Computer Aided Design (CAD) is used worldwide to create high-quality drawings and models that meet exact specifications. CAD files can then be linked to Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to automate production. Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) connects all aspects of production by integrating CAD, CAM, and other computer-controlled machines into a single automated system.

1. CAD/CAM/CIM
(Computer Aided Design/Computer
Aided Manufacture/Computer
Integrated Manufacture)

2. Computer Aided Design
• CAD (Computer Aided Design) is used all over the world by
many different types of engineering manufacturers.
• You are probably familiar with some forms of CAD software
which you may have used in school, e.g. 2D design, Corel
Draw, Solid Edge, Prodesktop. Deleted ‘etc.’
• In industry, CAD refers to any computer software that is used
to produce high quality drawings and models which meet
exact specifications.
• CAD software is often then linked to machinery to perform a
task to manufacture part of or a whole product; this is known
as CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture).

3. Computer Aided Manufacture
• CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture), like CAD, is used all over the
world by many different types of engineering manufacturers.
• CAM allows products to be manufactured with very little effort
compared to more hands on techniques where humans are
controlling the machines.
• CAM involves using CNC (Computer Numerical Control), whereby a
machine’s movement is described in exact detail by the computer
program.
• Some examples of products produced using CAM are:
– Mobile phones
– Trainers
– Mountain bikes
– Games consoles
– Many, many more

4. Computer Integrated Manufacture
• CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacture) allows for the
connection between all aspects of the production of a
product.
• CIM can be viewed as an integrated system, e.g.
– A drawing of a component/product is produced using CAD
– The CAD file is then processed using CAM to create a
sequence the machine will understand deleted full stop for
consistency
– The CAM sequence is then downloaded to a CNC
machine/machines which manufacture the
component/product