1

Introduction

1.1 CAD/CAM CONTENTS AND TOOLS

In engineering practice, CAD/CAM has been utilized in different ways by different
people. Some utilize it to produce drawings and document designs. Others may employ
it as a visual tool by generating shaded images and animated displays. A third group
may perform engineering analysis of some sort on geometric models such as finite
element analysis. A fourth group may use it to perform process planning and generate
NC part programs. 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. Figure 1.1 shows a flowchart of such a cycle.
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: the design process and the manufacturing
process. Synthesis and analysis are the main subprocesses that constitute the design
process. Synthesis is as crucial to design as analysis. The philosophy, functionality
and uniqueness of the product are all determined during synthesis. The major
financial commitments to turn the conceived product idea into reality are also made.
Most of the information generated during the synthesis subprocess is qualitative and
consequently is hard to capture in a computer system. Expert and knowledge-based
systems have made a great deal of progress in this regard and the interested reader
should refer to the corresponding literature. The end goal of the synthesis subprocess
is a conceptual design of the prospective product. Typically, this design takes the form
of a sketch or a layout drawing that shows the relationships among the various product
4 CAD/CAM Theory and Practice

THE DESIGN PROCESS

Design Collecting Synthesis

Design definitions, relevant design
need specifications, information and
and requirements feasibility study

Analysis
THE CAD PROCESS

Design Design Design

communication Design Design Design
modeling and coceptual-
and documentation evaluation optimization analysis
simulation ization

THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Process Production Quality

planning planning Production Packaging Shipping
control
Design and THE CAM PROCESS
procurement
of new tools
Order
material
NC, CNC, DNC Marketing
programming

Fig. 1.1 Typical Product Cycle

parts, as well as any surrounding constraints. It is also employed during brainstorming

discussions among various design teams and for presentation purposes.
The analysis subprocess begins with an attempt to put the conceptual design in
the context of the abstracted engineering sciences to evaluate the performance of the
expected product. This constitutes design modeling and simulation. The quality of
the results and decisions involved in the activities to follow such as design analysis,
optimization and evaluation is directly related to and limited by the quality of the chosen
design model. It is the responsibility of the designer to ensure the adequacy of a chosen
model to a particular design. An important characteristic of the analysis subprocess is
the “what if ” scenario, which is usually valuable in design situations where analytical
solutions do not exist. A computer environment where various design alternatives can
be investigated is ideal to make better design decisions in shorter periods of time.
Algorithms for both design analysis and optimization can be implemented and utilized.
While design optimization may be embedded in design analysis, it is identified as
a separate phase in Fig. 1.1 to emphasize its significance to the design process as a
whole. Once the major elements of the design have been analyzed and their nominal
dimensions determined, the design evaluation phase starts. Prototypes can be built in a
laboratory or a computer to test the design. More often computer prototypes are utilized
because they are less expensive and faster to generate. They also help the designer
determine other dimensions of the product that are not analyzed, as well as finalize
those that result from analysis by employing commonsense design rules. The designer
can also generate bills of materials, specify tolerances and perform cost analyses. The
last phase of the analysis subprocess is the design communication and documentation
 Introduction 5

which involves preparations of drawings, reports and presentations. Drawings are

utilized to produce blueprints to be passed to the manufacturing process.
The main phases of the manufacturing process are shown in Fig. 1.1. It begins with
the process planning and ends with the actual product. Process planning is considered
the backbone of the manufacturing process since it attempts to determine the most
efficient sequence to produce the product. A process planner must be aware of the various
aspects of manufacturing to plan properly. The planner works typically with blueprints
and may have to communicate with the design department of the company to clarify or
request changes in the final design to fit manufacturing requirements. The outcome of
process planning is a production plan, tools procurement, material order and machine
programming. Other special manufacturing needs such as design of jigs and fixtures
are planned. Process planning to the manufacturing process is analogous to synthesis
to the design process; it involves considerable human experience and qualitative
decisions. This makes it difficult to computerize. However, CAPP (Computer Aided
Process Planning) has progressed significantly. In addition to a centralized CAD/CAM
database for CAPP, geometric models that are accessed must be unambiguous. Solid
models possess such a characteristic and are used in CAPP development.
Once the process planning phase is complete, the actual production of the product
begins. The produced parts are inspected and usually must pass certain standard quality
control (assurance) requirements. Parts that survive inspection are assembled, packaged,
labeled and shipped to customers. Market feedbacks are usually valuable in enhancing
the products. These feedbacks are usually incorporated into the design process. With
the market feedback, a closed-loop product cycle results, as shown in Fig. 1.1.
The phases of the design and manufacturing processes shown in Fig. 1.1 serve as
the basis to define the design and manufacturing contents and consequently the tools
that a CAD/CAM system must provide for engineers. To identify these tools properly, a
CAD process and a CAM process have been defined in relation to the other processes.
The CAD process is a subset of the design process. Similarly, the CAM process is
a subset of the manufacturing process. The implementation of the CAD process
on current systems takes the generic flow presented in Fig. 1.2. Once a conceptual
design materializes in the designer’s mind, the definition of a geometric model starts
via the user interface provided by the relevant software. The choice of a geometric
model to CAD is analogous to the choice of a mathematical model to engineering
analysis. It depends directly on the type of analysis to be performed. For example,
finite element analysis might require a more different model than kinematic analysis.
A valid geometric model is created by the CAD/CAM system through its definition
translator which converts the designer input into the proper database format. In
order to apply engineering analysis to the geometric model, interface algorithms
are provided by the system to extract the required data from the model database to
perform the analysis. In the case of finite element analysis, these algorithms form the
finite element modeling package of the system. Design testing and evaluation may
require changing the geometric model before finalizing it. When the final design is
achieved, the drafting and detailing of the models starts, followed by documentation
and production of final drawings.
6 CAD/CAM Theory and Practice

Definition of
geometric model

Definition
translator

Design Geometric
changes model

Interface
algorithms

Design and analysis

algorithms

Drafting and
detailing

Documentation

To CAM process

Fig. 1.2 Implementation of a Typical CAD Process on a

CAD/CAM System

Table 1.1 relates the CAD tools to the various phases of the design process. The
core of the CAD tools are geometric modeling and graphics applications. Aids
such as color, grids, geometric modifiers and group facilitate structuring geometric
models. Manipulations include transformation of the model in space so that viewed
properly. Visualization is achieved via shaded images and animation procedures
which help design conceptualization, communication and interference detections in
some cases. The tools for design modeling and simulation are well diversified and
are closely related to the available analysis packages. Optimization CAD tools are
also available. Some FEM (Finite Element Modeling) packages provide some form
of shape and structural optimization. Even though CAD tools for design evaluations
are hard to identify, they may include the proper sizing of the model after the analysis
is performed to ensure engineering practices such as gradual change in dimensioning
and avoidance of stress concentrations. Adding tolerances, performing tolerance
analysis, generating a bill of materials and investigating the effect of manufacturing
on the design by utilizing NC packages are also valuable tools that are available to
designers.
 Introduction 7

Table 1.1 CAD Tools Required to Support the Design Process

Design phase Required CAD tool(s)

Design conceptualization
Design modeling and simulation
Design analysis
Design optimization
Design evaluation
Design communication and
documentation
Geometric modeling techniques; graphics aids,
manipulations and visualization
Same as above; animation; assemblies; special
modeling packages
Analysis packages; customized programs and
packages
Customized applications; structural optimization
Dimensioning; tolerances; bill of materials; NC
Drafting and detailing; shaded images

The implementation of the CAM process on CAD/CAM systems is shown in

Fig. 1.3. The geometric model developed during the CAD process forms the
basis of the CAM activities. Various CAM activities may require various CAD

Geometric
model

Interface
algorithms

Process
planning

NC
programs

Inspection

Assembly

Packaging

To shipping and marketing

Fig. 1.3 Implementation of a Typical CAM Process on a CAD/CAM System

8 CAD/CAM Theory and Practice

information. Interface algorithms are usually utilized to extract such information

from CAD databases. In the case of process planning, features that are utilized in
manufacturing (e.g., holes, slots, etc.) must be recognized to enable efficient planning
of manufacturing. NC programs, along with ordering tools and fixtures, result from
process planning. Once parts are produced, CAD software can be used to inspect
them. This is achieved by superposing an image of the real part with a master image
stored in its model database. After passing inspection, CAM software can be utilized
to instruct robot systems to assemble the parts to produce the final product.
Table 1.2 relates the CAM tools to the previous phases of the manufacturing
process. CAPP techniques include variant, generative and hybrid approaches. Various
part programming languages are supported by most CAM software. These include APT,
COMPACT II, SPLIT, etc. Inspection software utilizes CMMs (Coordinate Measuring
Machines) which compares the coordinates of the actual parts with those of the master
database. The robotics software supports robot simulation, offline programming and
image processing and vision applications.
Table 1.2 CAM Tools Required to Support the Manufacturing Process

Manufacturing phase Required CAM tool(s)

Process planning CAPP techniques; cost analysis, material and
tooling specification
Part programming NC programming
Inspection Inspection software
Assembly Robotics simulation and programming

1.2 HISTORY OF CAD/CAM DEVELOPMENT

The roots of today’s CAD/CAM go back to the beginning of civilization when
graphics communication was acknowledged by engineers of ancient Egypt, Greece
and Rome. Some of the existing drawings on Egyptian tombs can be considered as
technical drawings. Available work and notes of Leonardo da Vinci show the use of
today’s graphics conventions such as isometric views and cross-hatching. Orthographic
projection which we practice today was invented by the French mathematician Gaspard
Monge (1746–1818) who was employed as a designer by his government. This method
of projection was made available for public engineers at the beginning of the nineteenth
century after the military kept it as a secret for thirty years. The inventions of computers
and xerography later in that century have given graphics and consequently CAD/CAM,
their current dimensions and power.
CAD/CAM has gone through four major phases of developments in the past four
decades. The first phase spanned the decade of the 1950s and can be characterized as
the era of conceiving interactive computer graphics. Developments during the first
half of the decade were slowed down by the expense and inadequacy of computers of
4 CAD/CAM/CIM

iii. Batch Production (Discrete Manufacturing)

The largest percentage of manufacturing industries can be classified as batch
production industries. The distinguishing features of this type of manufacture are
the small to medium size of the batch, and varieties of such products to be taken
up in a single shop. Due to the variety of components handled, work centres
should have broader specifications. Another important fact is that small batch
size involves loss of production time associated with product changeover.
As mentioned earlier, integration of computer in process industries for production
automation, process monitoring and control and optimization is relatively easy. In the
case of mass production and batch production computer integration faces a number of
problems as there are a large number of support activities which are to be tied together.
These are discussed in detail later in this chapter.
Automation of manufacture has been implemented using different techniques since
the turn of the 20th Century. Fixed automation is the first type to emerge. Single spindle
automatic lathe, multi spindle automatic lathe and transfer lines are examples of fixed
automation. Fixed automation using mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic
systems is widely used in automobile manufacturing. This type of automation has a severe
limitation - these are designed for a particular product and any product change will require
extensive modifications to the automation system.
The concept of programmable automation was introduced later. These were electrically
controlled systems and programs were stored in punched cards and punched tapes. Typical
examples of programmable automation are:
i. Electrical programme controlled milling machines
ii. Hydraulically operated Automatic lathes with programmable control drum
iii. Sequencing machines with punched card control /plug board control
Development of digital computers, microelectronics and microprocessors significantly
altered the automation scenario during 1950-1990. Machine control systems are now
designed around microprocessors and microelectronics is part and parcel of industrial
drives and control. The significant advances in miniaturization through integration of large
number of components into small integrated chips and the consequent improvement in
reliability and performance have increased the popularity of microelectronics. This has
resulted in the availability of high performance desktop computing machines as well as
file servers which can be used for industrial control with the help of application software
packages.

1.3 EVOLUTION OF COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING

Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is considered a natural evolution of the
technology of CAD/CAM which by itself evolved by the integration of CAD and CAM.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, USA) is credited with pioneering the
Computer Integrated Manufacturing 5

development in both CAD and CAM. The need to meet the design and manufacturing
requirements of aerospace industries after the Second World War necessitated the

Chapter 1
development these technologies. The manufacturing technology available during late 40’s
and early 50’s could not meet the design and manufacturing challenges arising out of the
need to develop sophisticated aircraft and satellite launch vehicles. This prompted the US
Air Force to approach MIT to develop suitable control systems, drives and programming
techniques for machine tools using electronic control.
The first major innovation in machine control is the Numerical Control (NC),
demonstrated at MIT in 1952. Early Numerical Control Systems were all basically hardwired
systems, since these were built with discrete systems or with later first generation integrated
chips. Early NC machines used paper tape as an input medium. Every NC machine was
fitted with a tape reader to read paper tape and transfer the program to the memory of the
machine tool block by block. Mainframe computers were used to control a group of NC
machines by mid 60’s. This arrangement was then called Direct Numerical Control (DNC)
as the computer bypassed the tape reader to transfer the program data to the machine
controller. By late 60’s mini computers were being commonly used to control NC machines.
At this stage NC became truly soft wired with the facilities of mass program storage, off-
line editing and software logic control and processing. This development is called Computer
Numerical Control (CNC).
Since 70’s, numerical controllers are being designed around microprocessors, resulting
in compact CNC systems. A further development to this technology is the distributed
numerical control (also called DNC) in which processing of NC program is carried out in
different computers operating at different hierarchical levels - typically from mainframe
host computers to plant computers to the machine controller. Today the CNC systems are
built around powerful 32 bit and 64 bit microprocessors. PC based systems are also
becoming increasingly popular.
Manufacturing engineers also started using computers for such tasks like inventory
control, demand forecasting, production planning and control etc. CNC technology was
adapted in the development of co-ordinate measuring machine’s (CMMs) which automated
inspection. Robots were introduced to automate several tasks like machine loading,
materials handling, welding, painting and assembly. All these developments led to the
evolution of flexible manufacturing cells and flexible manufacturing systems in late 70’s.
Evolution of Computer Aided Design (CAD), on the other hand was to cater to the
geometric modeling needs of automobile and aeronautical industries. The developments
in computers, design workstations, graphic cards, display devices and graphic input
and output devices during the last ten years have been phenomenal. This coupled with
the development of operating system with graphic user interfaces and powerful interactive
(user friendly) software packages for modeling, drafting, analysis and optimization
provides the necessary tools to automate the design process.
CAD in fact owes its development to the APT language project at MIT in early 50’s.
Several clones of APT were introduced in 80’s to automatically develop NC codes from
6 CAD/CAM/CIM

the geometric model of the component. Now, one can model, draft, analyze, simulate,
modify, optimize and create the NC code to manufacture a component and simulate the
machining operation sitting at a computer workstation.
If we review the manufacturing scenario during 80’s we will find that the
manufacturing is characterized by a few islands of automation. In the case of design,
the task is well automated. In the case of manufacture, CNC machines, DNC systems,
FMC, FMS etc provide tightly controlled automation systems. Similarly computer control
has been implemented in several areas like manufacturing resource planning, accounting,
sales, marketing and purchase. Yet the full potential of computerization could not be
obtained unless all the segments of manufacturing are integrated, permitting the transfer
of data across various functional modules. This realization led to the concept of computer
integrated manufacturing. Thus the implementation of CIM required the development
of whole lot of computer technologies related to hardware and software.

1.4 CIM HARDWARE AND CIM SOFTWARE

CIM Hardware comprises the following:
i. Manufacturing equipment such as CNC machines or computerized work centres,
robotic work cells, DNC/FMS systems, work handling and tool handling devices,
storage devices, sensors, shop floor data collection devices, inspection machines
etc.
ii. Computers, controllers, CAD/CAM systems, workstations / terminals, data entry
terminals, bar code readers, RFID tags, printers, plotters and other peripheral
devices, modems, cables, connectors etc.,
CIM software comprises computer programmes to carry out the following functions:
Management Information System
Sales
Marketing
Finance
Database Management
Modeling and Design
Analysis
Simulation
Communications
Monitoring
Production Control
Manufacturing Area Control
Job Tracking
Computer Integrated Manufacturing 7

Inventory Control
Shop Floor Data Collection

Chapter 1
Order Entry
Materials Handling
Device Drivers
Process Planning
Manufacturing Facilities Planning
Work Flow Automation
Business Process Engineering
Network Management
Quality Management

1.5 NATURE AND ROLE OF THE ELEMENTS OF CIM SYSTEM

Nine major elements of a CIM system are in Fig 1.2. They are:
Marketing
Product Design
Planning
Purchase
Manufacturing Engineering
Factory Automation Hardware
Warehousing
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Finance
Information Management

Fig.1.2 Major Elements of a CIM System

8 CAD/CAM/CIM

i. Marketing: The need for a product is identified by the marketing division. The
specifications of the product, the projection of manufacturing quantities and the
strategy for marketing the product are also decided by the marketing department.
Marketing also works out the manufacturing costs to assess the economic viability
of the product.
ii. Product Design: The design department of the company establishes the initial
database for production of a proposed product. In a CIM system this is
accomplished through activities such as geometric modeling and computer aided
design while considering the product requirements and concepts generated by
the creativity of the design engineer. Configuration management is an important
activity in many designs. Complex designs are usually carried out by several
teams working simultaneously, located often in different parts of the world. The
design process is constrained by the costs that will be incurred in actual production
and by the capabilities of the available production equipment and processes. The
design process creates the database required to manufacture the part.
iii. Planning: The planning department takes the database established by the
design department and enriches it with production data and information to
produce a plan for the production of the product. Planning involves several
subsystems dealing with materials, facility, process, tools, manpower, capacity,
scheduling, outsourcing, assembly, inspection, logistics etc. In a CIM system,
this planning process should be constrained by the production costs and by
the production equipment and process capability, in order to generate an
optimized plan.
iv. Purchase: The purchase departments is responsible for placing the purchase
orders and follow up, ensure quality in the production process of the vendor,
receive the items, arrange for inspection and supply the items to the stores or
arrange timely delivery depending on the production schedule for eventual supply
to manufacture and assembly.
v. Manufacturing Engineering: Manufacturing Engineering is the activity of carrying
out the production of the product, involving further enrichment of the database
with performance data and information about the production equipment and
processes. In CIM, this requires activities like CNC programming, simulation and
computer aided scheduling of the production activity. This should include on-
line dynamic scheduling and control based on the real time performance of the
equipment and processes to assure continuous production activity. Often, the
need to meet fluctuating market demand requires the manufacturing system
flexible and agile.
vi. Factory Automation Hardware: Factory automation equipment further enriches
the database with equipment and process data, resident either in the operator or
the equipment to carry out the production process. In CIM system this consists
of computer controlled process machinery such as CNC machine tools, flexible
Computer Integrated Manufacturing 9

manufacturing systems (FMS), Computer controlled robots, material handling

systems, computer controlled assembly systems, flexibly automated inspection

Chapter 1
systems and so on.
vii. Warehousing: Warehousing is the function involving storage and retrieval of
raw materials, components, finished goods as well as shipment of items. In
today’s complex outsourcing scenario and the need for just-in-time supply of
components and subsystems, logistics and supply chain management assume
great importance.
viii. Finance: Finance deals with the resources pertaining to money. Planning
of investment, working capital, and cash flow control, realization of
receipts, accounting and allocation of funds are the major tasks of the
finance departments.

Fig.1.3 Various Activities in CIM

FEM - Finite Element Modeling MeM - Mechanism Modeling ERP - Enterprise
Resource Planning
ix. Information Management: Information Management is perhaps one of the crucial
tasks in CIM. This involves master production scheduling, database management,
communication, manufacturing systems integration and management information
systems.
It can be seen from Fig 1.3 that CIM technology ties together all the manufacturing and
related functions in a company. Implementation of CIM technology thus involves basically
integration of all the activities of the enterprise.
10 CAD/CAM/CIM

1.6 DEVELOPMENT OF CIM

CIM is an integration process leading to the integration of the manufacturing enterprise.
Fig 1.4 indicates different levels of this integration that can be seen within an industry.
Dictated by the needs of the individual enterprise this process usually starts with the
need to interchange information between the some of the so called islands of automation.
Flexible manufacturing cells, automatic storage and retrieval systems, CAD/CAM based
design etc. are the examples of islands of automation i.e. a sort of computer based
automation achieved completely in a limited sphere of activity of an enterprise. This
involves data exchange among computers, NC machines, robots, gantry systems etc.
Therefore the integration process has started bottom up. The interconnection of physical
systems was the first requirement to be recognized and fulfilled.

Fig. 1.4 Levels of Integration Against Evolution of CIM

The next level of integration, application integration in Fig 1.4 is concerned with the
integration of applications, the term applications being used in the data processing sense.
The applications are those which are discussed in section 1.4 under the heading CIM
hardware and software. Application integration involves supply and retrieval of
information, communication between application users and with the system itself. Thus
the application integration level imposes constraints on the physical integration level.
There has to be control of the applications themselves also.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing 11

The highest level of integration, business integration in Fig.1.4 is concerned with the
management and operational processes of an enterprise. The management process

Chapter 1
provides supervisory control of the operational process which in turn co-ordinates the
day-to-day execution of the activities at the application level. The business integration
level therefore places constraints on the application level. This level offers considerable
challenge to the integration activity.

QUESTIONS
1. Describe the need for CIM and the issues addressed by CIM.
2. What are the different types of manufacturing? Make an assessment of the extent
of computer control in specific cases of each types of manufacturing.
3. What are the various activities of a manufacturing plant which can be carried out
through computer control?
4. Discuss the main elements of CIM systems.
5. Differentiate among physical integration, application integration and business
integration. Give specific examples of each.
Role of computers in manufacturing

Computers play a vital role in manufacturing as they can greatly improve efficiency, accuracy, and
flexibility in the production process. Some of the key ways computers are used in manufacturing
include:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD): CAD software allows manufacturers to create and simulate products
in a virtual environment, reducing the need for physical prototypes and reducing the time and cost
of product development.

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM): CAM software is used to control and monitor the
production process, including the operation of CNC (computer numerical control) machines, which
are automated machines that can perform complex tasks, such as cutting, drilling, and milling, with
high precision.

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): MES software is used to manage and track production
activities in real-time, providing manufacturers with valuable data on production performance and
allowing them to make informed decisions to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Supply Chain Management: Computers are used to manage the entire supply chain, from ordering
raw materials to delivering finished products to customers. This can help manufacturers ensure
timely delivery of products, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

Automation: Computers are used to control and monitor automated manufacturing processes, such
as assembly lines, robotic systems, and 3D printing. This reduces the need for manual labor and
improves efficiency and consistency.

Quality control: Computers can be used to inspect products for defects and measure key
parameters such as size and shape. This helps to ensure that products meet the required
specifications and reduces the need for manual inspection.

Design and simulation: Computers can be used to design and simulate manufacturing processes and
products, allowing engineers to optimize and refine their designs before they are put into
production.

Data analysis: Computers can collect and analyze large amounts of data generated during the
manufacturing process, providing valuable insights into production processes and product quality.
This information can be used to identify and address bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and optimize
production processes.

Inventory management: Computers can be used to manage and track inventory levels, ensuring that
the right materials and components are available when they are needed, reducing waste and
minimizing downtime.

Remote monitoring and control: With the help of computers and the Internet, manufacturers can
remotely monitor and control production processes, even from different locations. This allows for
real-time adjustments to be made and enables fast, effective problem-solving.

Overall, computers play a crucial role in modern manufacturing by enabling companies to design,
produce, and manage their products more effectively and efficiently.
Benefits of cad/cam

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology has

revolutionized the way products are designed, developed, and manufactured. Some of the key
benefits of CAD/CAM include:

Improved Accuracy: With CAD/CAM, engineers can create highly detailed and precise 3D models of
a product, reducing the chances of errors and increasing the accuracy of the final product.

Increased Efficiency: CAD/CAM software automates many of the manual processes involved in
product design and manufacturing, resulting in faster design times and reduced production lead
times.

Better Collaboration: CAD/CAM allows for better collaboration between engineers, designers, and
manufacturers, reducing the risk of communication errors and improving overall product quality.

Enhanced Flexibility: CAD/CAM systems allow for easy modification of designs, even after the
manufacturing process has started, making it easier to make changes as needed.

Improved Quality Control: CAM systems are capable of controlling the manufacturing process to
very precise tolerances, ensuring that the final product is of high quality and meets all relevant
specifications.

Cost Savings: By streamlining the design and manufacturing processes, CAD/CAM can help to reduce
manufacturing costs, increase productivity, and improve profitability.

Increased efficiency: CAD/CAM software can automate many tasks and processes, reducing the time
it takes to design and manufacture products.

Improved accuracy: CAD/CAM systems allow for precise measurements and calculations, reducing
the margin for error and increasing the accuracy of the final product.

Enhanced collaboration: CAD/CAM systems allow multiple people to work on the same project
simultaneously, increasing collaboration and communication between team members.

Better visualization: CAD/CAM systems provide 3D models and simulations, allowing designers and
engineers to visualize their designs and make changes in real-time.

Increased flexibility: CAD/CAM systems can be easily updated and changed, allowing manufacturers
to quickly respond to changing customer demands or market conditions.

Better cost control: CAD/CAM systems can help to reduce the costs associated with design and
manufacturing by reducing the need for physical prototypes and reducing the time it takes to bring a
product to market.

Improved product quality: CAD/CAM systems help to ensure that products are manufactured to
exact specifications, reducing the risk of defects and improving overall product quality.

Concurrent Engineering

Concurrent Engineering is a product development approach that involves all the relevant
stakeholders in the development process, such as engineers, designers, marketing professionals, and
customers, working together in parallel from the earliest stages of product conceptualization to its
final launch. The goal of this approach is to reduce the time-to-market for new products and ensure
that all aspects of the product are considered and optimized in a collaborative and efficient manner.
This results in a more streamlined development process, reduced costs, and improved product
quality.

The main benefits of concurrent engineering are:

Reduced Time-to-Market: By involving all relevant stakeholders from the start, product development
can be completed faster, reducing the time-to-market for new products.

Improved Product Quality: With multiple stakeholders collaborating from the earliest stages,
problems can be identified and resolved early, leading to a higher quality product.

Increased Customer Satisfaction: By involving customers in the development process, their needs
and preferences can be considered, resulting in a product that better meets their needs.

Increased Innovation: By encouraging collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, concurrent

engineering can foster innovation and lead to new and improved product concepts.

Reduced Costs: Concurrent engineering can reduce development time, minimize rework, and lower
costs by catching problems early and avoiding last-minute changes.

Concurrent engineering, also known as simultaneous engineering, is a product development process

that involves all relevant departments and disciplines working together in parallel throughout the
product development cycle. The goal of concurrent engineering is to design, develop, and deliver a
product that meets customer needs and expectations as efficiently as possible.

In traditional sequential product development processes, one department would complete its tasks
before passing the product on to the next department. With concurrent engineering, all relevant
departments work on the product at the same time, so that design and development problems can
be identified and solved quickly. This leads to a faster development process, as well as improved
product quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Concurrent engineering typically involves close collaboration between engineering, manufacturing,

marketing, and other departments, with a focus on concurrent design and problem-solving. This
approach encourages cross-functional teams to work together, share information, and make
decisions that result in a better product.

The implementation of concurrent engineering requires a change in organizational culture and a

willingness to work in a collaborative, cross-functional manner. It also requires the use of tools and
technologies that support collaboration and real-time information sharing, such as computer-aided
design (CAD) software and product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

Distributed communication system

A distributed communication system in CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided

Manufacturing) refers to a network of computers that are connected and can share information,
resources, and processing power to complete complex design and manufacturing tasks. In a
CAD/CAM system, the communication between different nodes in the network is critical to ensure
seamless collaboration and data sharing.
There are several types of distributed communication systems that can be used in CAD/CAM,
including:

Client-server architecture: In this type of architecture, one or more clients (workstations) are
connected to a central server, which manages the data and processing tasks. The clients request
services from the server and receive results from it.

Peer-to-peer architecture: In this type of architecture, each node in the network acts as both a client
and a server, allowing direct communication between nodes without the need for a central server.

Hybrid architecture: This type of architecture combines elements of both client-server and peer-to-
peer architectures to provide a balanced approach to communication and data sharing in a
CAD/CAM system.

The choice of communication system depends on various factors, including the size of the network,
the complexity of the CAD/CAM tasks, and the requirements for data security and access control.

In general, a robust and efficient communication system is essential for the smooth operation of a
CAD/CAM system, allowing designers and manufacturers to work together effectively, share
information and resources, and achieve their goals.