Camshafts

Camshafts with deviations in lobe profile geometry can lead to inconsistent valve events, unstable combustion, and reduced torque output. To eliminate these issues, we use CNC coordinate grinding systems with real-time axis compensation to grind cam lobes with sub-micron precision.

Material Specification

Chill-cast iron (Class 40), Forged Steel SAE 8620, or Billet Steel (4340 for high-performance)

Lift (Intake & Exhaust)

6–12 mm (±0.05 mm tolerance; application-specific)

Duration (Intake & Exhaust)

200°–280° (@ 0.050″ lift; customizable for performance vs. fuel efficiency)

Lobe Separation Angle (LSA)

108°–116° (±0.5° tolerance; narrower for torque, wider for high-RPM power)

Hardness

50–60 HRC (lobes and journals); Core: 25–35 HRC

Product Description

Lift, duration, and ramp profiles are digitally verified to ensure uniformity across cycles. This level of accuracy guarantees that valve timing aligns perfectly with engine maps, maintaining optimal performance under both transient and steady-state conditions.

Surface Finish

Lobes – 0.1–0.3 μm Ra (polished); Journals – 0.2–0.4 μm Ra

Dimensional Tolerances

Journal diameter – ±0.015 mm; Lobe profile – ±0.03 mm; Overall length – ±0.1 mm

Runout/Straightness

≤ 0.03 mm TIR (Total Indicator Runout) per SAE J1207

Heat Treatment Process & Depth

Induction hardening – 1.0–2.5 mm case depth; Nitriding optional (0.2–0.5 mm layer)

Certification Standards

ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, SAE J1082 (testing), ASTM A532 (abrasion-resistant cast iron)

Technical Advantages

Camshaft operation involves repeated surface stress under high Hertzian loads, particularly at the lobe–tappet interface. Each camshaft is manufactured from material grades selected based on load cycles, lubrication regimes, and operating temperatures — including chilled cast iron with controlled graphite morphology or induction-hardened EN40B steel with a hardened case depth exceeding 2 mm. Material certification, grain flow orientation, and post-heat-treatment microstructure validation ensure resistance to spalling, scuffing, and thermal fatigue. 

Torsional oscillations in camshafts can lead to valve phasing errors and timing irregularities, particularly in long or hollow cam configurations. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used during the design phase to model shaft deflection under peak torque and resonance frequencies. Countermeasures such as tuned mass dampers, optimized shaft diameters, and segmental hollow constructions are incorporated to mitigate harmonic amplification. Dynamic balancing is carried out using multi-plane balancing rigs to suppress critical speed issues. 

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Industry Applications

Automotive Engines

Precise valve timing and lift control in gasoline and diesel engines optimize combustion efficiency and power output under varied operating conditions. 

Heavy-Duty Commercial Vehicles

High-durability camshafts withstand elevated loads and temperatures in diesel engines for trucks, buses, and construction equipment. 

Marine Propulsion Systems

Corrosion-resistant camshafts with specialized materials manage valve actuation under continuous high-load and humid marine environments. 

Aerospace Turbine Engines

Precision-machined camshafts control auxiliary valve systems ensuring reliable actuation in extreme temperature and vibration conditions. 

Agricultural Machinery

Robust camshafts engineered to maintain timing accuracy amid heavy vibration and dust exposure in tractors and harvesters. 

Power Generation Engines

Camshafts in stationary gas and diesel generators provide stable valve operation for continuous, long-duration energy production. 

camshafts

Valvetrain Compatibility Across Complex Architectures

Modern engines often require integration with variable valve timing (VVT) systems, hydraulic lash adjusters, and finger-follower arrangements. Camshafts are designed with precise axial and radial control to accommodate tight packaging envelopes and alignment tolerances. Compatibility with modular rocker assemblies and cam phasers is achieved through spline and polygonal end connections with sub-20 µm concentricity. 

High surface loads combined with boundary lubrication demand engineered surface textures and coatings. Plasma nitriding, phosphate conversion coatings, and Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) films are applied to reduce the coefficient of friction and minimize wear under starved lubrication or low-viscosity oil conditions. 

camshafts

Having Doubts? Our FAQ

Check all our Frequently Asked Question

How does Frigate ensure dimensional precision in camshaft production?

Frigate employs CNC coordinate grinding machines with sub-micron accuracy for cam lobe profiling. Real-time axis compensation and in-process measurement verify critical dimensions during machining. Final parts undergo roundness, runout, and phase angle inspection using CMM and optical systems. This process minimizes valve timing deviations and ensures repeatability.

What heat treatment processes does Frigate apply to enhance camshaft durability?

Frigate uses induction hardening to achieve a hardened case depth of 2-3 mm on lobes and journals. This process creates a martensitic layer for wear resistance while maintaining a tough core to absorb impact loads. Post-hardening tempering optimizes hardness and reduces brittleness. These treatments extend camshaft service life under cyclic stresses.

How does Frigate control material quality for camshaft manufacturing?

Raw materials undergo chemical composition verification using spectrometry to meet OEM specifications. Microstructure analysis and hardness testing ensure uniform grain structure and mechanical properties. Frigate maintains a rigorous supplier qualification program for traceability and material consistency. This reduces the risk of early fatigue and wear failure.

What measures does Frigate implement to reduce camshaft torsional vibration?

Frigate’s design engineers use Finite Element Analysis to simulate torsional modes and critical speeds. Camshafts are dynamically balanced using multi-plane balancing machines before final assembly. Hollow shaft designs and dampers can be integrated to reduce vibrational amplitude. These techniques improve valve timing stability in high-speed engines.

How does Frigate validate camshaft surface treatments for performance?

Surface coatings such as nitriding and DLC are tested for adhesion and hardness via nanoindentation and scratch tests. Frigate performs friction coefficient measurement under boundary lubrication conditions. Durability tests simulate cold start and high load scenarios to confirm coating integrity. This ensures enhanced wear resistance and reduced friction in service.

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LOCATIONS

Global Sales Office

818, Preakness lane, Coppell, Texas, USA – 75019

Registered Office

10-A, First Floor, V.V Complex, Prakash Nagar, Thiruverumbur, Trichy-620013, Tamil Nadu, India.

Operations Office

9/1, Poonthottam Nagar, Ramanandha Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore-641035, Tamil Nadu, India. ㅤ

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Camshafts

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Camshafts

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