CAD/CAM/CIM

Question 1

What does a CAD package allow us to do?

Answer 1

1. Create 2D/3D images of a Product
2. Internet with and manipulate these images.
3. Create a ‘virtual product’ and interact with it on screen.
4. Create standard graphical images (isometric/ortho/sectional, etc.) from a single drawing.
5. Utilise pre-drawn components/shapes.

Question 2

Advantages of CAD

Answer 2

1. Designs can be easily be electrically stored/shared.
2. Designs can be altered without having to re-draw entire product.
3. No need to make a range of costly prototypes.
4. On-screen Simulation of products and their movements.
5. Reduction in time/costs/resources.

Question 3

Disadvantages of CAD

Answer 3

1. Cost of software is very expensive.
2. Workers need high level ICT skills.
3. Workers need to be constantly trained/ updated as technology advances.