Computer Aided Manufacturing - Cours 1

Définition

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

The use of software to control machines and related ones in the manufacturing of workpieces. May also refer to the use of a computer to assist in all operations of a manufacturing plant, including planning, management, transportation and storage

Machining

Any of various processes in which a piece of raw material is cut into a desired final shape and size by a controlled material-removal process.

Milling

The machining process of using rotary cutters to remove material from a workpiece by advancing (or feeding) the cutter into the workpiece at a certain direction

Turning

A machining process in which a cutting tool, typically a non-rotary tool bit, describes a helix toolpath by moving more or less linearly while the workpiece rotates.

Laser cutting

A technology that uses a laser to cut materials, and is typically used for industrial manufacturing application

The focused laser beam is directed at the material, which then either melts, burns, vaporizes away, or is blown away by a jet of gas, leaving an edge with a high-quality surface finish.

Cannot cut light-reflecting materials (mirrors)

Problems with this method: cannot cut pieces that are too thick, pay attention to the melting point, requires high electrical power to cut metal (5 to 6 kW).

Définition

Plasma cutting

A process that cuts through electrically conductive materials by means of an accelerated jet of hot plasma. Typical materials cut with a plasma torch include steel, Stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper, although other conductive metals may be cut as well.

Can cut thicker materials than laser. However, it must be conductive.

Définition

Bending machine

A forming machine tool. Its purpose is to assemble a bend on aworkpiece. A bends is manufactured by using a bending tool during a linear or rotating move.

Water jet cutter

Also known as a water jet or waterjet, is an industrial tool capable of cutting a wide variety of materials using a very high-pressure jet of water, or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance.

A water filtration system must be implemented before the water is reused. The water is in a closed circuit.

Définition

Electrical discharge machining (EDM)

Also known as spark machining, spark eroding, burning, die sinking, wire burning or wire erosion, is a manufacturing process whereby a desired shape is obtained by using electrical discharges (sparks)

You need to know the size of the spark so that you don't end up with a part of the wrong dimensions. Only applicable to conductive materials

Définition

Wire EDM machining

Is an electro thermal production process in which a thin single-strand metal wire in conjunction with de-ionized water (used to conduct electricity) allows the wire to cut through metal by the use of heat from electrical sparks.

Due to the inherent properties of the process, wire EDM can easily machine complex parts and precision components out of hard conductive materials.