An approach towards fully integration of CAD and CAM technologies

Purpose: An integrated CAD/CAM system for milling operations has been developed which helps designers to solve machining problems at the design stage. Design/methodology/approach: A methodology has been employed which provides all necessary information for machining products automatically. Use of these system results in reduced machining leadtimes and cost through designing machinable components; using available cutting tools; improving machining efficiency. The system is menu driven with a user friendly interface. Findings: Different components for developing such a system have been identified and various problems that arose in the development of this system have been dealt with The system developed leads to an adequate basis for fully integration of CAD and CAM technologies in one system. It allows simultaneous generation of all information required to satisfy machining requirements of the design such as its machinability and availability of the required tooling resources. Research limitations/implications: Different components required for developing such systems have been identified and various problems that arose in the development of these systems have been dealt with, leading to an adequate basis for complete integration of CAD and CAM technologies. Although much of the work described here goes beyond the scope of published literature, however, it should be noted that the system developed couldn’t be considered as a complete solution to the CAD/CAM integration problem. Further work requires including other manufacturing activities that are considered in concurrent engineering concept. In this direction, further integration of the system developed with systems such as MRP, MRP II and assembly sequence planning packages are highly desirable. Originality/value: CAD/CAM integration is regarded as a solution for bridging the gap between design and manufacturing, one of the ultimate goals for concurrent engineering. Since the advent of CAD and CAM numerous attempts have been made to integrate these technologies; however, a full CAD/CAM integration is not yet achieved. In addition, most of the systems developed focus only on turning, leaving room for further investigation on other machining operations including milling. This paper goes one step closer towards achieving a full CAD/CAM integration for milling operations.