cam used for robotics

What is Computer Assisted (Aided) Manufacturing?


Since the dawn of the industrialrevolution many changes have taken place. One of the more recent changes which has radically changed manufacturing is CAD/CAM (computer aided manufacturing) where computers and robots are used to help produce products.

Through the use of CAM a factory can become highly automated. Robots and much CAM equipment is expensive but once the outlay has been made many tasks can be automated which were formerly carried out by people. The CAm computer/ controller will control the production process through varying degrees of automation. Once the outlay has been made a high degree of precision can be achieved that is not possible with a human workers.

The CAM system will set the toolpath and execute this precisely based on the design which has been entered into the computer. Some CAM systems bring in additional automation by also keeping track of materials and automating the ordering process, as well as tasks such as tool replacement.

CAD

Computer Aided Manufacturing is commonly linked to Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems because the initial designs which need to be entered into the computer will feed off this information. The resulting integrated system will then take the design and turn it into a series of precise processes such as drilling or turning on a lathe and so into a precisely made product.

Advantages of CAM

A big advantage of Computer Aided Manufacturing is that it can be used to facilitate mass customization: the process of creating small batches of products that are custom designed to suit each particular client. Without CAM, and the CAD process that precedes it, customization would be a time-consuming, manual and costly process. However, CAD software allows for easy customization and rapid design changes: the automatic controls of the CAM system make it possible to adjust the machinery automatically for each different order.

Ethical Issues: Job Losses

The fear of robots replacing workers is a growing concern. It has been a gradual process which is almost unnoticeable but the reality is that it is happening more and more. At this stage robots are limited in what they are able to do and still require human intervention. Robotic arms and machines are commonly used in factories, but do require human workers. The nature of those workers' jobs change however. Many jobs are being deskilled and jobs that were skilled trades are disappearing in some industries. For instance welding is a skilled trade but in the car manufacturing industry robots have been doing this task for many years