Design and Manufacturing Analyses for Integrated CAD/CAM of Cams

Design and manufacturing analyses are presented which are the basis for an integrated CAD/CAM system for cams. The design analysis begins with the lift schedule specified either by analytical functions or by discrete data points which are transformed to an analytical form by cubic spline interpolation. The required cam contour and its curvature at each point on the cam periphery are then derived. Machining of the required cam shape is analyzed for NC jig grinding, CNC grinding, and rocker grinding. For NC jig grinding only the geometrical aspects of the process are analyzed, but for CNC and rocker grinding both the geometrical and physical aspects of the process are considered for control of cam geometry and thermal damage. Integration of design and maufacturing tasks in this way allows for manufacturing characteristics and limitations to be taken into account in the design stage.