Cam - Setup

The Setup tab of the Cam dialog box specifies basic information such as units, cam type, and follower type.

To open this tab:

Click Cams (Toolbox toolbar) or Toolbox > Cams.

General Parameters

Units Specifies the property units. Select Inch or Metric.
Cam Type Specifies the cam type. Select Circular or Linear.

Circular Cam Parameters

These parameters are available when Cam Type is Circular.
Follower Type Specifies the follower type. Select one of the following:
  • Translating - Moves along a line that passes through the center of cam rotation.

  • Offset Left or Offset Right - Moves through a line that does not pass through the center of cam rotation. To determine the direction, look from the follower towards the center of cam rotation.

  • Swing Left or Swing Right - Swings about a pivot point. To determine the direction, look from the pivot point towards the center of cam rotation.

Follower Diameter Specifies the follower diameter, which is equal to the diameter of the groove that is cut in the cam.
Starting Radius Specifies the distance from the center of cam rotation to the center of the follower.
Starting Angle Specifies the angle between the follower and a horizontal line through the center of the cam.

For a Translating follower, type the value. For an Offset or Swing follower, select Computed or Adjusted. If you select Computed, Toolbox calculates the value. If you select Adjusted, type the value.
Rotation Direction Specifies the rotation direction. Select Clockwise or Counter Clockwise.
Offset Distance (A)

Offset Angle (B)

 Offset follower only.
Arm Pivot X Offset (A)

Arm Pivot Y Offset (B)

Arm Length (C)

 Swing follower only.

(B) is equal to (C) because the Swing Follower is vertical.

Linear Cam Parameters

These parameters are available when Cam Type is Linear.
Follower Type Specifies the follower type. Select one of the following:
  • Translating - Moves perpendicular to the motion of the cam.

  • Inclined - Moves at an angle (not perpendicular) to the motion of the cam.

  • Swing Trail or Swing Lead - Swings about a pivot point. To determine leading or trailing, compare the follower to the pivot point. If the follower trails the pivot point as shown, it is a Swing Trail follower.

Follower Diameter Specifies the follower diameter, which is equal to the diameter of the groove that is cut in the cam.
Starting Rise Specifies the vertical distance from the base corner of the cam to the center of the follower.
Starting Run Specifies the horizontal distance from the base corner of the cam to the center of the follower.

For a Translating or Inclined follower, type the value. For a Swing follower, select Computed or Adjusted. If you select Computed, Toolbox calculates the value. If you select Adjusted, type the value.
Cam Motion Specifies the cam motion direction. Select Left or Right.
Follower Angle Inclined follower only. Specifies the angle between the follower and a line that is perpendicular to the motion of the cam. The value must be +/- 45°.

Arm Pivot X Offset (A)

Arm Pivot Y Offset (B)

Arm Length (C)

 Swing follower only.