1.7 Digital Design & Manufacture Flashcards
What are the 9 advantages of CAD/CAM
Accurate working drawings - CAD can be used to create accurate working drawings in 2D to be downloaded for laser cutters, lathes and milling machines
Complex and realistic virtual models - CAD can be used to create complex and virtual models of designs and can be sent to 3D Printers for making prototypes
Speed - CAD speeds up the development process as it makes it easier to edit drawings stored on a computer rather than redrawing items by hand
Storage and communication - CAD makes it easier for designers to work as as teams could be located in different locations and still work collaboratively.
CAD/CAM - CAD drawings can be downloaded to CAM and allow designers to create models or prototypes easily
Digital tracing - Original artwork can be scanned in and developed in CAD software faster
Libraries of standard components - Libraries of standard component can be used to complete designs and is useful especially for design engineers for circuits
Use of layers - Designers can use layers to draw on allowing complex drawings to be built up layer by layer
‘Nesting’ - Multiple copies can be cut from material by efficiently laying out to save material
What are the 3 disadv of CAD
Set up costs and staff training - The initial set up cost can be expensive and for when staff have to be trained in the software
Software updates - Software has to be updated regularly which can be expensive
Sketches and modelling of concepts still required - Sketches are not as easy in CAD and still have to be done out of CAD
What are the 3 things that “Computer/Virtual modelling” can model (With detail)
Modelling assemblies - Production lines for products including tools, machines and assembly lines can be modeled and optimised. Bottlenecks can be predicted and buffer zones can be planned
Modelling space and movements - The space in e.g kitchens can be modeled using software and optimised for arrangements and main zones of activity
Modelling production - Products can be modelled and components can be checked to see whether they fit and or removed for maintenance as well as the best sequence for assembling parts
What are the 3 adv of VR
VR provides an environment where more realism can be experienced
VR can help designers shape materials with their hands resulting in a 3D environment
VR can make more engaging presentations
What is “Finite Element Analysis (FEA)” and its uses
FEA uses computer modelling to carry out tests for a products stress analysis
-Designers can use FEA to simulate vibration or shock to highlight weak points in products
What can simulations help achieve(Out of 4)
Simulations can be run on CAD CAM software which can indicate any problems and how the product is going to turn out
Simulations can be used to show tool paths and issues with the paths
Simulations can be used to show how the model will look like and any extra support that is required
Simulations can be used to ensure multiple copies of the same item are machined in the most efficient way
What is “Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)”
CFD is a tool available in some 3D CAD packages that allow designers to test products with fluids around or in the product
What are 2 uses of “Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)”
Specific forms of CFD such as MFA(Mould flow analysis) can be used to check the flow of molten plastic in a mould cavity
For example CFD can be used to test and improve the aerodynamics of a car
What is the advantage of using CFD(Computational fluid dynamics)
CFD can save designers time and money which would be needed to develop physical models and prototypes
What are 2 advantages of using CAM machinery
Machines are fully enclosed - Machines can be fully enclosed as to reduce the risk of injury as well as fumes and dust
Fast and accurate production - CAM software is fast and can accurately produce products and even can be used for 1 off products
What are the 5 CAM machinery
Laser cutting
Routers
Milling machines
Lathes
Plotter cutters
What are 2 advantages of CAM Laser cutting
Laser beam cuts or vaporises material - Laser beams are strong enough to cut wood and polymers in lower powers and up to metal sheet in higher powers
Easy to use - Laser cutting is easy to use as cuts and creases can be made with simple lines on 2D design tools as well as being able to cut many different materials only requiring speed and power settings
What are 3 Industrial CNC milling machines features
Automatic coolant systems
Being fully enclosed
Being able to automatically change tools
What are 3 adv of CAM Routing
High speed tool bit machines sheet material - Routers have a high speed tool bit that can cut thicker sheet material that a laser cutter could not cut
2D or 3D CAD drawings - 2D and 3D CAD models can be downloaded reducing the complications of converting 3D into 2D files as well as having more creativity requiring tool speed, depth and radius
Plastics, wood based materials and non ferrous metals - Routers can cut a wide range of metals and thicknesses including plastics, wood based materials and non ferrous metals
What are 3 adv of CNC milling
Wide range of tool bits machining in various axes - Most milling machines contain a wide range of tool bits and also can rotate on many different axis (The bed in the X and Y, The bit in the Z and the tool bed and cutting head can be rotated ) called 5 axis machines
3D CAD drawings or directly programmed - CNC milling machines can work of preexisting 3D CAD drawings or be directly programmed into the milling machines interface
Various metals and polymers - Milling machines can cut a wide range of metals and polymers once securely clamped in a vice
