Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) involves the use of computer systems to assist in the
planning, control, and management of manufacturing activities. This is
accomplished by the direct or indirect connection between computer and
manufacturing operations. In the case of direct connection, the computer is
used to monitor or control factory processes. Computer process monitoring
involves the communication of factory data collection, data analysis, and
process management results in plant management. These measures increase plant
management efficiency. Computer Process Control, the plant requires the use of
computer systems to perform control operations in order to operate
automatically. Indirect connections between computer systems and processes
involve applications that allow computers to support production operations
without supervising or controlling them. These applications include planning
and management tasks that can be performed by computers (or people working with
computers) more efficiently than people alone. Examples of these functions are
the step-by-step processes for the product, part programming in number control,
and determining the manufacturing activity in the factory.
Computer-aided
manufacturing (CAM) is the use of software to control machine tools and
workpiece manufacturing-related ones. This is not the only definition of CAM,
but it is the most common definition. CAM may also refer to the use of
computers to assist in all activities of a manufacturing plant, including
planning, operation, transportation, and storage. Its primary purpose is to
create a faster production process and components and to equip with more
precise dimensions and material continuity, which in some cases uses only the
required amount of raw materials, as well as reducing fuel costs. CAM is now a
system used for school and lower educational purposes.
Objectives of computer-aided manufacturing
In
CAM systems people use computers to complete product structure descriptions,
engineering information disclosure, engineering information transmission and
transformation, and data management. Thus, the main objectives of computer-aided manufacturing systems are as follows:
1.
Modeling of products and processes: How computers use recognized data and
describe products. Such as description of product size and structure,
description of product processing characteristics, how to describe counterfeit
and boundary conditions required for limited material analysis, etc.
2.
Graphics and Image Processing: In a CAM system, the graphic image is still the
main expression of product size and structure. Therefore, how to publish
graphics on a computer and how to convert, edit, combine, and lighten graphics
in wet processing is the primary task of CAM.
3.
Data storage and management: The design and production process generates a large
amount of data such as design analysis data, process data, production data,
management data, and the like. Data types include graphic images, alphabets,
words, videos, etc.; Structural and structural data; Dynamic and stable data.
How to store and manage this huge amount of electronic data in a CM system is a
necessary task of CAM.
4.
Mechanisms of engineering analysis and volume optimization calculation, the
center of gravity, moment of inertia, etc. Speed calculation, mobility
calculation, number calculation, optimization design, etc.
5.
Engineering information transmission and exchange: The information exchange
involves the data exchange between CAM systems and other systems and the
exchange of data across different functional modules of the same CAM system.
6.
Simulation: To test the effectiveness of the product, the product often needs
to be tested and tested differently. Special equipment and production samples are required. It is destructive, time-consuming, and expensive. By placing a digital
model of the product or system, this problem can be solved using computer
simulation technology. Such as machining trajectory simulation, mechanism
motion simulation, and collision and interference inspection of workpieces, tools,
and instrumentation tools.
7.
Human-Computer Interaction Selection of data inputs, routes, schemes, etc.
requires a dialogue between humans and computers. Human-machine conversation
interaction methods include software interfaces and devices.
8.
Information input and output:
Information input and output Man-machine interactive input and output
and automatic input and output.
Different types of CAM software
Different
types of CAM software are used in the industry. Such as below-
1. Fusion 360 CAM software
Fusion
360 is popular software commonly used for CNC with modeling and CAM-processing
capabilities. Specifically, it contains CAM settings with a full range of mill
and laser features and functions. It supports 3MF, STL, DXF, and many other
common 3D file types. Additionally, Fusion integrates with CAD software and can
be used alongside other Autodesk products. It includes versions for Windows and
macOS. For these reasons and more, it is by far the most widely used of all the
featured on this list.
In
2020, the Fusion 360 restricted certain features to individual users, but you
will be able to access the full range of features if you qualify for a start-up
or an educational license. Some changes include restricting access to a maximum of
10 documents at once and restricting the type of file to export. Also, rapids
for large CNC machines and 5-axis milling are no longer available. However, if
you are working with less than five axes, it is still a powerful CAM tool
available for free.
If
you have access to the full version of the Fusion 360, you can add HSM Works to
further enhance its CAM capabilities. This add-in has functions for 2D roughing
and pocketing, drilling, facing, contouring, and much more.
2. DXF2Gcode CAM software
DXF2Gcode
is designed for CAM only, based on 2D drawings, limited to DXF, PDF, and PS
files. It has got the tools to move and pull the knives and it is very complete
and organized. It is also suitable across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
You
can change the match parameters for each level, so DXF2Gcode allows a lot of
personalization related to the cutting process in a single model. It can only
be used as a standalone and has no drawing interface, which may be somewhat
limited. The best CAD software to pair with this might be LibreCAD, an
open-source, 2D CAD modeling software.
3. Solid Edge CAM software
Solid
Edge is an affordable, efficient installation, maintenance, and use of software
tools that advance all aspects of the product development process - mechanical
and electrical design, simulation, manufacturing, technical documentation, data
management, and cloud-based collaboration. Developed on Siemen's
industry-leading technology, Solid Edge provides the most innovative and comprehensive approach to product development for the mainstream market.
Solid
Edge has one of the best user-interface in the design industry. Solid Edge can
be used in both 2D and 3D drawing as well as in simulation segments. One of the
best things I like about Solid edge is its Ordered design method, which is
history-based. Solid Edge is also good at converting 3D drawings to draft
files. It also has a digital library of the engineered part. One thing I like
compared to others is that you can directly create threads on any surface
without first creating a hole and then a thread. Solid edge also has good
commands in sheet metal segments under the tab of surfacing. You can also
switch between Ordered and Synchronous transitions.
4. GibbsCAM software
A
scalable CAM system that gives you the tools to program parts faster and cut
machine time with innovative toolpath strategies and proven error-free post
processors. Easy Tool selection, Operation sequencing, Process sequencing,
Hidden features, extract edges, special single way to do something, Easy to use
especially for 5 or more axis machines, very specific with regards to making
boundaries. I recommend this to others because it is easy to use and really
friendly to the user, helpful for eliminating risky machining programming and
set up it avoid test pieces and it increases production capabilities.
5. HSM and HSMWorks CAM software
Innovator
HSM and HSM Works CAM software simplify machine workflow through CAD-embedded
2.5-axis to 5-axis factory, turning, and mill-turn capabilities. Only available
as part of product design and manufacturing collection. Autodesk has a high
standard that they never digress this way. The program is super user-friendly
as usual and you can find many guides online. Multiple toolpaths can be
controlled through one operation. I like it the most because it makes my job
easier. The interface is usually the Autodesk product page. Menus are
user-friendly. Secure key generation and security measures such as physical
smart cards and most HSMs are connected to international standards and comply
with general standards. Additional understanding to operate the device requires
efficient resources of HSM technology which are very few in number. The
progress looks very smooth and beautiful. The user interface is one of the
best.
You
can deliver what you need most. This means you can learn faster. If you need
more, you can go deeper. Autodesk still reflects the quality of its products.
They have quite the same interface in every program they create. Because it is
user-friendly and so easy to use. Smooth and high-quality animation. You have
probably found the answer you are looking for. The program is built for each
person at each knowledge level. If you are new, it will not be too difficult
for you to find a solution and learn this program. If you are already familiar
with CAM programs you already know what to do and this program makes you more
comfortable. I really like their UI. It makes everything easier. I believe HSM
has created an easily usable software and it is not difficult to navigate while
using the working software.
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