This paper proposes an integrated system for improving the cam-follower performance. The design method is to improve the motion characteristics of a cam follower-system. Improvement of the motion characteristics is to achieve low maximum velocity and acceleration for each follower motion curve so that jerk is minimum. Representing basic follower motion curves with nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS) can do this. Conventional methods in designing and manufacturing of cam are tedious and time consuming. Even programming them on a computer numerical control (CNC) machine can be a difficult job because of the complexity of the cam profiles. . A CAD/CAM system is developed, which provides useful design information such as graphical and numerical representation of displacement, velocity, acceleration, jerk, pressure angle and cam profiles for both basic curves and NURBS. An analysis can be carried out based on maximum velocities and accelerations to select the best cam follower motion. It also provides cam profile coordinates for basic curves and NURBS to manufacture a cam on CNC machines.

Key words: plate-cams, disc-cams, cam profile, NURBS, B-Spline,, computer numerical control (CNC), Computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), R-D-R-D (rise-dwell-return-dwell