Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and a method for use in machining cam profiles, and is suitable for use in grinding, milling, turning or otherwise forming cams. A workpiece, i.e. a cam blank, is rotated adjacent a machine tool (e.g. a grinding wheel) and is moved relative thereto laterally of its axis of rotation so that stock is removed from the workpiece to form a predetermined cam profile thereon. At the same time, the angular displacement of the workpiece relative to a datum is continuously monitored and the rotational speed of the workpiece is varied in dependence on its instantaneous angular displacement so that the stock can be removed at a substantially constant rate, preferably defined by a predetermined programme corresponding to the particular cam profile to be machined on the workpiece.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and a method for use in machining cam profiles, and is suitable for use in grinding, milling, turning or otherwise forming cams. A workpiece, i.e. a cam blank, is rotated adjacent a machine tool (e.g. a grinding wheel) and is moved relative thereto laterally of its axis of rotation so that stock is removed from the workpiece to form a predetermined cam profile thereon. At the same time, the angular displacement of the workpiece relative to a datum is continuously monitored and the rotational speed of the workpiece is varied in dependence on its instantaneous angular displacement so that the stock can be removed at a substantially constant rate, preferably defined by a predetermined program corresponding to the particular cam profile to be machined on the workpiece.