Cam Terminology :

Definitions

Cam :

the Part that supports the Cam-Profile shape. Its motion is the input to the Cam system.

Cam-Shaft :

a Cam that rotates, usually with constant angular velocity.

Cam-Profile :

the surface that is in continuous contact with the Follower-Profile (the 2D-Cam).

Cam-Track :

a groove with parallel surfaces that is cut into a Cam-Blank with an Outer and an Inner Cam-Profile.

Cam-Follower :

the Part that supports the Follower-Profile. Its motion is the output from the Cam system.

Follower-Profile :

the surface that interacts with the Cam-Profile

Cam-Follower Roller :

a Cam-Follower with a Follower-Profile that has a cylindrical or barrel shaped surface

Flat-faced Cam-Follower : 

a Cam-Follower with a Follower-Profile that has a flat surface

Translating Cam-Follower :

a Cam-Follower that slides along a straight axis.

Rotating Cam-Follower :

a Cam-Follower that rotates about a fixed axis.

Progressive Motion :

a motion that moves the Cam-Follower generally in one direction.

Non-Progressive Motion :

a motion that returns the Cam-Follower to its original position after each machine cycle.

Reciprocating :

a non-progressive, translating motion.

Oscillating :

a non-progressive, rotating motion - also called Swinging.

Indexing :

a progressive, usually rotating motion.

Indexer :

a device whose input is a Cam-Shaft and output is a Progressive Motion. After a number of machine cycles the output advances by 360º.

Cam-Blank :

the material that you need before you cut the shape of the Cam-Profile.