CAD and CAM Flashcards
What is CAD and what does it involve
Computer aided design
- involves designing products on a computer rather than paper
-CAD software packages like Vectorworks allow you to make 2D and 3D designs
why is CAD useful
- helps designers model and change designs quickly
-easier to experiment with different colours, forms etc - easy to spot problems before making anything
- In 3D programs, you can view the product from all angles
what is CAM and what does it involve
Computer aided manufacture
- this is the process of manufacture using computing
- CAD software works out the coordinates of each point of the drawing (the x,y,z coordinates)
- CAM machines are COMUTER NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED- meaning they can follow the xyz coordinates and move the tools to cut or build your design
what is subtraction
where material is removed from a solid block to form an object
Examples of CAM machines that carry out subtraction
- milling machines
example of CAM addition machine
3D printers- they add materials like polymer to build up an object and create a product
what do CNC routers do
they are able to cut out 2D or 3D shapes from a block of material using different sized cutting tools- either 2 axis or 3 axis machines
- also used to engrave things
- can be used on plastics, wood, metals
What are laser cutters
tools used to cut things
- when placed on high power settings, they cut right through the material
- on low power settings, they can engrave things
- are 2- axis machines so cannot cut out 3D objects
what are 3D printers
Printers used for rapid prototyping
- they convert your image on screen into a 3D model
how does using CAD and CAM save shipping costs for a business
- designs for products can be sent electronically to be manufactured to other countries, where they’ll be sold
- the company can save money on shipping costs
how does using CAD/CAM save labour costs
- some companies design their products in one country then have them manufactured in a country where labour is cheaper, then ship them back to wherever they’ll be sold
what is the datum point
where xyz coordinates meet at (0,0,0)
