Different properties.
1. Crankshaft: It is the most important component in the engine.
2. Camshaft: It is a component in the piston engine.
Different principles.
1. Crankshaft: The crankshaft is subjected to the combined effects of the centrifugal force of the rotating mass, the periodically changing gas inertia force and the reciprocating inertia force, which makes the crankshaft subject to bending and torsional loads.
2. Camshaft: Its speed is still very high. The camshaft is usually forged from high-quality carbon steel or alloy steel, and can also be cast from alloy cast iron or ductile iron. The journal and cam working surfaces are polished after heat treatment.
Different functions.
1. Crankshaft: It bears the force transmitted from the connecting rod, and converts it into torque output through the crankshaft and drives other accessories on the engine to work.
2. Camshaft: Controls the opening and closing of the valve. Although the camshaft rotates at half the speed of the crankshaft in a four-stroke engine (in a two-stroke engine it rotates at the same speed as the crankshaft), it is usually still very fast and has to withstand a lot of torque.