How Computer Aided Manufacturing is Changing the World
To help develop this article, click 'Edit this article' above.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) machinery are found in all industries all over the globe. Many factory floors are now entirely void from human interaction, populated only by 'robots'. The introduction of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery has enabled industry to not just cut back on manpower but also to produce a higher quality of precision parts that are entirely free from human error and cheaper.
CNC machining and milling does however require the precision of a trained CAD operator; this is where human intervention is still necessary. Behind every CNC lathe, drill, or machine there is a computer that is using CAD software to transmit the messages to the machine to tell it what to do. Behind that computer there is the software professional who programmed it, behind that the person who designed the software, and behind that the person who designed the computer in the first place.
Although a robot can carry out virtually any task required of it in the field of CNC engineering, highly trained professionals are required to monitor these robots and ensure they do what they are programmed to.
On a factory floor you will see many CNC lathes, drills, and machines at work, and no one anywhere to be seen. Some setups are left to run overnight by themselves; this is made possible by the fact that on detection of an error by the computer, the CAD software will shut down the machine in question until an engineer can attend.
Computer aided design is used in a huge range of applications in the modern world; from mass producing car parts to boring out metal tubes, CNC milling can quickly carry out tasks that it used to take people many hours to do. CAD software allows for further precision, and CAD design has virtually put an end to hand drawings; with precise vector lines being used by CAD software. The human brains are still present behind the design, but the human error is not.
CNC is changing the world that we live in, from something as simple as making a tin can perfectly round, to engineering aerospace parts. With every advance in technology, precision engineered parts can be made to higher specifications, with more complex designs, and without human error.
--Kristian 11:50, 25 May 2015 (BST)CAM Machine; Bringing you the best in CNC in Bristol
Featured articles and news
What collaborative working achieves and how it can be put in place.
BSRIA publishes the 2019 edition of its small but concise annual databook.
Using QSAND to measure the performance of disaster response.
What U-values are, why they matter and how they are calculated.
Planning for a more bio-resourceful future
The need to ensure that we plan for all aspects of our bio-economy
BSRIA calls on government to reach deeper into the causes of pollution.
George Demetri brings a whole new level of technical knowledge to Designing Buildings Wiki.
Quality professionals need to take an active role in driving the completion process forwards.
The innovations needed to move from rhetoric to realisation.
Gresham's School Britten Building
Creating a sense of place, with radically-low running costs and the highest comfort levels.
A conversation between David Mitchell and Caitlin DeSilvey.
A quick guide to brick sizes.
The Union Street development in Southwark was a passion, as well as a business endeavour.