Computer
Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is one of the software automation processes
that directly convert the product drawing or the object into the code
design that enables the machine to manufacture the product. It is used
in various machines like lathes and milling machines for the product
manufacturing purposes. It allows the computer work instructions to
communicate directly to the manufacturing machines.
The
mechanism of CAM developed from the Computer Numerical Machines (CNC)
in the early 1950’s. These systems were directed by a set of coded
instructions in a punched paper tape. The proposal to develop the first
numerically controlled machine was commissioned to the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) from the US Air Force in the year 1949.
The entire proposed idea of developing this machine was demonstrated in
the year 1952.
The motivation factor in developing these kinds
of numerically automated machines involves the expensive costs in
manufacturing the complex curved geometries in 2D or 3D constraints
mechanically. The development of these machines considers the factors
like easier programming in CAM and easy storage of programs. A program
can be changed easily and avoid manual errors. Numerically controlled
machines are safer to operate, and the complex geometry comes at a
reasonable price.
James T. Parsons proposed the concept of the
numerical control operations during the year of 1948. In 1950, the MIT
servo mechanism lab developed the Numerical Control (NC) milling
project. The remaining program parts were released in the later period
of 1952 along with the first successful demo version. After 1955, major
companies in the industry developed their own machine designs.
IBM’s Automatic Tool Changer in the year 1955, G & L’s first
production of the skin-miller in the year 1957, and the machining
center developed by K & T have all been considered to be major
developments to promote the technology with more benefits. CAD drafting
and the sculptured surfaces were developed in the year 1965; 7,700 NC’s
were also installed during the same year.
During the year 1967,
the concept of developing the CNC machine was proposed. The existence
and the major development of the CAD/CAM machines evolved during the
year 1972. 3D CAM/CAD systems were introduced in 1976. Expert CAM/CAD
systems were developed in the year 1989. The major development of the
CAM systems provides you with easier manufacturing of objects with high
efficiency.
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