A cam generally specifies the motion relationship between a leading axis (master axis) and a following axis (slave axis). Cams can also mirror velocity profiles, pressure characteristics or valve characteristic compensation for hydraulic axes. The cam technology object can process cams which are defined as interpolation point tables or polynomial descriptions.

The basic scope of SCOUT contains editors to create simple cams in the form of text in a table or using polynomials (VDI assistant) in the form of graphics symbols with configuration support.

Creation of cams

When the technological object "Cam" is generated, the type "Interpolation point table" or "Polynomial" is defined.

• Interpolation point table:
  With this type, the master and slave positions are entered in a two-column table. It is also possible to use external interpolation point tables (ASCII file, Excel table).
• Polynomials:
  Polynomials describe motion laws in accordance with VDI 2143. SIMOTION supports polynomials up to the 6th degree. In polynomial mode, the cam is described by a number of consecutive polynomials. Polynomials are entered in the form of a polynomial table. Users can use a polynomial description dialog and/or VDI assistant.

The result of the input is displayed in the right-hand side of the window in the form of a curve in the coordinate system.

In addition, other parameters such as the interpolation type between the curve support points or the scale of the cam can be specified. The SIMOTION CamTool option package can be used to display and optimize cams graphically.