When a camshaft is installed in an engine, usually the only thing we want to know is that it works correctly. But did you ever wonder how a cam is actually produced? Making a quality camshaft is a finite science that requires the use of cutting edge materials, advanced engineering and faultless manufacturing processes. At COMP Cams the cam making process has been refined to a true art form that ensures every camshaft exceeds its specifications.
Follow along as we show you a brief overview of how cams are produced at COMP Cams¨. For more detailed information on cams, cam installation and other technical information, visit
www.compcams.com.
1 Camshaft design begins with engineering. COMP engineers analyze every facet of cam performance, utilizing the most advanced camshaft computer technology possible. 
2 Metallurgical science is employed to find the best materials for every camshaft made at COMP; therefore, materials used in COMP camshafts are always evolving as metallurgical science identifies improved materials. 
3 COMP produces cams ground to exact tolerances through the use of the most advanced CNC equipment available, such as the Okuma instrument shown here. 
4 Camshaft finishing is a vital part of camshaft production and depending upon its type, a cam may proceed to a Nitride, Lubrite or polishing process. This photo shows the lobes and journals of a NASCAR camshaft being polished. 
5 Quality control is essential to verifying cam specifications and tolerances are accurate. COMP employs 2 highly sophisticated Adcole cam checking machines to validate the specifications for each cam produced. 
6 Before each cam is boxed for shipping, rust-inhibiting oil is applied to each camshaft to maintain surface integrity until it is installed. Every cam is shipped with installation lube and timing information. 
How It’s Done – The Art Of Cam Making 
Linear Mode
