History of CAD/CAM

Computer-aided design is denoted as CAD and Computer-Aided Manufacturing is denoted as CAM and those two are related to two different classes of application programs which support the design, build and analysis of simple or complex product assemblies, and plants. 20 years ago, these two programs were introduced to the market. At that time, those programs were expensive and difficult to learn. As an example, the McDonald-Douglas CAD program which was used to design aircraft by Boeing was more expensive at half a million dollars a highly powerful workstation computer was needed and lots of time had to be spent to learn it. However, with recent advanced technologies and superpowers, fast personal computers, high-quality friendly GUI interfaces, and sufficiently developed calculation algorithms, CAD/CAM can be used in-house manner for engineering and manufacturing applications. Therefore, engineers can design without support from the drafter.

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is based on computer numerical Control (CNC) with computer software tools which are pre-programmed to aid in moving factory tools and machinery. G-code can be identified as the most widely used CNC programming language. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is used to generate electronic files to print, for manufacturing purposes and machining operations. The productivity of the designers, and engineers and the quality of the designs can be enhanced using CAD software. CAD software is a valuable technical platform for both engineers and designers who are working in a range of industries such as automotive, aircraft, agriculture, etc. although, CAD and CAM are two specific areas, both software tend to be used together as CAD/CAM.

CAD originated in three separate sources which are to automate the drafting process, the testing of designs by simulation, and to facilitate the flow from the design process to the manufacturing process using numerical control (NC) technologies. The biggest advantage was that time-saving in computer modelling over conventional drafting methods and, models can be changed or updated by changing the parameters of the model. Computer modelling software was used in high-tech industries such as aerospace, military and semiconductors in the early times. After that, computer numerical control technologies were widely used in many applications in of 1960s and this was the initial source for linkage between CAD and CAM. CAD/CAM integration between design and manufacturing stages which CAD/CAM-based production process.

Usage of CAD/CAM rapidly increased after the early 1970s for making silicon chips and microprocessors on a large scale to design affordable computers. Therefore, the price of the computers continuously declined and performance has improved. Also, large-scale firms frequently used CAD/CAM for large-scale mass production techniques. Some manufacturing processes were controlled using several computers but were not strictly called CAM due to geometric parameters that have not been taken as control data.

The history of CAD

Computer-aided design software is used by engineers, and designers in various industries to design various products such as bridges, roads, aircraft, cloths, mobile phones, ships, TVs, etc. CAD software history began with “The Elements” which Euclidian geometry was written by mathematician Euclid Alexandria, in 350 B.C.

The initial term “computer-aided design” was introduced by Douglas T. Ross in the early 1950s when he was working as a researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop military radar technology and computer display systems. Before exploring CAD, Automatically Programmed Tools (APT) which is used to create Automated Engineering Design (AED) has been developed by Ross. After that, a discussion was started with MIT to expand technologies with earlier experiences.

The initial user of the CAD was Patrick Hanratty at the General Motors Research Laboratories. The Design Automated by Computer (DAC) was developed as the first CAD system with interactive graphics. The first commercial CAD/CAM code was developed by integrating numerical control programming software named PRONTO in 1957. Therefore, Patrick Hanratty was called as the father of CAD/CAM. The first true CAD software was the Sketchpad which was developed by Ivan Sutherland in the early 1960s as a result of his Ph.D. thesis at MIT.

The history of CAM

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology has been referred to with numerical control (NC) software which is used to create G-code. G-codes are used to operate the computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools to manufacture parts and products. Computer-generated design or CAD drawing is used to take information to create instructions to control the movements of an automated tool. Computer-aided manufacturing software enhances the production and manufacturing process.

Computer-aided manufacturing processes began to develop in the 1950s and also were used in the 1970s. Using CAM software, designs can be directly imported into CAM to produce them while providing only raw materials and instructions such as feed rate, speed and dimension. NC machines were used for CAM technology in the early 1950s and highly developed CNC machines are available recently.

The first NC machine was developed by John T Parsons in 1949. The idea to develop a punch card machine was initiated while trying to find ways to build helicopter rotors to speed up the manufacturing process. However, the developed one was not properly working and tried to develop further under US Air Force funds. Further, the first NC prototype was developed with the aid of the Servomechanism Laboratory at MIT.

CAD/CAM History in the apparel industry

The first label-sewn creation machine for garments was designed by Charles Frederick in 1858, the 19^th century with the modern fashion industry beginning. Initially, labels were drawn using pencil and paper. When changing society and culture, demand for labels and label variations increased and the process was challenged. The reason behind this was that styles and customer tastes were frequently changed in the market. Therefore, alternative solutions were tried to aid in enhancing the design and manufacturing process.

CAD was applied when doing designs using computers by incorporating it into the apparel industry. Currently, CAD programs are frequently used and essential for fashion designers and garment factories. The function of CAD in the apparel industry is pattern making, making markers, grading patterns virtual test fitting etc. CAD tools also enhance productivity and reduce design time.

Advantages

Designs can be changed without erasing and redrawing

Due to the “zoom” feature of CAD, the model can be magnified and inspected as necessary by to designer

Due to the three-dimensional modelling feature, the model can be rotated on any axis

Machine capabilities can be improved

Material wastage can be reduced using CAD/CAM

Client Accessibility is improved

Save time

Easy to share and less design effect

High-quality and reliable finish products can be manufactured using CAM, due to fewer human errors

Disadvantages

Due to computer-related tasks, data may be lost due to sudden failure of the devices

Initial establishment cost is high

Due to the use less workers, traditional skills will be lost due to increasing unemployment

Maintenance and update cost is high