Camshaft
Mechanical component that converts rotational motion to reciprocal motion / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the fictional characters of the same name, see Camshaft (Transformers).
A camshaft is a shaft that contains a row of pointed cams in order to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion. Camshafts are used in piston engines (to operate the intake and exhaust valves),[1][2] mechanically controlled ignition systems and early electric motor speed controllers.
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Nockenwelle_ani.gif/220px-Nockenwelle_ani.gif)
Camshafts in piston engines are usually made from steel or cast iron, and the shape of the cams greatly affects the engine's characteristics.