Abstract: A process for the production of composite camshafts comprises the selective positioning of a plurality of cam elements on a camshaft and orienting the cam elements at a desired location with respect to the central axis of the shaft and thereafter securing the cam elements in place on the shaft.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing the compound camshaft comprises the steps of placing cast journal or bearing elements and/or cast cam elements on a camshaft body and fixedly connecting or securing such elements at the camshaft body. The cast journal or bearing elements and/or the cam elements contain an opening which is bounded by an internal profile or contour having a configuration which is governed by the type of connection to be made between such elements and the camshaft body. The internal profile or contour may be of a substantially conical shape and is at least partially left in a mechanically untreated condition. The compound camshaft thus obtained is optimized with respect to wear and weight and there are neither required cost-intensive and time-consuming operations, especially machining operations, nor complicated working steps during the manufacturing process.