Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) involves the use of numerical control computer software applications to generate detailed coded instructions that drive computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools for manufacturing high-precision parts. In CAM the geometrical design data from computer-aided design (CAD) is used to control automated machinery for producing a part. CAM systems are capable of assuring high accuracy and high productivity by maximizing utilization of a full range of production equipment, including high-speed, five-axis, multifunction lathe machines, nontraditional machining, and coordinate measuring machine (CMM) inspection equipment. Some examples of CAM software applications include NX CAM, CAM EXPRESS , and the like. This chapter first emphasizes the role of CNC machines in CAM followed by an introduction to CAD, working principles of CNC and CNC machines, CNC coordinate systems, CNC positioning systems (both open-loop and closed-loop systems), and CNC part programming. In particular CAD, CNC system, and part programming have been mathematically modeled, and the related problems have been solved.