Unit 1 - Introduction and History of CAD/CAM

CAD/CAM Introduction Notes

1. DR3310 Unit 1 CAD/CAM Definition, Rationale, and Historical Review of CAD/CAM CAD/CAM Interface List CAD/CAM Hardware List CAD/CAM Software

2. Computer-Aided Design

3. Computer-Aided Design CAD is an acronym for Computer-Aided Design Think of an engineer or an architect with a roll of blueprints or drawings. Over time, these files get damaged, they get wet, they change in size and are often lost or destroyed. This creates problems in the future when that device, building or a part needs to be maintained, inspected or updated. This is where CAD / CAM comes into play

4. What is CAD (Computer-Aided Design)? CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is the process used by engineers and architects to generate CAD perfect electronic files. These electronic files contain text that is editable text and all geometry , such as lines, arcs and circles can be easily and efficiently edited and modified .

5. What is CAD (Computer-Aided Design)? The CAD process allows for complete and total control during and throughout the entire update process Also ensuring correct and accurate design models and assemblies for the lifespan of that product.

6. What is CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)? CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) is the art of producing an engineering drawing on a computer to be used in the manufacturing process . CAM in manufacturing is often used in 3D printing and NC tooling . A computer directs machines that otherwise would be controlled machine operator .

7. Rational For Development There are 3 main reasons for the development of CAD/CAM: To automate the drafting process The testing of designs by simulation The use of computer modeling to test products is much faster and cheaper than traditional prototyping. To facilitate the flow from the design process to the manufacturing process using numerical control (NC) technologies

8. Common CAD / CAM Abbreviations: CAD (Computer-Aided Design) CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) CADD (Computer-Aided Design & Drafting

9. What Companies Use CAD CAM? Companies that use CAD/CAM: Product Designers Architectural Firms Engineering Firms Manufacturing Companies

10. Benefits of CAD/CAM? Using CAD/CAM has several benefits. Compared to manually operated machines, CAD/CAM generally offers: Greater speed in producing components Archival of electronic files far outlast paper Greater control over design modifications Greater accuracy and consistency, with each component or finished product being the same

11. Benefits of CAD/CAM? Greater efficiency as computer-controlled machines do not need to take breaks Lean manufacturing (cost effective) and less waste material High sophistication in terms of following complex patterns like tracks on circuit boards

12. Limitations of CAD/CAM? There are some limitations: CAD/CAM-enabled machines are generally designed for a particular task and are not incredibly versatile , although new systems and designs are emerging all the time. They also need an upfront investment and skilled operators and programmers .

13. A History of CAD In the old days, we used to draw lines, arcs and circles on large drafting tables with pencils and over-sized erasers. Color application pens, scale rules, set squares, T squares, and steel rules that would get damaged by being used repeatedly to draw lines. Draftsmen, used to take days to complete a drawing manually and problems in geometry posed even bigger problems. In effect, the manual process was old, slow, cumbersome and prone to a multitude of mistakes .

14. A History of CAD Today, we do the same task, more accurately and more efficiently behind a computer. The beauty of this computer-assisted approach is in the creation, editing, and simulation of a design . This approach allows for direct modifications or even analysis and optimization of a model or assembly. In effect, we build an editable database of that engineering drawing .

15. A History of CAD Now edits are quick and easy! We went from a manually hand-drawn engineering blueprint, to a person sitting behind a PC, producing a fully editable, intelligent engineering drawing. We started with a hard copy blueprint, which was then scanned or recreated in the computer. The next step was to turn it into a fully editable vector CAD Perfect file. Now edits are quick and easy, and the CAD Perfect file will remain the same for as long as you hold onto that file.

16. A History of CAD CAD / CAM was first being used as CAD initially, then driving CAM machines all the way back in 1981

17. 2D & 2.5D CAD Software

18. 3D Modeling CAD Software