Many kinds of devices with cam have been widely used in various mechanical equipments. However, non-equalization machining for spatial cam trough remains to be a difficult problem. This paper focuses on the analysis of running conditions and machining processes of spatial cam with oscillating follower. We point out the common errors in the biased distance cutting. By analyzing the motion of oscillating follower of spatial cam, we present a new 3D curve expansion model of spatial cam trough-outline. Based on this model, we have proposed a machining method for trochoidal milling with non-equalization diameter cutter. This new method has led to a creative and effective way for non-equalization diameter machining for spatial cam with oscillating follower.
Cylindrical cam with oscillating follower is widely applicable and used in many mechanical devices and machines. However, a common error exists in the methods of designing planar profile for oscillating follower cylinder cam. In this study, we propose a new hypothesis to solve this design problem with the inclusion of deviation angle. On the basis of this new concept, equations for planar profile expansion and methods of calculating pressure angle are deduced by applying 3D expansion formula of the follower's motion orbit. When the pressure angle is less than allowable value, the minimum base radius can be determined by using MATLAB software. Accordingly, the planar profile of oscillating follower cylinder cam is generated by CAD software. This new method is practical and can be easily adopted for the design of oscillating follower cylindrical cam with desirable accuracy. We applied the method in the design of cylindrical cam for paper feeding mechanism used in high-speed printers. We calculated the planar profile and used it to direct the NC machine for the manufacture of the groove of cylindrical cam. The improved cylindrical cam met all of the requirements of speed and accuracy demanded by high-speed printers. Therefore, our new method has been validated by practical application.