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The paper describes the earlier research on cam and cam-follower materials carried out by MIRA using a specially developed, test machine. A table summarising the results of this earlier work is given. The use of the same test machine to assess the performance of lubricants when used in conjunction with standard components is also mentioned. The main part of the paper describes more recent work involving certain new processes and two ceramic materials as applied to cams or cam-followers. The results indicated that some of these processes or materials, particularly silicon nitride ceramic, can perform well in the cam and cam-follower situation. The results, particularly those for the very hard materials, were found to be influenced by surface finish, whilst the type of lubricant was found to affect the performance of chilled cast iron cams running against the ceramic materials.