Snail Cam

Description

A Snail Cam (aka Drop Cam), so-called because of the snail-like appearance, has a slow rise and then a sudden drop. This is a one-event-per-turn cam with a slow build-up to the peak and a rapidly decreasing edge. These cams can rotate in one direction only, which in the case of the illustration shown, is counter-clockwise.

Features and Applications

Snail Cams are a particular type of Radial Cam and can be used to drive punches, hammers, automata, or drum sticks in mechanical fairground organs - or any circumstance when a sudden drop is required.

See Nguyen Duc Thang's example of a Disc Cam - the cam profile is an archimedian spiral so the follower’s speed is constant. Gravity maintains permanent contact between follower and cam.

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DT Online Buyers' Guide

Cam profiles (i.e. the shape of the outer edge of the cam against which the Follower engages) can be drawn as a Displacement Diagram using Drawing Instruments or CAD software. Cams for models can be made simply by drilling an MDF or Ply Disc off-centre to make an Eccentric Cam or by mounting a disc at an angle to a dowel axle to make a Swashplate. The use of Cams can most easily be explored using Contruction Kits such as those listed below.

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Engino "STEM Mechanics" Cams and Cranks Set	Engino "STEM Mechanics" Levers and Linkages Set	Fischertechnik 536622 - Mechanic & Static 2	Engino Mechanisms Set	Engino Gears Set