Tractor Cam

This high-strength cam is part of a 45-degree vari-drive cam assembly used in the cylinder drive unit of a combine tractor. It won an Award of Distinction in an international Powder Metallurgy Part-of-the-Year competition. Two finished cam parts are assembled opposing each other with the cam areas interlocking. By adjusting the position of the cams up and down the cam surface, it is possible to adjust the position of the V-belt in the split drive pulley to increase or decrease the speed of the cylinder. The cams allow the tension on the belt to increase by sliding up the cam surface in response to heavy conditions. MPP developed a special material and manufacturing process to achieve the combination of toughness and ductility needed by the application. These powder metal parts resulted in substantial cost savings over previously-used cast parts. This is a demanding application because of the cyclic loading of the engaged surfaces, sliding surface wear under compressive loading, and high torquing forces.

• Winner of Award of Distinction in MPIF Part-of-the-Year Competition
• Substantial cost savings over cast parts
• Special material and processing developed by MPP for application

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