Currently the computer has become a tool in every human activity, not least in the manufacturing industry. This gives a considerable impact for the industry that wants to survive in the modern industrial era. So far the use of computers in industry are well known and widely adopted by industries is Computer Aided Desaign and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD / CAM).
CAD is mainly used for detailed engineering of 3D models and / or 2D drawings of physical components, but is also used throughout the engineering process from conceptual design and layout of product.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF CAD / CAM
In the early 1960s, an engineer named Ivan Sutherland introduced a computer program that can be used to make sketches. This computer program named Skecthpad. It was then that for the first time a sketch image can be displayed on a computer screen. Since the introduction of Sketchpad, CAD development becomes very quickly. The computer industry competing to make CAD.
At the time investment needed for a very large CAD, up to hundreds of thousands of US $.
CAM initial commercial applications were in large companies in the automotive and aerospace industries, for example, Pierre Beziers job of developing
CAD / CAM applications
UNISURF in 1960 for car body design and tooling at Renault.
Historically, CAM software is considered to have some deficiencies that require very high level of involvement of skilled technicians CNC. Bera created the first CAD software but this had severe shortcomings and was immediately taken back to the developing stages. CAM Software issued a code to the engine, G-Code is a simple language. In high production or high precision shops, which is different from the problem that arises where an experienced CNC machinist must both hand-code programs and run CAM software.
TYPE OF CAD
There are several types of CAD, each requiring operators to think differently about how to use them and to design their virtual components in a different way for each.
3D wireframe is essentially an extension of 2D drafting (not often used today).
Ease in use for CAM
For the user who is just getting started as a CAM user, out-of-the-box capabilities providing Process Wizards, templates, libraries, machine tool kits, automated feature-based machining and job function specific tailorable user interfaces build user confidence and speed the learning curve.
User confidence is further built on 3D visualization through a closer integration with the 3D CAD environment, Including error-avoiding simulations and Optimizations.
Manufacturing complexity
The manufacturing environment is increasingly complex. The need for CAM and PLM tools by the manufacturing engineer, NC programmer or Machinist is similar to the need for computer assistance by the pilot of modern aircraft systems. The modern machinery can not be properly used without this assistance.
Today's CAM systems support the full range of machine tools Including: turning, 5 axis machining and wire EDM. Today's CAM user can Easily generate streamlined tool paths, optimized tool axis tilt for higher feed rates, tool life and better surface finish and optimized Z axis depth cuts as well as driving non-cutting operations such as the specification of probing motions.
Integration with PLM and the extended enterpriseLM to integrate manufacturing with enterprise operations from concept through field support of the finished product.
To Ensure ease of use Appropriate to user objectives, modern CAM solutions are scalable from a stand-alone CAM system to a fully integrated multi-CAD 3D solution-set. Reviews These solutions are created to meet the full needs of manufacturing personnel Including part planning, shop documentation, resource management and the data management and exchange. To Prevent Reviews These detailed solutions from tool-specific information a dedicated management tool.
Technology CAD / CAM
Today, the
CAD / CAM system exist for all major platforms (
Windows,
Linux,
UNIX and
Mac OS X); some packages even support multiple platforms.
Currently, there are no special hardware is required for most CAD software. However, few CAD systems able to perform the tasks of graphics and computationally intensive, so modern graphics cards, high speed (and possibly multiple) CPUs and large amounts of RAM can be recommended.
I hope this article helps in understanding a cad / cam, especially for the engineering design and the people who study and work in industrial manufacturing and tool making