An internal multiple cam adjusts several radial slides together, as in an expanding grip or a die stock. Explore the adjusting ring and six slides, then use the separate calculator to compare nominal dimensions and convert a shaft-angle interval to time. The fixed 1.5D and 0.02 mm comparisons do not specify cam geometry.
Internal Multiple Cam Interactive Calculator
Explore diameter-plus-clearance width, an explicitly illustrative 1.5D depth, phase-angle-to-time conversion and difference from a 0.02 mm reference.
Equation Used
- D and C are compatible nominal scalar dimensions; no diametral/radial or tolerance convention is inferred.
- Multiplication by 1.5 is a numerical example, not a groove-depth recommendation.
- Shaft speed is constant when phase angle is converted to elapsed time.
- The 0.02 mm value is only a disclosed reference line and not an allowable clearance.
- No groove/path geometry, motion law, pressure angle, curvature/undercut, roller bearing, preload/closure, track interaction, contact/load/stress, lubrication, thermal, deflection, fatigue, wear, manufacturing or safety model.
No groove centerline, cam motion law, follower path, track count, loads or manufacturing tolerance system is entered. The results cannot size or approve an internal multiple cam. Actual groove width/depth and clearance require the roller manufacturer's data and a complete cam/follower design.
One adjusting ring, six radial slides
The page adds entered clearance to roller diameter, multiplies diameter by an illustrative 1.5, converts entered shaft phase to time, and subtracts clearance from a disclosed 0.02 mm reference.
Hiscox item 1017 illustrates an internal multiple cam operating several slides for internal gripping or expanding die-stock cutters. The blue ring has six repeated ramps. Turning it through a limited angle changes the radial position of each gold slide while the grey guides stay fixed. The illustration uses pointed contacts and selected ramp dimensions; it does not specify a roller cam, retaining arrangement or cutting-load capacity.
Use as a unit and timing comparison
The phase conversion can translate a measured or specified shaft-angle difference into time at constant speed. The dimensional outputs are simple sums and comparisons, not specifications for a cam track.
Interpret each result literally
D+C is only a nominal sum unless clearance and tolerance conventions are defined. 1.5D is labeled illustrative. Phase time is exact for constant speed: (phi/360)(60/rpm). The 0.02 mm difference is not an acceptance margin.
Worked example
For D=12 mm and C=0.020 mm, nominal sum is 12.020 mm, illustrative 1.5D is 18.0 mm and difference from the 0.020 mm reference is zero. At 600 rpm, a 0.5-degree phase interval equals about 0.139 ms.
Requirements for an actual cam track
An actual track must follow the required output motion and accommodate its roller, clearance and contact loads. Curvature, pressure angle, track spacing and supporting structure all matter. The fixed numerical comparisons here cannot establish those dimensions or allowable tolerances.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1.5D a required groove depth?
No. It is a numerical example only, with no physical groove-depth model.
Does the illustration calculate gripping force?
No. The slides follow the drawn ramps geometrically. Friction, retaining forces, compliance and gripping or cutting loads are not calculated.
Does phase time predict follower lag?
No. It converts an entered shaft angle to time at constant speed; dynamic lag is not calculated.
Calculation basis
Mechanism reference: Gardner D. Hiscox, Mechanical Movements, Powers, Devices and Appliances (1901), page 257, item 1017.
At constant speed N rpm, one revolution takes 60/N seconds, so an angular interval φ takes (φ/360)(60/N) seconds. The other results are the stated nominal sum and fixed numerical comparisons. They are not published cam-design tolerances or groove-depth rules.
Building or designing a mechanism like this?
Explore the precision-engineered motion control hardware used by mechanical engineers, makers, and product designers.
