Add 3D-Cam

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Add 3D-Cam

3D-Cam

See also: 3D-Cam dialog

Add 3D-Cam does NOT remove a degree-of-freedom from the model.

We calculate for you the shape of a 3D-Cam from the relative motions of a Cam-Part and Follower-Part, together with the shape of the Follower-Profile.

You must also add the shape of the Cam-Blank and its rotating-axis. The elements are in different 3 or 4 Mechanism-Editors.

We recommend you do MD-Globe-www Tutorial 6C: Barrel and Globoidal Cams before you use this command the first time.

Terminology

3D-Cam :

A 3D-Cam has complex and twisting Cam-Surfaces (Cam-Flanks) that interact with Follower-Rollers.

The rotating-axis of the Cam-Part is not parallel with the rotating-axis of the Follower-Part.

There many variants of a 3D-Cam.

Barrel, Cylindrical, and Globoidal Cams are different types of 3D-Cams.

Globoidal Cams are also known as Roller-Gear-Drives and Ferguson Cams.

There are also Face, Groove, and Rib types. The Cam-Part, or the Follower-Part, can be stationary. or rotate with a constant, or a non-constant angular-velocity.

Prepare for Add 3D-Cam (typical)

All Parts are kinematically-defined before you do Add 3D-Cam.

You must select 5 elements, from 3 or 4 Mechanism-Editors.
MD-3DCAM-PREPVIEW-5ELEMENTS-A

The five elements are:

Red-14-1 Part : Follower

Red-14-2 Profile : Follower-Roller

Red-14-3 Part : Cam (in the active Mechanism-Editor)

Red-14-4 Profile : Cam-Blank

Red-14-5 Line : Cam-Blank Rotational-Axis

To see the five elements in the graphics-area:

MD-Icon-Visibility-Other Mech-SHOW

•Visibility toolbar (or menu) > Show other Kinematic and Sketch elements

MD-Lightbulb-ShowMechanism

AND

•Right-click the Mechanism name-tab of each Mechanism-Editor and click Show with 'other Kinematic and Sketch elements'.

MD-Icon-View-Spin

AND

•View toolbar > Spin, or use your arrow keys on your keyboard, to spin the model to see the 5 elements in the 3 or 4 Mechanism-Editors.

Hide Model in Mechanism icon

It is also easier if you hide Solids:

Deselect : Visibility toolbar (or menu) > Show Solids in Mechanisms

Add 3D Cam

MD-ADD-3DCAM-CM-0

STEP 1: Click Add 3D-Cam

MD-Icon-Add3DCam

1.Mechanism menu > Add 3D-Cam

OR

1.Machine-elements toolbar > Add 3D-Cam

There are five elements to select in the Command-Manager.

STEP 2: Click the five elements in the graphics-area or Assembly-Tree.

Red-14-1b Part: Follower: the Cyan Part-Outline

Red-14-2 Profile: Follower-Roller: the Pink Profile

Red-14-3 Part: Cam: the Green Part-Outline in the active Mechanism-Editor

Red-14-4 Profile: Cam-Blank Profile: the Yellow Profile (contour)

Red-14-5 Line: Cam-Blank Rotational Axis: the Yellow Line

STEP 3: Complete the command

1.Click OK-tiny-11-15 in the Command-Manager.

STEP 4: Edit and save the 3D-Cam

1.Open the 3D-Cam dialog

Edit the 3D-Cam parameters, export the XYZ surface data-points, or save the 3D-Cam as a STEP file.

Elements to add a 3D-Cam:

Elements to add a 3D-Cam:
MD-3DCAM-1

Result

You can see the 3D-Cam in the graphics-area.

See 3D-Cam dialog

The 3D-Cam has four surfaces, which enclose the solid volume that you cut from a Cam-Blank. The four surfaces are:

•Cam Flank × 2 - one flank for each working side of the Follower-Roller

•Floor Surface - a surface to connect the bottom edges of the Cam-Flanks

•Top Surface - a surface to connect the top edges of the Cam-Flanks. This surface should be outside of the Cam-Blank.

Video:

Video: Add 3D-Cam