lifter
rotation.
This rotation
helps reduce
lifter and (or)
bore wear.
The Cam lobe will also be slightly tapered (.0007 - .002).
This provides for a wider contact pattern

Hydraulic Roller
The lifter is spring and oil loaded
to allow for compensation.
The contact between the cam and
lifters are separated by a steel roller.
This roller reduces friction.

Lifters cannot be allowed to

rotate within the lifter bore.

Solid Flat-tappet and Roller

No internal hydraulic absorption.
Allows for a more consistent valve lift,
especially at high RPM.

Noisy when cold, more frequent and

precise valve-lash adjustments
required.

No lifter preload valve lash only.

Lash values may be given hot or cold
Typical values range from .002 - .005.

Composite Approaches
Composite camshafts of medium- and high-alloyed powered
metal lobes mounted on a hollow tube are popular as they have
the capacity of withstanding high contact stresses. Composite
camshafts can be 50% lighter than cast iron or steel shafts; can
have lobe material tailored to the application; and they can
have lobes molded to near-net shape, which means that the
amount of grinding stock, and consequently grinding time, are
both reduced.