What is a camshaft and why is it so important in your vehicle’s engine?

When discussing the most critical engine components, the camshaft often goes unnoticed by the general public. However, for any automotive professional, its function and precision are non-negotiable. So, what exactly does this component do? Why are its design and manufacturing so sensitive? And most importantly, who makes the best camshafts in Spain? Stay with us, we’ll answer all of that with no-fluff technical clarity.

What is a camshaft?

A camshaft is a metal shaft designed with several strategically placed cams (protrusions) along its surface. Its job is to coordinate the opening and closing of the engine’s intake and exhaust valves, allowing the air-fuel mixture to enter and the burned gases to exit precisely timed.

The camshaft rotates in sync with the crankshaft (usually at half its speed), and its design must ensure that each valve operates at the exact moment. Poor synchronization can ruin engine performance and even cause serious damage.

Why is it so important?

The camshaft determines:

• How long a valve stays open
• How much mixture enters or exits
• How quickly that opening/closing occurs

Its design directly impacts engine performance, fuel consumption, emissions, and vehicle response. Modern engines even use variable valve timing (VVT) systems to adjust valve timing based on driving conditions—all relying on the camshaft.

How is a camshaft made?

A professional-grade camshaft is manufactured from forged steel or nodular cast iron, heat-treated to withstand wear, high temperatures, and constant friction. Critical areas—such as lobes and journals—must be machined to extremely tight tolerances (microns), since any deviation affects overall engine performance.

Dynamic balancing processes, CNC grinding, and automated dimensional verification are standard practices in the production of high-performance automotive camshafts.

Types of camshafts

• SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft): One camshaft in the cylinder head controlling both intake and exhaust.
• DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft): Two camshafts—one for intake and one for exhaust. More efficient at high RPMs.
• Cam-in-block (OHV): Camshaft located inside the engine block, actuating valves through pushrods. Common in older or large-displacement engines.

How to detect a faulty camshaft

While it’s a robust part, camshaft wear or failure can lead to:

• Unusual metallic noises in the cylinder head
• Loss of engine power
• Misfires
• Excessive exhaust gases

During regular maintenance—especially in high-mileage engines—it's advisable to check the camshaft lobes and journals for signs of wear.

Spain’s top camshaft manufacturer: Amadeo Martí Carbonell

In the global engine component market, Spain is home to a manufacturer that has earned the trust of engineers, distributors, and technicians alike: Amadeo Martí Carbonell S.A. (AMC).

Why is AMC a leader in camshafts?

• Over 60 years of experience: Since 1960, AMC has been developing high-performance engine components for both OEM and aftermarket sectors.
• Certified quality: Manufacturing under strict ISO standards and rigorous internal controls. Every camshaft undergoes automated inspection and functional testing.
• Made in Spain: Based in Nules (Castellón), AMC designs, machines, and distributes entirely from its own facilities, ensuring full traceability and complete quality control.
• Advanced technical catalog: Covering applications for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and machinery. All products are designed to meet the demands of today’s engines.

As a member of the Autoparts from Spain initiative, AMC represents the very best of Spanish industrial excellence, providing components are being manufactured to international standards right here in Spain.

An invisible but essential component

The camshaft is one of the technical pillars of any internal combustion engine. It lies at the heart of the engine cycle and directly impacts the vehicle’s efficiency, power, and reliability.

For industry professionals, choosing a precision-engineered component isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And in the pursuit of excellence, Amadeo Martí Carbonell stands out as the go-to manufacturer of camshafts, thanks to its technical commitment, industrial legacy, and drive for innovation made in Spain.