Module 3.5
Task 8 - Computer Aided Design, Manufacturing & Computer Simulation


A.M.D.G.

CAD stands for Computer Aided Design. CAD software can be used in the design of many different types of item. For example architects may use CAD to produce blueprints for a new building or car designers may design prototypes of new car designs. The output can be a hard copy or it may be data that can be used in the manufacturing process.

CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacture. This is the production of goods using machinery controlled by computers.

When CAD and CAM are used together the process is called CIM, Computer Integrated Manufacture. Products are designed on a CAD system linked directly to manufacturing machines to produce items with little or no human intervention.

Where the actions of an automated system are controlled by numbers, this is known as CNC, computer numerically controlled. Examples of CNC machinery include lathes and drilling tools.

  

Computer Simulation is the enactment of a real life situation on a computer. Examples of simulations include flight simulation, stress testing of bridge designs, car accident simulations and many games programs. This use of simulations can save money and lives.

Simulations and other industrial control systems must be real time systems - the output of the system must respond immediately to any input.
  • Install and launch 3D-Floor Plan
  • By adding walls, doors and windows, create a plan of one floor of your house - you may add other levels later.
  • Add various items of furniture to try and reproduce your house as closely as possible.
  • By switching to 3D view, move aound this design and consider how easily and accurately a CAD program can be used to represent real world designs.

A car factory has had its assembly line automated. Robots now carry out most of the tasks in the assembly line.

(a) Before robots were introduced, the production in the assembly line was described as labour intensive. What is meant by the term labour intensive?

(b) What do you think would have been the effect on productivity in the factory when robots were introduced? Give a reason for your answer.

(c) Each robot on the assembly line can use a range of end-effectors. What is an end-effector?

(d) When the factory was redesigned for automation, it was known that a large area of the factory would only be used by robots. Suggest two features of the design of this area which could have been considered in order to reduce running costs.