MANUFACTURING A BASIC DVD / CD STORAGE UNIT
BATCH PRODUCTION - MANY MADE
V. Ryan © 2007-2017
When hundreds and even thousands of the same product (eg. a DVD / CD storage unit) are required they are made on machines such as CNC machines. These are computer controlled machines. |
||
The CNC machine seen below is controlled by the
computer. The design has been drawn on CAD software. The drawing is
converted by the software to coordinates and transferred to the CNC. The
CNC machine then cuts out the shape automatically. |
||
The router is guided around the shape by the computer.
The shape is cut efficiently. |
||
2D COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE | ||
There are two types of computer aided design software. 2D design software allows the designer to design shapes with very limited three dimensional properties. Do not underestimate the designs that can be achieved through 2D software. |
||
|
1. The design is
drawn using software such as TechSoft 2D Design. At first appearance this
software looks basic but, depending on the skill of the designer, quite
complex designs can be produced. |
|
|
2. When the design
is complete the drawing is processed. This converts the drawing into a
detailed series of X, Y and Z coordinates. Processing must take place
before the CNC machine can cut the design from the selected material. |
|
3. Most CAD/CAM software allows the designer to test the manufacture of his/her design on a computer rather than actually making it. This saves time and materials. Testing designs is carried out using ‘simulation’ software (Boxford use ‘CAD/CAM Design Tools’ software). When the design is run through simulation software the computer displays the manufacturing on the screen. It also checks whether the design can be manufactured successfully. Many designs have to be altered before they can be made by a CNC machine. |
||
After all the testing and improvements to the design, it can finally be manufactured on a CNC machine. | ||
CLICK HERE FOR RESISTANT MATERIALS INDEX PAGE | ||
|