1.Add a 2D-Cam - see: Add 2D-Cam

2.Review the 2D-Cam's Display, Properties, Lifetime - see 2D-Cam dialog-box

Then:

3.Add a Cam-Data FB - see Add Cam-Data FB

4.Link the 2D-Cam to the Cam-Data FB - see Link the Cam-Data FB to a 2D-Cam

Then:

5.Analyze 5 different parameters for the 2D-Cam - see below

6.Calculate the Cam-Coordinates - see Cam-Data dialog-box - Cam-Coordinates

The five output-connectors from the Cam-Data FB provide:

•F   :  Contact Force : See Note 1

•Ԏ  :  Contact Maximum Shear Stress : See Note 2

•ρ  :  Radius-of-Curvature : See Note 3

•μ  :  Pressure Angle : See Note 4

•Ue : Sliding Velocity - see Note 5

Drag wires from the output-connectors of the Cam-Data FB to a Graph FB, a Math FB or a Statistics FB

In the Graph FB, make sure you select the correct cam (Inside, Outside, Pitch-Center Path) in the Y–axis display option.

Top-Tip:

Connect the same output-connector from different Cam-Data FBs to the same Graph FB to analyse up to 4 different cams in one graph plot. Set the Minimum and Maximum Values to be the same for all graphs. Then it is easier to compare the parameter (e.g. Pressure-Angle) values.

Note 1: Make sure to do Configure the Power Source.

If Contact-Force does not show in the Graph FB, even with the Power Source configured correctly, change the Cam from Inside to Outside, or vice versa, in the Graph FB > Y-axis Options.

Note 2:

Make sure to do Configure the Power Source.

If Shear-Stress does not show in the Graph FB, even with the Power Source configured correctly, change the Cam: Inside to Outside, or vice versa, in the Graph FB > Y-axis Options.

The Maximum Shear Stress is below the Cam Surface. You must enter the correct material properties for the Cam and the Cam-Follower in the 2D-Cam dialog-box to calculate it correctly.

The calculations we use to calculate the Maximum Shear Stress have assumptions. The most significant assumption is that there is no lubrication, and there is no friction between the Cam and the Cam-Follower.

Note 3:

The Radius-of-Curvature (RoC) of the Cam-Follower Roller is assumed to be positive.  By Convention:

When the cam is convex to the Cam-Follower Roller, the RoC of the cam is positive.

When the cam conform to the Cam-Follower Roller, the RoC of the cam is negative.

Radius-of-Curvature of the Pitch-Curve is not available. If you need to know the Radius-of-Curvature of the Pitch-Curve, export the Radius-of-Curvature of the Inside and Outside Cams to Excel, and calculate their average.

To plot the Radius-of-Curvature of a Slot-Cam, you may want to limit the Maximum and Minimum Radius-of-Curvature in the Graph FB. See Graph FB Settings dialog.

Note 4:

The Pressure Angle is through the center of the Cam-Follower. There are also two other Pressure Angles available: the Contact Pressure Angle of the Inside and Outside Cams - these are labeled as Inside Cont. PR, Ang. in the Graph FB > Y-axis display options.

We cannot calculate Pressure Angle for a Stationary Cam.

Note 5:

Use Sliding-Velocity to calculate the Film Thickness of the lubricating oil between the Cam-Follower and Cam. If you know the surface finish of the cam and cam-follower, then you can also calculate the Film Thickness Ratio. This is an important parameter to calculate as it strongly influences the life of the cam and follower.