D esigning for
for mark
mark ets
D esigning for
for mark
mark ets
Computers in manufacturing
Objectives
j
turn tell the machine what to do and where to cut
and shape the material.
In this unit you will:
learn how ICT influences designing and
in industry
Object
jmanufacturing
ves
learn how computer-controlled systems
are used in industry and commerce
explore how repetitive quality can be
ensured with CAM
compare one-off and high-volume
products.
Keyy words
computer aided design (CAD)
computer aided manufacture (CAM)
labour
raw materials
information management
Computers have made a massive impact on the speed
and accuracy in which products can be made. It is
now possible to manufacture high-quality outcomes
in a short period of time when previously people
would have taken a number of days to make the same
products with no guarantee that they would all be of
the same standard.
Computer Aided Design (CAD)
CAD is a system that allows designers to create
solutions to problems within a computer program
through the use of illustrations. Designs can be
modelled in 3D and manipulated time and again
from all angles. There are many CAD packages
available; your school may have a version.
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A car has many thousands of components that all
need to behave in specific ways. Cars have become
increasingly complicated, yet each small piece of the
engine or controls is relatively simple to make. This
is because machines assemble and shape the raw
materials or assist people in assembling them.
Imagine how difficult it would be for one or two very
skilled people to make these cars without the
assistance of machines, computers, robots and
diagnostic systems.
It is easy to imagine how a craftsman, equipped with
hand tools, can manipulate hardwood into a wellmade table or use metals to create some fine
jewellery. In these cases, human touch and sensitivity
toward the aesthetics of the pieces is easy to
appreciate. However, computers are needed when
manufacturing to consistently satisfy high demand
and reproducible quality.
Sophisticated computer systems can be integrated
together to monitor every aspect of a manufacturing
process. Designs can be modified time and again
without the need to repeat all the drawings and
computers can hold vast amounts of technical data
with great accuracy. This information can be fed into
a manufacturing cell where several robots or
machines can carry out the precise tasks time and
again precisely and with accuracy.
buying them. This helps designers target new
products.
Think about it!
1
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
This is the control of machines using numbers or
digital information. This can be provided manually
or through a computer. Generally this is used for
milling and drilling procedures. You may have
machine at school with a CNC interface attached.
Copy and complete the first row of table B.
B
Object
made
by
hand
Who
is in
charge
of quality
of finish
and why?
Object
made
by
computer
Who is
responsible
for quality
of finish
and why?
How this
affects the
consumer
Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS)
A flexible manufacturing system involves the use of
pre-programmed machines and computers to carry
out a series of tasks and operations. They can be
programmed so that a different set of operations can
be carried out as the designs change.
Computer Aided Administration (CAA)
Here data can be collected and accessed in a quick
and effective way to assist manufacturing or
information management. For example, your school
may have an electronic registration system, or a
company may use clocking-in identification to
monitor the whereabouts of its employees.
Working in pairs, think of three other examples
of objects made by hand and by computer and
complete the table.
3
Write a report about the costs involved in
making the products in your table. Think about
costs of materials, labour, tools and equipment.
Compare one-off production with high-volume
production.
Plenaryy
Designers have to make things that people need
and will want to buy. Remember this when you are
designing the products you make in your Design
and Technology lessons.
Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV)
This is an unmanned vehicle that follows a
pre-programmed route around a factory floor
or warehouse.
C
2
D
Computer Aided Industrial Design (CAID)
In CAID, computer designs are more commonly
modelled in 3D and rendered to make the designs look
as real as possible. The software is very sophisticated
and more advanced than that found in schools.
Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)
Computer Aided Market Analysis (CAMA)
CAM is a term used to describe any activity where a
machine is programmed with several instructions to
produce a component from a raw material. CAD
packages are commonly used through an interface
software to drive the special machine codes that in
When companies wish to monitor consumer
behaviour, they may use CAMA data to analyze their
sales. For example, the use of bonus and reward
cards in supermarkets provides information about
what products people are buying and when they are
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