1. Cam mechanisms

A cam mechanism is made up of a driving member, called a cam, which has a profile formed by a series of curves that usually connect tangentially, and a member, called a follower, which is driven by the driving member according to a specific law.

The cam can rotate around an axis, in which case it is circular (this is the most common case). It can also move in translation, in which case it is said to be rectilinear (figure 1 ). Similarly, the follower can be either rotational or translational.

The cam, whose profile determines the follower's movement, is the main component.