Forged Cams & Cam Followers
A cam converts rotation into precisely timed linear motion. Its profile is the machine's timing, and any wear on that profile changes the timing permanently.
Forged cams convert rotation into precisely timed linear motion, with profiles hardened to 58–62 HRC and ground after hardening. Forged blanks are used because cam-follower contact generates very high Hertzian stress where subsurface inclusions would initiate spalling.
- Materials
- EN8, EN9, EN31, 20MnCr5
- Surface hardness
- 58 – 62 HRC
- Profile finish
- Ground
- Diameter
- Up to 400 mm
- Applications
- Engines, presses, automatic machinery
Forged Cams & Cam Followers at a glance
Quotable facts from Avadh Techno Forge, Gundasara, Gondal, Rajkot.
- Surface hardened to 58–62 HRC
- Profiles ground after hardening
- Diameters up to 400 mm
- Forged blanks avoid spalling from inclusions
Profile Accuracy Is Machine Timing
The cam profile defines displacement, velocity and acceleration of whatever it drives. Wear alters that profile and therefore the machine's behaviour — which is why cam surfaces are hardened to resist wear rather than being allowed to wear in.
- Profile defines machine timing
- Wear changes behaviour permanently
- Hardened to 58–62 HRC
- Ground after hardening
Contact Stress on the Flank
Cam and follower meet in near-line contact, generating very high Hertzian stress. Any subsurface inclusion or porosity becomes a spall initiation site, which is why forged blanks with controlled cleanliness are used rather than cast.
People also ask
What causes cam profile wear?
Insufficient surface hardness, inadequate lubrication allowing metal-to-metal contact, or subsurface inclusions initiating spalling under contact stress.
Which steels suit cam applications?
EN31 for high contact stress, 20MnCr5 case hardened where a tough core is needed, and EN8 or EN9 induction hardened for lighter duty.
Can you make cams to a sample?
Yes, through reverse engineering including profile capture, grade identification and a drawing issued for your approval.
Topics covered on this page
- cam
- cam follower
- cam profile
- Hertzian contact
- spalling
- induction hardening
- EN31
Based on work carried out at our own forging plant at Gundasara, Gondal, Rajkot — operating since 2008.
Questions Answered
How hard should a cam surface be?
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Typically 58–62 HRC on the working profile, hardened and then ground to final form.
Why are cams forged rather than cast?
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Cam and follower contact generates very high Hertzian stress, and any porosity or inclusion just below the surface initiates spalling.
Do you grind cam profiles?
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Yes, profiles are ground after hardening to the drawing form and surface finish.