Chapter 34 Automation in Manufacturing
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Key Words
STEM Activities
Summary
Test Your Knowledge
Summary
Manufacturing companies are rapidly auto-
mating their operations in an effort to remain
competitive in the world market. Computers are
being used to make product design and manu-
facturing more efficient.
Two major systems are widely used in indus-
try today. They are CAD and CAM. Unified into
a total system, they are a part of CIM.
Key Words
All of the following words have been used in this
chapter. Do you know their meanings?
automation
computer-aided design (CAD)
computer-aided manufacture (CAM)
computer-integrated manufacture (CIM)
Test Your Knowledge
Please do not write in this text. Place your answers on
a separate sheet.
1. True or False? Automation evolved as a
result of a desire for more efficient ways to
manufacture products.
2. Name three roots of automation.
3. What modern device revolutionized factory
automation?
STEM Activities
1. Prepare a bulletin board, poster, or handout
that shows the major tasks of CAD and
CAM systems.
2. Visit a local manufacturing company to
observe CAD and/or CAM systems in oper-
ation. Write a brief report about what you
observed.
4. True or False? One reason manufacturers
choose to automate is to increase product
quality and consistency.
5. List three components of CIM.
6. Which of the following tasks do CAD
systems help designers and engineers
complete?
a. Engineering design.
b. Design analysis.
c. Design presentation.
d. All of the above.
7. What are the two major functions of a CAM
system?