page_title: Camshaft
section_title: Construction
hierarchical_section_title: Camshaft / Piston engines / Construction
caption_attribution_description: English: Nockenwelle/Camshaft
context_page_description: A camshaft is a rotating object— usually made of metal— that contains pointed cams, which converts rotational motion to reciprocal motion. Camshafts are used in internal combustion engines, mechanically-controlled ignition systems and early electric motor speed controllers. Camshafts in automobiles are made from steel or cast iron, and are a key factor in determining the RPM range of an engine's power band.
context_section_description: Camshafts are made from metal and are usually solid, although hollow camshafts are sometimes used. The materials used for a camshaft are usually either: 
  Cast iron: Commonly used in high volume production, chilled iron camshafts have good wear resistance since the chilling process hardens them. Other elements are added to the iron before casting to make the material more suitable for its application.
  Billet steel: When a high-quality camshaft or low-volume production is required, engine builders and camshaft manufacturers choose steel billet. This is a much more time-consuming process, and is generally more expensive than other methods. The method of construction is usually either forging, machining (using a metal lathe or milling machine), casting or hydroforming. Different types of steel bar can be used, one example being EN40b. When manufacturing a camshaft from EN40b, the camshaft will also be heat treated via gas nitriding, which changes the micro-structure of the material. It gives a surface hardness of 55-60 HRC, suitable for use in high-performance engines.
caption: Camshaft made from steel billet
exif: {}