COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING OF CAMS FOR SINGLE SPINDLE AUTOMATIC LATHE

Abstract

Cam and follower constitute a versatile mechanism for generating a wide variety of specified or desired motions in machines or mechanisms. This mechanism is widely used in automatic lathes for actuation and control of tool movements. The traditional- method- of cam design for automatic lathes is tedious and time consuming, as cams. have to be designed afresh whenever there is a change in the job design. Use of computer aided design methodology for design of cams for use in automats would be ideal and cope up with the problem of frequent design changes efficiently. The present work considers a very realistic approach for design of cams by taking into account the effect of static force, inertia force and jerk in the performance for cam follower system for use in automatic lathe (TRAUB A-25). The interactive design software developed in this work would be useful for designer in selecting the most desirable profile. The functioning of the software has been illustrated for three sample components. The performance of cam follower system depends not only on its design but also on the accuracy of profile obtained in manufacturing. Cam profile manufacturing errors have been known to have drastic effect on dynamic performance of cam follower system. High manufacturing accuracy can be achieved by the use of computer aided manufacturing technique. In present work,, NC programs for the milling of cams on a CNC milling machine have been developed. An effort has been made to interpret the CAD/CAM activities by using the common data base for design and manufacture.