Is a rotating machine element which gives reciprocating or oscillating motion to another element know as FOLLOWER. - cam and follower have a line contact and constitute a higher pair. - are usually rotated at uniform speed by a shaft.

Is predetermined and will be according to the shape of the cam.

Follower reciprocates or oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the cam axis.

- follower rides in a groove at its cylindrical surface. - follower reciprocates or oscillates in a direction parallel to the cam axis.

- knife edge follower - roller follower - flat faced or mushroom follower - spherical forced follower

- reciprocating or translating follower - oscillating or rotating follower

- radial follower - offset follower

- the contacting end of the follower has a sharp knife edge. - seldom used in practice because the small area of contacting surface results in excessive war. - a considerable side thrust exists between the follower and the guide.

- the contacting end of the follower is a roller. - rate of ware is greatly reduced. - side thrust also exists between the follower and the guide. - are extensively used where more space is available.

- the contacting end of the follower is perfectly flat faced. - side thrust between the follower and the guide is much reduced. - wear may be reduced by off-setting the axis of the follower/ - generally used where space us limited. - when the flat faced follower is circular, it is then called a MUSHROOM FOLLOWER.

- the contacting end of the follower is of spherical shape. - flat end of the flat faced follower is machined to a spherical shape to minimize stresses.

follower reciprocates in guides as the cam rotate ms uniformly.

uniform rotary motion of the cam is converted into predetermined oscillatory motion of the follower.

motion of the follower is along an axis passing through the center of the cam.

motion of the follower is along an axis away from the axis of tue cam center.

smallest circle that can be drawn to the cam profile.

reference point on the follower and is used to generate the pitch curve.

the angle between the direction of the follower motion and a normal to the pitch curve.

point on the pitch curve having the maximum pressure angle.

a circle drawn from the center of the cam through the pitch point.

curved generated by the trace point as the follower moves relative to the cam.

the smallest circle that can be drawn from the center of the cam and tangent to the pitch curve.

the maximum travel of the follower from its lowest position to the topmost position.

The follower, during its travel, may have one of the following motions: 1. Uniform Velocity 2. Simple harmonic motion 3. Unform acceleration and retardation 4. Cycloidal motion