Chapter 34 Automation in Manufacturing
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listed in Figure 34-5. The complexity of the systems increases as they move
upward on the chart. The simplest are mechanical, numerical, and computer
machine controls. These range from simple tracer lathes to complex, computer-
controlled machining centers. The most complex is artificial intelligence in which
computers are programmed to process data and make decisions. This is a radi-
cal departure from the normal computer tasks of data processing.
All of the various components presented in Figure 34-5 are used to make up
a package called computer-integrated manufacture (CIM). CIM is defined by
the National Research Council as all activities from the recognition of a need for
a product; through the conception, design, and development of the product;
and on through production, marketing, and support of the product in use.
All of these activities use written, numeric, or graphic data. This data is
integrated into a working system by computers. The result is diverse operations
integrated into a single, dynamic system.
CIM is an ultimate goal of many manufacturing enterprises. It is only begin-
ning to be implemented into manufacturing companies today. The two main
components of CIM are computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided
manufacturing (CAM). See Figure 34-6.
CAD is a computer-based system used for creating,
modifying, and communicating a plan or product design.
Activities performed by CAD, as shown in Figure 34-7,
include:
✲ Engineering design. This is the preparation and
documentation of various product design ideas
and solutions.
✲ Design analysis. This is the evaluation of product
designs using computer-simulated tests, such as for
stress, heat transfer, and deflection.
✲ Design presentation. This is the preparation of
engineering drawings that are used to communicate
approved designs to manufacturing personnel.
Some references say CAD stands for computer-aided
drafting. Some say that CAD is strictly a drafting tool. They
refer to a system that also has design and analyzing capa-
bilities as computer-aided drafting and design (CADD).
* Artificial Intelligence (AI)
* Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
* Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS)
* Process Automation
* Just-In Time (JIT)
* Manufacturing Resource Planning II (MRP II)
* Materials Requirement Planning (MRP)
* Basic Machine Controls
Figure 34-5. Computer use in manufacturing extends from relatively simple to highly
complex tasks.
computer-integrated
manufacture (CIM).
An approach in
which all steps in
producing a product,
from recognition of
need for it through
manufacture and
marketing, are
integrated into a
single, dynamic
computer-controlled
system.
computer-aided
design (CAD). A
computer-based
system used to
create, modify, and
communicate a plan
or product design.
Engineering Design
Design Analysis
Design Presentation
(Engineering Drawings)
Computer Process Control
Computer Numerical Control
Robotic Control
Adaptive Control
Manufacturing Support
Production Scheduling
Inventory Control
Material Requirement Planning
Numerical Control Tapes
CAD
CAM
Figure 34-6. CAD and CAM are important
parts of computer-integrated manufacture.