CAD/CAM/CIM

[Link]
 Introduction
• CAD (Computer Aided Design) is used all over the
world by many different types of engineering
manufacturers.
• You are probably familiar with some forms of CAD
software which you may have used in school, e.g. 2D
design, Corel Draw, Solid Edge, Prodesktop.
• In industry CAD refers to any computer software, that
is used to produce high quality drawings and models
which meet exact specifications.
• CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture), like CAD,
is used all over the world by many different types
of engineering manufacturers.

• CAM allows products to be manufactured with

very little effort compared to more hands on
techniques where humans are controlling the
machines.

•CAM involves using CNC (Computer Numerical

Control), whereby a machine’s movement is
described in exact detail by the computer
program.
CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacture) allows for
the connection between all aspects of the production
of a product.

CIM can be viewed as an integrated system, e.g.

A drawing of a component/product is produced
using CAD
The CAD file is then processed using CAM to create
a sequence the machine will understand.
The CAM sequence is then downloaded to a CNC
machine/machines which manufacture the
component/product
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
From CAM definition, the application of CAM
falls into two broad categories:
1. Computer monitoring and control .

Compute Process
Process
r data

Compute Process data

Process
r Control signals
2. Manufacturing support application .

Process data
computer Control signals Mfg
operation
s
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 product begins with a need which is identified
based on customer’s and market’s 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.
 Typical Product Life Cycle

The Design Process

Design Collecting
Design definitions, relevant design
needs specifications,
and
requirements
information
and feasibility Synthesis
study
Analysis The CAD Process
Design Design
Design Design Design Design
documentation modeling and
evaluation optimization analysis conceptualization
and simulation
communication

The Manufacturing Process

Production
planning
The CAM Process
Design and
procurement
Process
of new tools Quality Packaging
planning Production Shipping
control
Order
materials

NC, CNC, DNC

programming

Marketing
Implementation of a Typical CAD Process on a
CAD/CAM system
Delineation of Design changes Design and
geometric model Analysis algorithms

Definition translator
Drafting and
detailing

Geometric model
Documentation

Interface algorithms
To CAM Process
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
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

CAM Tools Required to Support the Design
Process
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
 Typical Utilization of CAD/CAM Systems in an Industrial Environment

Geometric modeling and graphics package

Process
Geometric modeling planning
of conceptual design CAPP package

Are there
Is design evaluation Yes manufacturing
Possible with No discrepancies in CAD
available
databases?
Standard software?
Design
package Yes
Develop No
Design testing
customized
And evaluation programs and NC NC
packages programming package

Programming
No Is final design package
Applicable? Machining

Yes
Inspection
Drafting Inspection
And Robotics
Assembly package
Documentatio
n
 Components of CAD Tools used in Design Environment
Hardware
(control unit; display
terminals;
I/O devices
Design tools + Computer = CAD tools

Software (graphics;
modeling; applications
programs
 Components of CAM Tools used in a
Manufacturing Environment
Hardware
(control unit; display
terminals;
I/O devices

Mfg tools + Computer Software (CAD; NC; = CAM tools

MRP; CAPP…)

Networking
Interface of CAD/CAM in various fields
In Rapid Prototyping
CNC Turning
Milling
 Industrial environment
 Food industries
 Medical Diagnosis etc’s.
 Rapid Prototyping
Rapid Prototyping Technology is a group of
manufacturing processes that enable the direct
physical realization of 3D computer models. This
technology converts the 3D computer data provided
by a dedicated file format directly to a physical model,
layer by layer with a high degree of accuracy. This
technology is fast developing.
 competitive to traditional model building techniques
considering time and degree of detail.
Rapid Prototyping Cycle
Rapid Prototyping Process
“A computer-controlled laser beam
is scanned across the surface of a
vat of liquid photopolymer,
instantly solidifying the liquid at
each point of contact. Using data
generated from a CAD file,
individual cross-sections of the
three-dimensional geometry are
solidified in turn to build up a solid
part layer by layer. In this way even
highly complex geometries can be
built in a few hours without
requiring any tools. “
Medical Modeling - Zcorp
How do CAD/CAM systems work?
• Developing NC code requires an understanding of:
1. Part geometry
2. Tooling
3. Process plans
4. Tolerances
5. Fixturing
• Most CAD/CAM systems provide access to:
1. Part geometry
2. Tooling
•A set of tool paths and
positions can be
automatically generated
•These paths can be edited
and modified
•These paths and instructions
can then be “posted” to a
specific machine
 Automation and CAD/CAM
Automation can be defined as the technology
concerned with the application of complex
mechanical, electronic, and computer-based
systems in the operation and control of
manufacturing systems.

26
 Types of Manufacturing Systems

1. Continuous-flow processes. Continuous dedicated

production of large amount of bulk product. Continuous
manufacturing is represented by chemicals, plastics,
petroleum, and food industries.
2. Mass production of discrete products. Dedicated
production of large quantities of one product (with
perhaps limited model variations). Examples include
automobiles, appliances and engine blocks.
1. Batch production. Production of medium lot
sizes of the same product. The lot may be
produced once or repeated periodically.
Examples: books, clothing and certain industrial
machinery.
2. Job-shop production. Production of low
quantities, often one of a kind, of specialized
products. The products are often customized
and technologically complex. Examples:
prototypes, aircraft, machine tools and other
equipment
 Continuous-flow
production

Mass production

Production
Batch
quantity
production

Job shop
production

Product variety
 Category Automation achievements
Continuous-flow process •Flow process from beginning to end
•Sensors technology available to measure
important process variables
•Use of sophisticated control and optimization
strategies
•Fully computer automated lines
Mass production of discrete products •Automated transfer machines
•Dial indexing machines
•Partially and fully automated assembly lines
•Industrial robots for spot welding, part handling,
machine loading, spray painting, etc.
•Automated material handling systems
•Computer production monitoring
Batch production •Numerical control (NC), direct numerical control
(DNC), computer numerical control (CNC).
•Adaptive control machining
•Robots for arc welding, parts handling, etc.
•CIM systems.

Job shop production •Numerical control, computer numerical control

 Computer Technology in Automation
Most of the automated production systems
implemented today make use of computers.
CAD/CAM in addition to its particular emphasis on
the use of computer technology, is also distinguished
by the fact that it includes not only the
manufacturing operations but also the design and
planning functions that precede manufacturing.
 
To emphasize the differences in scope between
automation and CAD/CAM, consider the following
mathematical model:
 
 TTlc  BQT1  BT2  T3
TTcl  total time during the product life cycle
B  The number of batches produced throughout the product life cycle.
Q  The number of units produced in each batch.
T1  The time required to produce one unit of product.
T2  The time associated with planning and setting up for
each batch of production.
T3  The time required for designing the product and for all the other
activities that are accomplished once for each different product .
Tlc  The average time spent on each unit of product
T2 T3
during its life cycle  T1  
Q BQ
T1 The most important term in mass production
and batch production

T2 & T3 become very important in job shop

manufacturing.
Automation technology is concerned with
reducing T1 & T2 with emphasis on the unit
production time .

CAD/CAM concerned with reducing all three

terms, but is perhaps focused on T2 & T3 terms.
The emphasis in CAD/CAM includes the design and
planning function of the product life cycle.
How is CAD used in the Food
Industry?
Calculate the nutritional value of the food product
Food products can be designed on screen
Enhance product quality and experiment ‘What if….’
questions
Work out sizes/costs of batch productions
HACCP – check it works efficiently
Present the product’s sensory profile
Predict what may happen if ingredients/methods are
changed
How is CAM used in the Food
Industry?
Machines can take over complex operations
previously done by hand
Reduce food wastage through efficient manufacture
Improve product consistency
Reduction in overheads. eg. labour costs
Increased production
Easier to monitor and control production
CAM continued
No fatigue from repetitive manufacturing demands
Improved safety and hygiene standards
Enhanced quality control
Disadvantages of CAM
Results in loss of jobs
Requires skilled computer operators
Expensive to set up initial system
How manufacturers obtain
consistent products:
Industrial quality assurance
Legal Requirement
Quality Control sample
CAD/CAM
Due diligence
Advantages of CAD/CAM systems
• Better product design.
Greater flexibility. • Greater
 Reduced lead times. manufacturing control.
 Reduced inventories. • Supported integration.
Increased Productivity. • Reduced costs.
 Improved customer • Increased utilization.
service. • Reduction of machine
 Improved quality. tools.
 Improved communications • Less floor space.
with suppliers.
References
Industrial Engineering Program
King Saud University
[Link]
ite/[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]