Glossary · Motion control and drives
Electronic cam
Also known as: E-cam, Cam profile, Electronic cam profile
German: Elektronische Kurvenscheibe
In motion control, an electronic cam is an axis coupling in which the position of a slave axis follows a nonlinear profile defined as a function of the master axis position, replacing a mechanical cam disk.
- Motion control
In one sentence
An electronic cam makes a slave axis follow a programmable position profile over the master axis position, replacing a mechanical cam.
Example
In a form-fill-seal machine, the cross sealing jaws follow an electronic cam so they move with the film during sealing and return quickly afterward.
How it applies
- Engineering: Cam profiles are defined as point tables or mathematical segments (for example polynomials) and can be changed per product without mechanical changeover.
- Commissioning: Profiles must be continuous in position, velocity and acceleration where the mechanics need it; jumps in velocity cause shocks. Many tools check this.
- Operation: Cam tables can be switched between products, and some systems allow changes during operation at defined points.
- Documentation: Treat cam tables as versioned configuration data: record which profile belongs to which format and who approved it. In the operating manual, describe format changeover and the check after loading a new profile.
Electronic cam vs. electronic gearing
Electronic gearing uses a constant ratio between master and slave. An electronic cam uses a position-dependent profile, so the ratio changes over the cycle.