MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES
You need to know how Graphic Products are manufactured in industry. This section has information and games on all the processes you will need to know.
(Further MANUFACTURING links at bottom of page!)
CAD, CAM, CIM
· There is usually a question every year based on this area!
CAD
· COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN. This is the process of INPUTTING your designs into the computer, for example as a 2D Drawing or a 3D model. Examples: 2D Design, Pro Desktop
CAM
· COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURE. This is when you convert your CAD drawing into co-ordinates for a machine to follow and OUTPUT. The machine then manufactures your product following your CAD drawing exactly.
Advantages of using CAD/CAM
Quicker than traditional drawing & manufacturing techniques
Gives a much higher degree of accuracy (tolerance) on manufactured products
Easier to make changes, eg update the design, change the dimensions as you just alter the CAD drawing which controls the CAM machinary
Reduced staff costs as less workers needed to operate machinary
Better standard of Quality Assurance as the manufacturing process is identical every time
Disadvantages of using CAD/CAM
Very high cost initially to buy the machinary
Need to employ highly skilled staff to operate CAD & CAM
If the machinary breaks down, the entire production line grinds to a holt, loosing the company money
Disadvantages to local community surrounding the factory as there will be less low skilled jobs on offer
CIM
· COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURE: This is where computers and robots control every single aspect of manufacture. It is used when MASS MANUFACTURING items.
· Computers control ALL aspects of manufacturing, from ordering supplies, operating the machinery such as printing presses, packaging products, applying labels, moving of packaged items and deliveries.
FLOWCHART OF MANUFACTURE USING CAD/CAM.
You are often asked in an exam to draw a flow chart for manufacturing an item, eg a NET, using CAD/CAM. Learn the flow chart, including the flow arrows and feedback loops!
NOW PLAY THE GAME BELOW AND SEE IF YOU'VE REALLY LEARNT IT!
FURTHER MANUFACTURING REVISION LINKS
Click on the links below to go to further MANUFACTURING revision
CAM in Detail; Laser Cutter
CAM in Detail; Vinyl Cutter & Profile Cutter
CAM in Detail; CNC Router
Vacuum Forming
Injection & Blow Moulding
Finishing Techniques and Special Printing Effects
Scales of Manufacture
Quality Assurance & Quality Control
