CAM Full Form

CAM full form is Computer-Aided Manufacturing. With the help of CAM, thousands of identical models can be produced automatically, thereby reducing the time needed for production. CAM is built and constructed through intricate devices which function effectively.

What is the Full Form of CAM?

CAM full form is Computer-Aided Manufacturing. With the help of CAM, one can enhance and increase both the manufacturing and efficiency of the product by increasing the speed of production. CAM also maintains a consistency of raw materials so that better goods are produced with more accuracy and efficiency. CAM was invented due to the advent of modern machinery and software applications. In the period of industrial revolution, implementation of CAM was the crucial factor. Almost in many ways, it changed and developed the manufacturing sector. In place of Conventional Fixed Automated Systems, CAM brought about the fresh period in terms of technological advancements.

How does CAM Function?

In Computer-aided Manufacturing, information and designs are generally transformed into precise instructions that may control an automated tool using the software system. For example, in case of paneling, other elements can be cut to match an architect's design using a laser technology or other cutting equipment which is guided by a 2D computer drawing.

According to the Siemens thesis, the programming language made from design or other data sets and is used to drive precision machining is known as the G Code worldwide. The instruction is given by G-Code to motors such as where to travel, how quickly to proceed, as well as which path to take and how to build anything. A well-known technological expert, Siemens, is of the opinion that, ‘Computer-aided Manufacturing, known as CAM is a term used to describe the process of producing detailed directions through G-code for CNC machinery. The machinery manufactures parts using Numerical Control (written as NC) computer application software. The abilities and effectiveness of CAM are relied and trusted upon by the producers across numerous industries to create high-quality finished products.

How is Manufacturing Done through CAM?

Using CAM systems, numerous processes can be managed and completed. CNC machines are used to carry out these tasks through Computer Numerical Control (CNC Full Form). To manufacture a given product, these machines use the ‘G’ and ‘M’ codes that are provided to them. The process of manufacturing through CAM are given below:

• Milling

The product milling can be automated with milling CAM in various applications where an extract of manufacturing is required. The machinists may in particular eliminate extra material from the product using CAM.

• Turning

To remove a superfluous material, Turning process is carried out which involves rotating a workpiece against a machine tool to remove any surplus material. While creating the ideal sequence of processes for producing the final product, the CNC lathe equipment is particularly considered as an effective machine. Moreover, these tools can also perform additional functions like thread cutting, grooving, cutting, facing, etc.

• Electric, Laser and Waterjet Cutting

The various kinds of cutting tools and methods can be automated by CNC to produce workpieces with much perfection. The CNC also predicts when and where required so that they can additionally emboss workpieces. Laser cutting is applied on Metals and other semiconductor polymers.

• Equipment Discharging Electricity

By passing an electric spark across the parts, several parts are produced by the process of electrostatic discharge. Moreover, these sparks heat up to an exorbitant high temperature, which enables them to effortlessly cut across any given substance.

• The CNC Router

According to the machining processes, CNC routers also remove extra work material. By the medium of a CNC router, a wide range of woodworking procedures can be carried out on a number of materials, including wood, alloys, steel, glass and plastic.

• 3D modeling

The direct monitoring and supervising of procedures which are used in highly advanced manufacturing processes such as 3D printing is also possible using CAM method. By adding multiple layers of composite materials till the required shape is obtained, CAM can build almost any form through 3D Modeling.

Computer-Assisted Manufacturing's Benefits

The working process of CAM has a lot of benefits for the users such as timely completion of the products in an effective manner. Apart from this, the implication of CAM’s has several other benefits, some of which include:

• Quick and Correct Method

The process of production can be considerably improved and accelerated by a quick and accurate computer-aided manufacturing process to maintain accuracy. As a consequence, CAM is considered a very trustworthy and constant method. With unparalleled accuracy and consistency, CAM machines may be programmed to produce the same output on continuous loop. Also, producing a solitary prototype is a precise and cost-effective method as well.

• Reduction of Wastage

In general, the amount of waste that is often produced during hand machining is decreased to a larger extent with the use of CAM. Also, a more significant number of items can be produced from the same quantity of raw materials as the chances of error is low. Over the period of time, the higher efficiency is obtained. Now, the producer has the option of increasing his profit, or potentially setting the competitive prices, or can end up doing both.

• Cheaper Labour Expenses

With the process of automating the majority of the process of production, CAM can reduce labor expenses to a larger extent. Although skilled and efficient personnel will still be required to run, maintain and repair CAM machines, but considerably, there will be a far smaller number of workforce than there would be without CAM. Moreover, the adaptable nature of CAM machines seems to be another factor in reducing labor costs. Such machines can work among many other  manufacturing processes therefore, changing between production processes doesn't require a specific group of staff.

What are the Drawbacks of CAM?

Alongwith few potential benefits of CAM there lies the major drawbacks which should be taken into consideration. Few drawbacks of CAM are:

• Issue of High Prices

The soaring price of construction and repair work is among the biggest obstacles to CAM systems. Although, the initial costs are considerable because the hardware and the application are costly in terms of price. But CAM requires very sophisticated, complex and more expensive systems than its equivalents that work manually. Considering computing power, maintenance work and CAM repair in case of machine failure, their use becomes a bit expensive.

• Demand for Highly Skilled Jobs

CAM tools are quite versatile in nature to use. For brand-new users, they are challenging to understand the intricacies involved. For setting up computer-aided manufacturing systems, skilled, qualified personnel and well-versed in the relevant CAM technologies are needed.

• Technological Blunder

In the unforeseen circumstances, technological failures can happen. Overall CAM machine failure is a different aspect. If the overall machinery fails, CAM work can be stopped very quickly and completely because manual production may not be an available option. Especially when an assembly line is set up, the technological glitch can be very dangerous as CAM setup contains approximately one workstation and can stop the work at all the other stations till the issue is fixed.

How is CAM Used in Industries?

CAM is used in different manufacturing industries, from Aerospace to chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Also, CAM can be used in the working of medical technology industries. In the medical industry, CAM has been a great use to do 3D printing to create models of health issues and injuries. It can also be used in different fields such as tissue engineering, robotic surgery, clinical medicine etc. In the sphere of the automotive field, CAM is very helpful and valuable in maintaining the automotive strength and creating plays a very important role in creating a structure. CAM can produce and manufacture the structure of cube circles and provide subtle curves with its very powerful and strong manufacturing capabilities.