Research on cylindrical indexing cam’s unilateral machining

Abstract

The cylindrical cam ridge of the indexer is a spatial curved surface, which is difficult to design and machine. The cylindrical cam has some defects after machining because conventional machining methods have inaccuracies. This article aims at proposing a precise way to machine an indexing cam, using basic motion analysis and analytic geometry approach. Analytical methodology is first applied in the cam’s motion analysis, to obtain an error-free cam follower’s trajectory formula, and then separate the continuous trajectory curve by thousandth resolution, to create a three-dimensional discrete trajectory curve. Planar formulae and spherical formulae can be built on the loci. Based on the machine principle, the cutting cutter’s position and orientation will be taken into account. This article calculates the formula set as presented previously and obtains the ultimate cutter path coordinate value. The new error-free cutter path trajectory is called the unilateral machining trajectory. The earned results will compile into numerical control processing schedule. This processing methodology gives a convenient and precision way to manufacture a cylindrical indexing cam. Experimental results are also well supported.