A] According to the shape

1. Wedge or flat cam

   A wedge cam has a wedge and also has translational motion. The follower can either have translated or oscillation motion. To maintain contact between the follower and cam, a spring is used

2. Disc cam

   In this type of cams, the follower moves in a radial direction from the centre of rotation of the cam. They are also known as radial or disc cam. The follower reciprocates or oscillates in a plane normal to the cam axis. Plate cams are very popular due to their simplicity and compactness.

3. Spiral Cam

   In the spiral cam, the groove is cut in the form of a spiral and is also known as face cam. The grove consists of teeth and they mesh with a pin gear follower. From the axis of the cam, the follower velocity is proportional to the groove radial distance. Mainly the spiral cams are used in computer.

4. Linear cam

   A linear cam is illustrated. This type of cam is formed on a translated block. A groove is cut into the block with a distance that varies from the plane of translation. Attaching a follower that rides in the groove gives the follower motion perpendicular to the plane of translation.

5. Cylindrical or drum cam

   A cylindrical cam is shown in the figure below. This type of cam is formed on a cylinder. A groove is cut into the cylinder, with a varying location along the axis of rotation. A follower rides in the groove gives the follower motion along the axis of rotation.

B] According to the follower moment

1. Rise - Return - Rise (R-R-R)

   In the Rise- return – Rise, there is an alternate rise and return of the follower with no periodic form of dwells. The follower has a linear or an angular displacement.

2. Dwell - Rise - Return-Dwell (D-R-R-D)

   In Dwell – Rise – Return – Dwell after a dwell there are rise and return of the follower. This type is used more normally than the Rise - Return - Rise type of cam.

3. Dwell - Rise - Dwell - Return - Dwell (D-R-D-R-D)

   Dwell - Rise - Dwell - Return - Dwell is the most commonly used cam. Cam dwelling is followed by dwell and it rises and returns successively. In the case of return of the supporter is by a fall. The motion is known as Dwell - Rise - Dwell.

C] According to the construction of the follower

1. Preloaded spring cam

   The preloaded spring is used to make contact between the follower and the cam

2. Positive drive cam

   In the positive drive cam, the contact between the follower and the cam is maintained by a roller follower working in the groove of a cam. During normal working conditions, the follower does not move out of the groove. By using the conjugate cam, the positive drive is obtained.

3. Gravity cam

   The rising surface of the cam is achieved by the rise of a cam, and the cam must be returned by the force of gravity. This can also return due to the weight of the cam. There are certain limitations due to uncertain behavior.

D] Applications of cams

In IC engine, the Exhaust values and inlet valves operate with the help of cam. In automatic lathe machines, the feed mechanism is used in weaving textile machinery, the cam is used the paper cutting machine the cams are used in clocks the cams are used.