Explain the benefits of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to an organisation
Reduced material wastage
By precise design and pattern making CAD can reduce the amount of raw materials used and the incidence of off-cuts e.g. timber, metal, etc. This obviously also has helpful effects environmentally and is particularly significant where materials are sourced from non-renewable sources.
Simplified processes
In addition to savings on materials, CAD can, by improved design, potentially simplify the processes involved in assembling products from manufactured parts. CAD and CAM are the keys to flexible manufacturing as they enable computerised machines to perform several of functions quickly and easily. This makes the organisation more customer-orientated.
Reduce errors
CAD and CAM can eliminate human error in design and machining, so decreasing costs of waste associated with traditional design and manufacturing processes.
Increased speed and labour cost savings
By automating previously manual operations CAM can decreasing the number of human labour hours included in assembly, manufacture and packing, resulting in speedier operations and lowering labour costs.