Theory and practice of CAD/CAM infused agile characteristics in the traditional products

Abstract

Due to the absence of agile characteristics, many traditional products have been struggling to face the onslaught of intensive competition. Agile characteristics would enable a product to be reconfigured quickly in response to the customers' dynamic demands. One of the theoretical propositions is that, computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology possesses the capabilities to infuse agile characteristics in the traditional products. To examine this theoretical proposition, the research work being reported in this paper was carried out. During this research, the pump was chosen as a candidate of traditional product. The impeller and casing of the pump were subsequently modelled using CAD technology and design equations. Subsequently, four impeller and casing models were evolved. To examine the manufacturing aspect of these models, CAM technology was used. This research outcome indicated the feasibility of converting a traditional product into an agile compatible product using CAD/CAM technology.