A Team-Based CAM Project Utilising the Latest CAD/CAM and Web-Based Technologies in the Concurrent Engineering Environment

Abstract

This paper describes the computer-aided manufacture (CAM) part of newly created third-year computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) project in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bristol, which brings together the most current CAD/CAM practices, web-based technologies and shop-floor practices, to provide a stimulating and dynamic learning environment for the students. The project involves the design and manufacture of a crest as a feature for a chip/material-sorting machine in a concurrent learning environment. The main objective is complete product development, from design to manufacture (i.e. the product cycle), using the latest CAD/CAM technologies for the students. Students carry out product development assessment and make suitable adjustments to the design once the problems with engineering curves are identified. They especially practise the design for manufacture (DFM) technique to ensure any part designed on the CAD/CAM system can actually be machined with available machines, tools and fixtures. They also learn how to animate the machining processes of their final product as a part of product visualisation practice. In generative machining (GM), students learn the CAD/CAM approach to computer numerical control (CNC) programming, where a tool-path is generated automatically. GM also teaches the students how quickly and efficiently a design can be customised, updated and manufactured automatically when a feature of the proposed design is modified using CAD/CAM and CNC machine tools principles.