Cam units are a versatile, configurable class of mechanical devices that are integrated into production die equipment on many industrial press stamping and forming operations.
At a high level, cam units allow for accurate control over the position of mechanical die components during metalworking.
Cam units ensure the even distribution of all forces transferred through the equipment to all workpiece surfaces during piercing, forming, and trimming operations.
Cam units ensure efficient and reliable equipment operation throughout all forming processes. They provide an even distribution of force, as the tools (punches) contact the workpiece perpendicularly, which helps minimize tooling (punch) wear due to this uniform force distribution.
What Is the Purpose of Cam Units?
The purpose of a Cam unit is to transform the straight-line overhead forces (and motion) from large vertical press rams into horizontal or angular forces (and motion) as the press contacts the workpiece.
In many forming and cutting applications, an additional horizontal force on the sides of the workpiece is required to restrain the piece for complex cutting and forming operations such as punching, forming, and flanging. The horizontal or angular forces delivered by the cam units provide the requisite workpiece restraint required by such operations.
The 4 Most Common Cam Units
Cam units are differentiated by the mechanisms they employ to transfer motion from the press, the motion profile they provide at the workpiece, and their mounting configuration on the die tooling.
Cam Units also come in many dimensional profiles, each tailored to accommodate press and die component configurations.
Cam units are available in many design configurations with different underlying mechanical functions that provide the required linear motion control. Here are a few of the most common Cam units and industrial use cases.
1. Flying Cam (Aerial) Cams
Aerial cams, also known as flying cam units, operate perpendicular to the press stroke, extending above the die set.
The critical differentiating feature of aerial cams is that the movable cam slide assembly is mounted on the top die shoe instead of on the bottom die. This mounting position allows the entire cam slide to translate up and down with the press, allowing space for other die components, such as transfer fingers, on the bottom shoe, as the operation may require.
MISUMI improved the MGFV flying cam units for high-tensile strength steel stamping after feedback from customers. The new design, T-MGFV series, has an improved working force, better bite prevention with a gas spring, and the same mounting capability as the MGFV series.
CHECK OUT MISUMI’s NEW CAMRiSE FLYING CAM UNITS
Uses: Commonly used to create features like holes, piercings, or forms in difficult-to-reach areas of a workpiece.
Applications: Automotive body panels, electronics casings, and appliance components requiring side piercing or forming.
2. Box Cams
Box cams are housed within a box-like structure for added stability and rigidity during operation.
Box cams function by the angular contact between two rectangular square slider pieces that are precision ground to fit the square housing. The two slider pieces inside the box allow for the translation of vertical to horizontal motion as they slide against each other during operation.
The box structure that houses the mounting component and driver adds significant structural rigidity to the unit.
Uses: Suitable for operations that need stability during side action forming or piercing.
Applications: High-tolerance parts in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery industries.
3. Roller Cams
Roller cams are light- to medium-duty cams that use rolling elements to reduce friction and ensure smooth, precise movements.
Roller cams are mounted on the bottom die shoe and are activated when the press compresses the cam follower/slider element. The roller cam units’ roller elements rotate and convert the vertical press motion into a horizontal force that compresses the workpiece.
Uses: Best for trimming, forming, or piercing operations where lower force but high precision is required.
Applications: Electronic housings, small appliance components, and small automotive parts.
4. Under Cam Units
Under cams operate from beneath the workpiece, allowing for upward piercing or forming operations. Some cam types detailed above are also available in an under-cam configuration (Lamina -RollerCams, adaptable to angle -15⁰ ~+50⁰).
Uses: Enables upward movement, often used for undercuts or forms that cannot be reached from above.
Applications: Used in progressive dies for parts requiring upward piercing, commonly seen in automotive parts and appliance components.
MISUMI offers a wide selection of cam units, including flying, wedge, roller, and more, to meet the needs of any industrial application.
