CAD/CAM Laboratory
Objectives: CAD is technology concerned with using computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, and optimization of a design. Any computer program that embodies computer graphics and an application program facilitating engineering functions in design process can be classified as CAD software.
Context: The most basic role of CAD is to define the geometry of design – a mechanical part, a product assembly, an architectural structure, an electronic circuit, a building layout, etc. The greatest benefits of CAD systems are that they can save considerable time and reduce errors caused by otherwise having to redefine the geometry of the design from scratch every time it is needed. CAM technology involves computer systems that plan, manage, and control the manufacturing operations through computer interface with the plant’s production resources. One of the most important areas of CAM is numerical control (NC). This is the technique of using programmed instructions to control a machine tool, which cuts, mills, grinds, punches or turns raw stock into a finished part. Another significant CAM function is in the programming of robots. Process planning is also a target of computer automation.
Equipment list: Pro-E, CATIA are high-end modeling and designing software systems that are costlier but more powerful. These software systems also have computer aided manufacturing and engineering analysis capabilities. ANSYS Fluent and CFD are packages mainly used for analysis of structures and fluids. Different software are used for different proposes. For example, Fluent is used for fluids and ANSYS is used for structures.