Embedded Files
What is CAD/CAM?
What is CAD/CAM?
Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) typically refer to software tools for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) drafting and manufacturing of components engineering systems. The software can be used to create blueprints and components for buildings, bridges, and computer chips, among other things. Professional engineers use CAD tools to visualize their ideas and create their professional design diagrams and CAM tools to either cut or (3D) print their parts.
CAM Capabilities
CAM Capabilities
The MAE Design Studio houses 2 LaserCAMMs and several Makerbot Replicator 3D printers for manufacturing parts created by CAD software. The LaserCAMM is typically used for laser cutting of 2D parts and used in manufacturing the Pendulum Clock. The 3D printers are used for special purposes parts in the Clock Pendulum and/or the controllable Kinetic Sculptures in our Cluster.
Why do we use CAD/CAM?
Why do we use CAD/CAM?
In our COSMOS Cluster on Engineering Design & Control of Kinetic Sculptures our students are exposed to AutoDesk AutoCAD, Inventor and/or Fusion 360 to create professional drawings of their pendulum clock and create any customized parts for their Kinetic Sculptures. 3D design drawing can be exported as:
2D files that are imported into the LaserCAMM software for precise cutting of acrylic or foam core parts
3D files that are imported into 3D printing CAM software for added manufacturing of parts.
AutoCAD, Inventor and Fusion 360 are available in our UCSD computer labs during the 4 week residential COSMOS cluster program. Some of the CAD programs can also be downloaded and installed for evaluation purposes.
More Details on CAD
More Details on CAD
CAD is also used throughout industry to design components in different engineering disciplines and architecture. It used as a tool for designers to communicate their ideas and provide details to those who will build the components of a final product. Autodesk AutoCAD, Inventor or Fusion 360 is also used in our MAE3 Introduction to Engineering Course and a good tutorial can be found on the MAE3 website. A few general guidelines are given below.
File Types
File Types
dwg : Drawing file created by the AutoCAD software
dxf : Drawing format typically needed to exchange CAD to CAM software
dmc : File typically created by the LaserCAMM software to cut different layers on the LaserCAMM
bak : Backup file automatically created when a new DWG file is saved.
General Tips
General Tips
If there is any button that you do not know its purpose, hover your mouse over the button to see a description
If there is any command that you are new to, just follow the instructions on the dynamic input or in the command line at the bottom of the screen
If the lines or curves look blocky, not smooth go to View - Regen
CAD Templates
CAD Templates
DXF file for different version of the pipe and basket holder to catch balls. See also the DXF files used in the motion robot.
DXF files for different pitch (6,8,10,12 and 32) gears.
DXF file with different templates for mounting Lego NXT components to the Kinetic Sculptures.
DXF file with a collection of templates for integrating NXT parts or RC servo motors with the Kinetic Sculptures.
More DETAILS on CAM
More DETAILS on CAM
LaserCAMM
LaserCAMM
The Lasercamm software reads .dxf files exported by AutoCAD/Inventor or Fusion and creates a .dmc file that the Lasercamm will read. Make sure that your dxf file has no regions and unreadable shapes such as "clouds". Also make sure your drawing is in the first quadrant and fits in the boundaries of the piece of material you wish to cut (view extents before saving).
The general procedure of converting the dxf file to dmc file(s) is as follows:
Open the Lasercamm software from the start menu (or desktop) under the Lasercamm folder
Click the load button
Find your DXF file (with the different layers) you want to convert to DMC files and hit open
Double click on the layer you want to cut or score
Input the type of cut (cut or score) and the thickness of the material you are cutting from, but do not mess with the power or anything else and hit ok when you are done.
Repeat the same process for all the layers in the DXF you want to cut or score
Once you created DMC files for all the layers, click the combine button to combine the layers. Now we will specify the order in which we will cut and score.
Select the first DMC file (layer) you want the Lasercamm to cut first (typically the "inside" layer with the holes or inside parts) and hit enter
Select the second DMC file (layer) you want the Lasercamm to cut first (typically the "scoring" layer) and hit enter
Repeat the process for the remaining layers in the order you want them to be cut
Hit the OK button, and give a name for the combined DMC file. Good to use your first name as a file name (without spaces).
Hit View and select your combined DMC file to make sure that the file looks correct. Especially inspect the time in takes to complete and the size of your part to be cut. Make sure time is reasonable and size is within specifications (typically 6 by 12 inches for the clock pendulum).
Hit distance, and click on two opposing points, if you want to size up your cut to estimate the size of acrylic you need.
After all is correct, you can send the DMC file to the LasterCAMM for cutting.
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