Unit 23: Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) : Unit Code J/615/1497 Unit Level 4 Credit Value 15
Unit 23: Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM) : Unit Code J/615/1497 Unit Level 4 Credit Value 15
and Manufacture
(CAD/CAM)
Introduction
The capacity to quickly produce finished components from a software model is now
essential in the competitive world of manufacturing. Businesses now invest heavily
in Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
software and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines to facilitate this, thus
reducing product lead times. CAD gives design engineers the platform to creatively
model components that meet the specific needs of the consumer. When these
models are combined with CAM software, manufacturing is made a reality.
This unit introduces students to all the stages of the CAD/CAM process and to the
process of modelling components using CAD software specifically suitable for
transferring to CAM software. Among the topics included in this unit are:
programming methods, component set-up, tooling, solid modelling, geometry
manipulation, component drawing, importing solid model, manufacturing
simulation, data transfer, CNC machine types and inspections.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to illustrate the key
principles of manufacturing using a CAD/CAM system; produce 3D solid models of a
component suitable for transfer into a CAM system; use CAM software to generate
manufacturing simulations of a component; and design a dimensionally accurate
component on a CNC machine using a CAD/CAM system.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
1. Describe the key principles of manufacturing using a CAD/CAM system.
2. Produce 3D solid models of a component suitable for transfer into a CAM
system.
3. Use CAM software to generate manufacturing simulations of a component.
4. Design and produce a dimensionally accurate component on a CNC machine
using a CAD/CAM system.
Hardware:
CAD workstation, printers, USB flash drives and network cables
Software:
Operating systems, hard disk requirements, processor, CAD software e.g.
SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA; CAM software e.g. Edgecam, Delcam,
GibbsCAM, SolidCAM
Inputs:
CAD model, material specifications, tooling data, spindle speeds and feed rate
data calculations
Outputs:
CAM files, program code and coordinates, manufacturing sequences, tooling
requirements, auxiliary data
Programming methods:
CAD/CAM, manual programming, conversational programming
Component set-up:
Zero datum setting, tool set-up and offsets, axis of movements
Work-holding:
Machine vice, chuck, fixtures, clamping, jigs
Tooling:
Milling cutters, lathe tools, drills, specialist tooling, tool holders, tool turrets
and carousels
Solid modelling:
Extrude, cut, fillet, chamfer, holes, sweep, revolve, lines, arcs, insert planes,
properties of solid models e.g. mass, centre of gravity, surface area
Geometry manipulation:
Mirror, rotate, copy, array, offset
Manufacturing simulation:
Operations e.g. roughing and finishing, pockets, slots, profiling, holes, tool
and work change positions, tool sizes and IDs, speeds and feeds, cutter path
simulations, program editing
Data transfer:
Structured data between CAD and CAM software e.g. datum position and
model orientation; file types e.g. SLDPRT, parasolid, STL, IGES, DXF; transfer
to CNC machine e.g. network, USB, Ethernet
Inspection:
Manual inspection e.g. using Vernier gauges, bore micrometres
Automated inspection e.g. co-ordinate measuring machine (CMM), stages of
inspection throughout manufacturing process
Textbooks
KUNWOO, L. (2000) Principles of CAD/CAM/CAE. Pearson.
McMAHAN, C. and BROWNE, J. (1999) CADCAM: Principles, Practice and
Manufacturing Management. Prentice Hall.
Links
This unit links to the following related units:
Unit 1: Engineering Design