Introduction to CAD/CAM
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Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
• Use of computer systems to assist in
the creation, modification, analysis,
and optimization of a design
• Typical tools:
– Tolerance analysis
– Mass property calculations
– Finite-element modeling and visualization
• Defines the geometry of the design
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
• Use of computer systems to plan,
manage, and control
manufacturing operations
• Direct or indirect computer
interface with the plant’s
production resources
• Numerical control of machine
tools
• Programming of robots
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)
• Use of computer systems to
analyze CAD geometry
• Allows designer to simulate
and study how the product will
behave, allowing for
optimization
• Finite-element method (FEM)
– Divides model into
interconnected elements
– Solves continuous field problems
Components of CAD/CAM/CAE Systems
• Major component is hardware
and software allowing shape
manipulation
• Hardware includes graphic
devices and their peripherals for
input and output operations
• Software includes packages that
manipulate or analyze shapes
according to user interaction
Components of CAD/CAM/CAE Systems
Hardware Components
• Graphic device is composed of a display
processing unit, a display device, and one or more
input devices
• Input devices:
– Mouse
– Space ball
– Data tablet with a puck or stylus
– Keyboard
• Output Devices:
– Plotters
– Color laser printers
Software Components
• CAD software allows the designer to create
and manipulate a shape interactively and
store it
• CAM software plans, manages and controls
the operations of a manufacturing site
• CAE software analyzes design geometry,
allowing designer to study product behavior
CAD/CAM
• CAD/CAM = Computer Aided Design and
Computer Aided Manufacturing. It is the
technology concerned with the use of
computers to perform design and
manufacturing functions.
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• CAD can be defined as the use of computer
systems to perform certain functions in the
design process.
• CAM is the use of computer systems to
plan, manage and control the operations of
manufacturing plant through either direct
or indirect computer interface with the
plant’s production resources.
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From CAM definition, the application of
CAM falls into two broad categories:
1. Computer monitoring and control .
Process
Computer Process
data
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2. Manufacturing support application .
Process data
Computer Mfg
Control signals operations
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The Product Cycle and CAD/CAM
In order to establish the scope and definition
of CAD/CAM in an engineering environment
and identify existing and future related tools,
a study of a typical product cycle is necessary.
The following Figure shows a flowchart of
such a cycle.
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Typical Product Life Cycle
The Design Process
Design Collecting
Design definitions, relevant design
needs specifications, information and
and requirements feasibility study
Synthesis
Analysis The CAD Process
Design Design
Design Design Design Design
documentation and modeling and
evaluation optimization analysis conceptualization
communication simulation
The Manufacturing Process
Production
planning The CAM Process
Design and
procurement of
Process
new tools Quality Packaging
planning Production Shipping
control
Order
materials
NC, CNC, DNC
programming
Marketing
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• The product begins with a need which is identified
based on customers' and markets' demands.
• The product goes through two main processes from
the idea conceptualization to the finished product:
1. The design process.
2. The manufacturing process.
The main sub-processes that constitute the design
process are:
1. Synthesis.
2. Analysis.
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Implementation of a Typical CAD Process on a
CAD/CAM system
Delineation of Design changes Design and
geometric model Analysis algorithms
Definition Drafting and
translator detailing
Geometric model
Documentation
Interface
algorithms To CAM Process
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CAD Tools Required to Support the Design Process
Design phase Required CAD tools
Design conceptualization Geometric modeling techniques;
Graphics aids; manipulations; and
visualization
Design modeling and simulation Same as above; animation; assemblies;
special modeling packages.
Design analysis Analysis packages; customized
programs and packages.
Design optimization Customized applications; structural
optimization.
Design evaluation Dimensioning; tolerances; BOM; NC.
Design communication and Drafting and detailing…
documentation
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Implementation of a Typical CAM Process on a
CAD/CAM system
Geometric model Inspection
Interface
algorithms Assembly
Process planning Packaging
NC programs
To shipping and marketing
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CAM Tools Required to Support the Manufacturing Proce
Manufacturing phase Required CAM tools
Process planning CAPP techniques; cost
analysis; material and
tooling specification.
Part programming NC programming
Inspection CAQ; and Inspection
software
Assembly Robotics simulation and
programming
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Advantages of CAD/CAM systems
• Greater flexibility. • Better product design.
• Reduced lead times. • Greater manufacturing
• Reduced inventories. control.
• Increased Productivity. • Supported integration.
• Improved customer • Reduced costs.
service. • Increased utilization.
• Improved quality. • Reduction of machine
• Improved communications tools.
with suppliers. • Less floor space.
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