computer systems

• What is Computer-Aided Design (CAD)?

  Use of computer software to create designs
• In which fields does CAD assist in creating detailed plans?

  Engineering, architecture, and product design
• What are some of the primary capabilities of CAD software?

  • Draw accurate designs
  • Create 3D models
  • Test how a design will perform before making it
  • Share designs with others easily
• What are the advantages of using CAD?

  • Accuracy: Designs are precise, so fewer mistakes are made.
  • Speed: You can create designs much faster than by hand.
  • 3D Models: You can see your design in 3D, making it easier to understand.
  • Easy Changes: You can easily update or modify designs without starting over.
  • Lower Costs: Virtual testing cuts down on the need for expensive prototypes.
  • Collaboration: You can share your designs with others easily, even from far away.
  • Documentation: CAD automatically generates helpful reports and details for your designs.
• How does CAD contribute to fewer design mistakes?

  Designs are precise, thereby reducing errors
• How does CAD lead to lower costs in the design process?

  Virtual testing reduces need for prototypes
• What benefit does CAD offer regarding design modifications?

  Designs can be easily updated
• What kind of documentation does CAD provide?

  Helpful reports and details for designs
• What are some of the disadvantages of using CAD?

  • Expensive: CAD software can be costly, and there are fees for training too.
  • Hard to Learn: It can take time to learn how to use CAD software properly.
  • Tech Dependence: If the system crashes or breaks, you can lose progress.
  • Takes Time to Set Up: Setting everything up and getting used to CAD can take a while.
  • Needs Powerful Computers: CAD needs good computers, which can be costly.
  • Less Focus on Hand Skills: People may lose the ability to draw or design manually.
  • Too Complicated for Simple Jobs: For easy tasks, CAD might feel like overkill.
• What is a potential drawback related to the cost of CAD?

  Software and training can be costly
• Why can CAD software be considered 'complicated'?

  It takes time to learn properly
• What is a risk associated with reliance on CAD systems?

  System crashes can cause lost progress
• What type of computer is needed to use CAD effectively?

  Powerful computers
• What skill may diminish with CAD use?

  Manual drawing or design skills
• When might using CAD be considered 'overkill'?

  For simple design tasks
• What is Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)?

  The use of computer software to automate machinery
• How does CAM utilize digital designs created through CAD?

  To directly control machines producing the final product
• In the CAM process, what is the first step after a digital design is created?

  Design Transfer
• What happens during the "Design Transfer" stage of CAM?

  A digital design is transferred to CAM software
• What software is a digital design usually created in before being used in CAM?

  CAD software
• What is the second step in how CAM works?

  Toolpath Generation
• What is the purpose of "Toolpath Generation" in CAM?

  To create specific instructions for machines
• What kind of machines do CAM instructions control?

  Lathes, mills, or 3D printers
• What is the final step in the CAM process?

  Machine Control
• What aspects of the machines do CAM software control during "Machine Control"?

  Movements, speed, and tool choices
• What is one of the advantages of using CAM systems in manufacturing?

  Precision
• How does CAM improve precision in manufacturing?

  By producing highly accurate parts
• How does CAM affect the speed of production?

  The process is quicker
• What is a key characteristic of items produced by CAM in terms of their similarity?

  Each item produced is identical
• How does CAM contribute to automation in manufacturing?

  With minimal human intervention
• What impact does CAM have on labor costs and productivity?

  Reduces labour costs and increases productivity
• What type of designs can CAM handle that might be difficult to produce manually?

  Complex designs and intricate details
• How does CAM help in reducing material waste?

  Optimised to cut parts efficiently
• What is a potential disadvantage of using CAM?

  High Initial Cost
• What contributes to the high initial cost of CAM systems?

  Machinery and software
• What skill is required for operators to use CAM effectively?

  Technical skill
• What are the potential financial implications of maintaining CAM machines?

  Costly to repair if they break down
• For what type of manufacturing jobs are CAM systems less suitable?

  Custom, small-scale jobs
• What happens if there is a malfunction in a CAM system or software?

  Production can halt entirely
• What does Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) use to control manufacturing processes?

  Computers