Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) uses computer technology to automate and control the manufacturing process, resulting in greater accuracy, consistency, and ease of customization. CAM systems can also automate resource management and integrate with computer aided design (CAD) systems. While CAM may change the nature of manufacturing jobs, human workers are still necessary for tasks such as setup, quality control, and machine maintenance.
Since the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the manufacturing process has undergone many dramatic changes. One of the most dramatic has been the introduction of computer aided manufacturing (CAM), a system of using computer technology to assist in the manufacturing process. This technology began to be developed in the 1818s and by the 1919s it was being used by a few large manufacturers. By the early 1950th century, computer aided manufacturing had become an integral part of the manufacturing process in many industries.
Automation and use of robotics
Through the use of CAM, a factory can become highly automated, using systems such as real-time control and robotics. A CAM system usually seeks to control the manufacturing process through varying degrees of automation. These processes are performed by various robotic tools, such as lathes, milling machines and welding machines. Each of the many manufacturing processes in a CAM system is computer controlled, so a high degree of accuracy and consistency can be achieved that is not possible with machinery that must be controlled by humans.
Greater accuracy
In computer aided manufacturing, software is used to create detailed and precise instructions for the machinery that produces the parts. The software and machinery use numerical control (NC) applications that include precise measurements. As a result, the manufacturing process can be repeated over and over again with the exact same specifications. Such accuracy is impossible with portable or manually controlled instruments. This precision translates into higher quality and consistency of parts and goods.
Resource Management
Some CAM systems provide further automation by keeping track of materials used and automating the ordering process from suppliers or the delivery process from manufacturer inventory. This helps ensure that sufficient materials are always available to keep the production process on schedule. CAM systems can also automate the process of requesting maintenance, repair or tool replacement.
Computer Aided Design
Computer aided manufacturing is commonly related to computer aided design (CAD) systems. The resulting integrated CAD/CAM system then takes the computer-generated design and feeds it directly into the manufacturing system. The design is then converted into multiple computer controlled processes, such as drilling or turning.
Ease of customization
One benefit of computer-aided manufacturing is that it can be used to facilitate customization, the process of creating small batches of custom-designed products to suit particular clients or customers. Without CAM and the CAD process that precedes it, customization would be a long, laborious and expensive process. Computer software, however, allows for easy customization and quick design changes. The automatic controls of the CAM system make it possible to automatically adapt the machinery to each order.
There is still a need for people
Many workers feared that increased use of robotic tools would eliminate manufacturing jobs. While that may be true to some extent, the robotic machines commonly used in factories still require human workers. However, the nature of the work of these workers often changes. Repetitive tasks are delegated to machines, and human worker job descriptions shift more towards things like setup, quality control, initial design creation, and machine maintenance.
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