CAD & CAM

CAD & CAM

1. CAD- Computer Aided Design

   • used to create a 2D or 3D model
   • manipulated, viewed from any angle,adjusted to match design criteria
   • used by- architects and designers
   • uses a wire frame drawing, when ready to be viewed it gets rendered
   • can suggest appropriate materials and the cost of production
   • simulations carried out
   • advantages- printed out before construction (design flaws found, so money saved and time saved), suggestions about material and cost (save time is not profitable), easily adjust previous designs, quicker, cheaper, more effective, efficient design process
   • disadvantages- not realistic, errors may be made in design, skills are needed, needs a powerfull computer to run off,

2. CAM- Computer Aided Manufacture

   • creates reallife versions of digital designs
   • control a wide range of tools e.g. lathes, drills and cutters
   • control unit uses computer numerical control (use of data from cad to guide movement and function of tools)
   • advantages- makes manufacturing cheaper, quicker and more efficient. when combined with CAD saves time, money, less working hours
   • disadvantages- can lose traditionla jobs