Systems that collect data and information from participants via computer aided design (CAD) software and directly link this to the rest of the system through computer aided manufacture (CAM)

CAD/CAM system can be regarded as the flow of info from

• Design workstation to database
• then Database to factory machine system

CAD (Computer Aided Design) → Software used to design and analyse digital models of a product or part (i.e. sketchup, autoCAD)

• Allows participants to visualise product before actual construction
• CAD software enables precise and efficient modeling, visualization, and simulation of designs before they are physically produced.
• Operator uses drawing tools, and positioning shortcuts to create 3D model. (Using XYZ coordinates)
• Individual parts can be designed separately; joined later
• After design, files are moved to database for storage. Information included is:
  • Materials
  • Size
  • Weight
  • Dimensions
• E.g. AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, Sketchup

CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) → use of software to aid manufacture of products or parts. (I.e. robot fabric cutters cut patterns with minimal waste)

• takes the CAD model and converts it into numerical instructions that represent the specific coordinates where the machine must travel, to create the product.
  • Complex instructions and other additional data is generated to control machinery
• E.g. Fusion 360, SOLIDWORKS

CNC (Compute Numerical Control) → the automated control of manufacturing machines through the use of a computer or microprocessor. It uses the numerical instructions generated in CAM software and to control machines that create the product

CAD/CAM

CAD creates the design and sends it to the machine to perform CAM, which is the process of creating the product using Computer Numerical Control(CNC). CNC uses a microprocessor to control Numerical Control functions, which is a form of programmable automation that uses numbers to represent coordinates in 3 dimensions. These coordinates are used by the microprocessor to control the exact position a machine/actuator need to be to create the product and perform Computer Aided Manufacture. CAD/CAM work hand-in-hand, without one, the other can’t exist