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What Are the Different Types of Computer-Aided Manufacturing?

Sandi Johnson
Sandi Johnson

Computer-aided manufacturing has come to be 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 facility systems that incorporate CAM with computer-aided design (CAD) software, product life cycle software, and overall facilities management. Modern manufacturing facilities use CAM technologies to machine products, convert two-dimensional plans into three-dimensional schematics, monitor equipment, and even track and order raw material inventory.

In the early years of computer-aided manufacturing, CAM simply implied automation through computer software. Software helped design and tool aircraft and automotive parts or helped operate robotic arms during assembly. Machinists were still needed in most CAM facilities to reset machines and reason through problems associated with tool misalignment and machine maintenance. Modern computer-aided manufacturing, however, is much more advanced that early CAM technology.

Industrial robots being used for computer-aided manufacturing.
Industrial robots being used for computer-aided manufacturing.

Numeric control (NC) machines, one of the oldest and most common types of computer-aided manufacturing, applies specific formulas to processing raw materials. For example, if a circle must be cut from a sheet of metal, an NC machine can determine, using mathematical calculations and numeric input, exactly where and how to cut to get a perfect circle. Additionally, using the same algorithms, the computer can determine the exact placement of cuts to produce the largest number of circles per sheet, as well as exactly how to position the metal for optimal cutting.

Software guides computer-aided design and manufacturing.
Software guides computer-aided design and manufacturing.

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 pieces to produce per minute, placement of robotic arms, and timing between task stations. Programmers and other computer experts thus replace human workers, who now run the computer system rather than performing the manufacturing tasks.

3D printers can be used to create models or products directly from digital designs.
3D printers can be used to create models or products directly from digital designs.

Flexible manufacturing systems, CAM/CAD integrated systems, and setups that integrate with various data exchange systems provide unlimited possibilities for computer-aided manufacturing. As technology continues to evolve and broaden, flexible systems can easily produce several similar products with the same equipment, assisted by CAM software. Specific changes needed for various products can be performed within the CAM software, allowing the entire production process to become automated.

Computer-aided manufacturing can form sheet metal into complex shapes.
Computer-aided manufacturing can form sheet metal into complex shapes.

Nearly every aspect of the manufacturing process, with the exception of skilled computer programmers and operators, could be controlled by CAM technologies. Rather than simply controlling the manufacturing or fabrication process, computer-aided manufacturing software can monitor supplies, track performance, order replacement parts for machines, and even notify maintenance personnel of needed upkeep or repairs. Customization of various systems and available technologies makes the different types of CAM software virtually unlimited.

Discussion Comments

Logicfest

We can all expect to see more computer aided manufacturing in the years to come. Why? The push these days is for increased efficiency -- getting more work done in spite of having fewer laborers around. Computer aided manufacturing helps with that by reducing the number of man hours it takes to do anything.

That's not the best news for workers, of course, but it's clear that's the way things are heading.

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    • Industrial robots being used for computer-aided manufacturing.
      By: computer engineer
      Industrial robots being used for computer-aided manufacturing.
    • Software guides computer-aided design and manufacturing.
      By: xy
      Software guides computer-aided design and manufacturing.
    • 3D printers can be used to create models or products directly from digital designs.
      By: Dario Sabljak
      3D printers can be used to create models or products directly from digital designs.
    • Computer-aided manufacturing can form sheet metal into complex shapes.
      By: Kybele
      Computer-aided manufacturing can form sheet metal into complex shapes.