ME 446 CAD/CAM-Theory and Applications


Prerequisites: ME 196: Introduction to Engineering
ME 197: Introduction to Programming Concepts
ME 262: Mechanical Design I

Textbooks: 1. Chris McMahon and Jimmie Browne, "CAD/CAM - Principles, Practice and Manufacturing Management", Addison Wesley, 1998

2. PTC (Parametric Technology Corp.) training manual on Pro/ENGINEER modeling

3. H. El-Mounayri, D. Walsh and R. Earlson, "Introduction to Manufacturing using Pro/ENGINEER"

Description: Introduction to computer-aided design (CAD) and Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) theory and applications. Topics include CAD/CAM systems and integration, Geometric modeling, Process planning and Tool path generation, CAD/CAM interfacing with CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machines, machining and CNC programming. Projects involve CAD/CAM - based product development cycle. Hands-on experience is attained through laboratory experiment and actual CNC manufacturing.

Goals: 1. To introduce the basic theory and tools in computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing with a focus on the integration of these tools and the automation of the product development cycle.

2. To prepare the student to be an effective and intelligent user of the state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology.

3. To give the student experience in Computerized Product realization using CAD/CAM as the platform, through the implementation of CAD/CAM-based product development.

4. To give the student hand-on experience in Advanced manufacturing (basically Automated CNC machining through the use of an integrated CAD/CAM solution).

Outcomes:
Topics: Theory of CAD and CAM (7 weeks)
    1. The design process and the role of CAD
    2. Defining a model
    3. Techniques for geometric modeling
    4. Elements of interactive computer graphics
    5. Entity manipulation and data storage
    6. Applying the CAD model in design
    7. The design/manufacture interface
    8. The link to machine control
    9. Best practces in selecting and implementing CAD/CAM technology
CAD/CAM software package (Pro/ENGINEER) (5 weeks)
    1. Introduction
    2. Design (Modeling)
    3. Assembly
    4. Drawings
    5. Manufacturing
    6. NC code generation
CAD/cAM based automated applications (or manufacturing processes) (2 weeks)
    1. CNC machining (basically milling and drilling on a 3-axis CNC machine center)
    2. Rapid prototyping