The mainstream classification of camshafts can be clearly divided into three core dimensions: transmission mode, structural form, and application scenarios, covering the full range of engine application requirements:
1、 Classified by camshaft transmission method
Chain driven Camshaft: Connecting the camshaft and crankshaft through a chain, it has a compact structure and smooth transmission, and is the most common transmission form in automotive engines. The mainstream uses roller chains and double row chains to enhance load-bearing capacity.
Gear driven Camshaft: Utilizing gears to transmit power, it has high transmission efficiency, large load capacity, and good stability, and is commonly used in medium to large diesel engines and heavy-duty construction machinery engine scenarios.
Belt driven camshaft: transmits power through a toothed synchronous belt, with low noise and smooth transmission, commonly used in low to medium load household economical passenger car engines.
Direct drive camshaft: The camshaft is arranged coaxially with the crankshaft, without the need for an additional transmission mechanism, resulting in extremely high transmission efficiency, which is only used in a few high-end high-performance engines.
Hydraulic transmission camshaft: transmits power through a hydraulic system, suitable for special industrial engine scenarios with high load, high speed, and high precision.
2、 Classified by camshaft structure form
Integrated Camshaft: Made of a single piece of metal and processed into a single piece without any joints, it has high structural strength and is currently the most widely used universal camshaft in the market.
Combination camshaft: The camshaft and shaft body are manufactured separately and assembled, and damaged parts can be replaced separately. The maintenance cost is low, and it is suitable for heavy-duty construction machinery scenarios.
Hollow camshaft: The shaft body is designed with a hollow weight reduction inside, which reduces weight by 30% compared to solid shafts and is suitable for high-speed and high-performance passenger car engines.
Cycloid needle gear transmission camshaft: belongs to high-precision transmission deformation structure, with extremely high transmission accuracy, suitable for high-end industrial equipment with strict requirements for transmission stability.
3、 Classified by camshaft application scenarios
Automobile engine camshaft: Suitable for power systems of household sedans and commercial trucks, the mainstream adopts chain drive and belt drive structures, with the largest market share.
Diesel engine camshaft: Suitable for diesel power equipment, mainly driven by gear transmission, with strong load-bearing capacity, often used in heavy-duty trucks and construction machinery scenarios.
Motorcycle Camshaft: Compact in size and structure, suitable for small displacement high-speed power equipment, often using chain transmission structure.
Specialized Camshafts for Industrial Equipment: Suitable for various industrial automation equipment, customizable with special cam profiles to meet high-precision motion control requirements.