Introduction to CAD/CAM

Week 1

2/11/2012 1

Introduction

• Computer systems used to enhance/support either Design (CAD) or Manufacturing (CAM) processes

• CAD: new design, modified design, analysis and optimization of design

• CAM: effective use of computers in manufacturing panning and control

• Main application of CAM: CNC machine control and programming, PLCs for production line control

• Secondary application: system control – Material handling – Operation sequence – Production planning

2/11/2012 3

The importance of CAD/CAM systems

• Main benefit: improve productivity

• Other benefits:

– Increase productivity

– Enhance product and process quality

– Documenting new or modified designs and manufacturing processes

– Reduce number and shorten prototype cycles

– Shorten total product cycle time

2/11/2012 4

CAD/CAM hardware

2/11/2012 5

Design workstation

computer (processing)

Output device

•Generate drawings (CAD) •Design features and material specs from customers • measure existing part using manual gauges or computerized measurement

•Study the drawn design for modification, optimization,… •Choose the tooling, specify steps of cutting or shaping • to achieve a certain part details

•Print out of a new/modified design •Numerical Control program for a cutting or shaping machine •Production plan, plant layout, robot program,…

Product development

2/11/2012 6

Design/manufacturing process

2/11/2012 7 Principles of CAD/CAM/CAE Systems, K. Lee, Addison-Wesley