Computer Aided Manufacturing
From the manufacturing activities Like Mass production,Batch production and Job shop production where does CAM find applicability?Practically in all the ranges of production.
However,its use is more important in second and third category by virtue of the added amount of data processing needed in these.In particular,the present trend of large varieties and lower product lives requires that the total manufacturing Lead times be smaller.The only way to ensure this is to improve manufacturing methods and CAM proves indispensable in this regard.
Avantages of Using CAM
1) Greater design freedom : Any changes that are required in design can be incorporated at any design stage without worrying about any delays,since there would be any in an integrated CAM environment.
2) Increased productivity :In view of the fact that the total manufacturing activity is completely organized through the computer,it would be possible to increase the productivity of the plant.
3) Greater Operating flexibility: CAM enhances the flexibility in manufacturing methods and changing of product lines.
4) Shorter lead time: Lead times in manufacturing would be greatly reduced.
5) Improved reliability:In view of the better manufacturing methods and controls at the manufacturing stage,the products thus manufactured as well as of the manufacturing system would be highly reliable.
6) Reduced maintenance :Since most of the components of a CAM system would include integrated diagnostics and monitoring facilities,they would require less maintenance compared to the conventional manufacturing methods.
7) Reduced Scrap and rework: Because of the CNC machines used in production,and the part programs being made by the stored geometry from the design stage,the scrap level would be reduced to the minimum possible and almost no rework would be necessary.
8) Better Management control : As discussed above,since all the information and controlling functions are attempted with the help of the computer,a better management control on the manufacturing activity is possible.
