Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) encompasses various automation technologies, including numerical control machines, industrial robots, and flexible manufacturing systems. CAM software can design, tool, and monitor the manufacturing process, and even track inventory and order replacement parts. CAM technology has evolved to automate the entire manufacturing process, with the exception of computer programmers and operators.
Computer-aided manufacturing has been used as a general term to describe a variety of industrial automation technologies. Some common types of computer aided manufacturing, also known as CAM, include numerical control (NC) machines; industrial robots; flexible manufacturing systems (FMS); and complete facilities systems that incorporate CAM with computer-aided design (CAD) software, product lifecycle software, and overall facility management. Modern manufacturing facilities use CAM technologies to machine products, convert two-dimensional plans to three-dimensional schematics, monitor equipment, and even track and sort raw material inventory.
In the early years of computer aided manufacturing, CAM simply involved automation using computer software. The software has helped design and tool parts for planes and cars or helped operate robotic arms during assembly. Machinists were still needed in most CAM facilities to restore machines and work through problems associated with tool misalignment and machine maintenance. Modern computer aided manufacturing, however, is far more advanced than early CAM technology.
Numerical Control (NC) machines, one of the oldest and most common types of computer aided manufacturing, apply specific formulas to the processing of raw materials. For example, if a circle needs to be cut from sheet metal, a CNC machine can determine, using mathematical calculations and numeric inputs, exactly where and how to cut to get a perfect circle. Also, using the same algorithms, the computer can determine the exact placement of the cuts to produce the most circles per sheet, as well as exactly how to place the metal for an optimal cut.
Industrial robots are another example of computer aided manufacturing. Robots perform many of the repetitive tasks once performed by human hands. Computers control the robots, sending and receiving data such as the number of parts to be produced per minute, the positioning of the robot arms and the times between work stations. Programmers and other computer experts then replace human workers, who now manage the computer system rather than perform manufacturing tasks.
Flexible manufacturing systems, integrated CAM/CAD systems, and configurations that integrate with various data exchange systems offer unlimited possibilities for computer-aided manufacturing. As technology continues to evolve and expand, flexible systems can easily produce several similar products with the same equipment, assisted by CAM software. The specific changes required for various products can be performed within the CAM software, allowing automation of the entire manufacturing process.
Almost every aspect of the manufacturing process, except for experienced computer programmers and operators, could be controlled by CAM technologies. Instead of simply controlling the manufacturing or manufacturing process, computer-aided manufacturing software can monitor supplies, track performance, order replacement parts for machines, and even notify maintenance personnel of necessary maintenance or repairs. The customization of the various systems and technologies available makes the different types of CAM software virtually unlimited.
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