Production Technqiues (CAM)

Question 1

What is CAM?

Answer 1

Computer aided manufacture

Question 2

What are the advantages of CAM ?

Answer 2

• Fast and accurate production
• machines can run constantly in repetitive tasks
• saves on employment costs as fewer workers are needed

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of CAM ?

Answer 3

• expensive to set up
• needs a skilled workforce to engineer
• machines need maintaining and parts can be expensive
• could cause a loss of manufacturing jobs

Question 4

What are the five types of CAM equipment ?

Answer 4

CNC routing
CNC embroidery
Vinyl cutting
Laser cutting
3D printing

Question 5

What is CNC routing ?
Definition, equipment and usage

Answer 5

• A method by a computer to execute a pre programmed sequence
• uses a hand held router controlled by a computer following CAD designs
• hard materials such as wood, metal and plastic which often means it’s used within engineering for precision

Question 6

What is CNC embroidery?
Definitions and usage

Answer 6

• a design can be created in a computer then transferred to fabric through a computerized CNC sewing machine
• used to add logos and designs to personalize products

Question 7

What is vinyl cutting ?
Definition and usage

Answer 7

• printer like CAM machine moves a small blade over the vinyl and cuts bold vector based illustrations accurately from vinyl
• often used for sings, wall decorations, car deco and banners

Question 8

What is laser cutting ?
Definition and usage

Answer 8

• a laser reflects off mirrors to form an accurate beam and manufacture a variety of products following CAD designs Eg cut, engrave or etch
• used for a variety of materials such as plastic, wood, paper, card and fabrics

Question 9

What is 3D printing ?

Answer 9

• an additive CAM records that follows CAD designs to place layers on top of each other repeatedly and create a 3D Printed object
• used in most industries such as medical ( prosthetic limbs), fashion( outfits and footwear), automotive, education and industrial

Question 10

What is the process of 3D printing ?

Answer 10

1. A filament of plastics ( ABS, PLA, nylon) is fed into the machine
2. It is then heated so it is softened and sticks to the previous layer