CAD/CAM & CIM in Manufacturing: An In-Depth Look
CAD and CAM Applications in Manufacturing
CAD and CAM are most applicable to the mass production of discrete items, where segments of the production line are often automated, but not the entire line. For example, spot welding and painting in an automobile line may be completely automated using robotics, but much assembly work is accomplished by human labor.
What is CAD (Computer-Aided Design)?
CAD is a geometric modeling system used to produce two-dimensional or three-dimensional engineering drawings on a computer. CAD utilizes computers to aid in the total design process.
The primary use of CAD is in creating three-dimensional models from which engineering drawings and CNC part programs are produced almost automatically. A drawing is developed in the computer-aided design process without the need to fabricate a prototype.
Objectives of CAD:
- Increase productivity
- Visualize a design on the computer screen
- Analysis and testing
What is CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)?
CAM is an application technology that uses computer software and machinery to facilitate and automate the manufacturing process.
It is a type of manufacturing method that uses computer software and automatable machinery to create products with a high degree of accuracy and precision.
Applications of CAM:
- Where the computer directly controls a manufacturing operation.
- Where the computer is used to support the manufacturing process.
The application most commonly associated with CAM is CNC part programming.
CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing)
Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) is the integration of all such equipment, requiring the networking of information, both design and manufacturing. Further, to optimize the cost/profit situation automatically requires other functions to be brought into the picture, such as cost accounting.
CIM is a combination of separate applications, such as computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), robotics, and manufacturing resource planning (MRP-II). Its objective is to streamline manufacturing processes and integrate them with other business functions (such as accounting, financing, distributing, sales, and marketing).
CIM is the integration of the total manufacturing enterprise by using integrated systems and data communication coupled with new managerial philosophies that improve organizational and personnel efficiency.
CIM integrates: CAP, CAQ, PPYC, Robotics, and CAE.
Types of Manufacturing Processes
Continuous-Process Production
Product that flows in a continuous stream falls into this manufacturing category. An obvious attribute of these processes is that the production equipment is utilized for a relatively small group of similar products.
Mass Production
Attempts to emulate the characteristics of continuous-flow production for discrete products that are produced in high volumes with relatively small variations in the product. As a result, mass production has historically realized many benefits from mechanization and automation.
Discrete-Item Production
Finished products that can be easily touched, counted, and sourced.
Job Shop Production
Produces a large number of different discrete items that require different sequences through the production equipment.
Because of the large number of different products and demands for those products, scheduling and routing problems are enormous.
As a result, automation has, at best, been restricted to individual components of the job shop, and there have been few attempts to automate the entire facility by integrating the islands of automation.
Manufacturing Process Types
- Project Process: One-of-a-kind product, made to customer order.
- Job-Shop Process: Low volume and low standardization.
- Batch Process: Multiple products and moderate volume.
- Line Process: Few major products and higher volume.
- Continuous Process: High volume, high standardization.
Business Functions Integrated into CIM Systems
Three business functions that could be integrated into a CIM system are sales, marketing, and inventory.