CAD/CAM, laser cutting & 3D printing
Design & Manufacture · Higher · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about cAD/CAM, laser cutting & 3D printing, specifically to understand:
- the benefits and drawbacks of CAM
- the uses, benefits and drawbacks of laser cutters
- the uses, benefits and drawbacks of 3D printers
Success criteria WILF
- I can describe the benefits and drawbacks of CAM
- I can describe the uses, benefits and drawbacks of laser cutters
- I can describe the uses, benefits and drawbacks of 3D printers
CAD and CAM
A product is modelled on computer (CAD) then manufactured by computer-controlled machines (CAM) such as CNC routers and lathes, laser cutters and 3D printers.
| CAM benefits | CAM drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Accurate, intricate work much faster than by hand Repeatable: every part identical CAD files can be reused any time Reduces labour costs Can run 24/7 in a production line | High start-up cost of machines and software Staff training costs Machine maintenance costs Job losses for skilled workers A breakdown stops production |
Laser cutter
Uses: cutting and engraving thin sheet acrylic, plywood, MDF, card; models, jewellery, signage, lighting, flat-pack parts.
Benefits: very accurate fine cuts, can cut internal shapes, little waste, fast, etches and engraves, no tool wear. Drawbacks: expensive, limited to 2D sheet and certain materials/thicknesses, scorch marks, fumes need extraction.
3D printer
An additive process: parts are built layer by layer from a CAD file (usually ABS or PLA).
Uses: modelling and prototyping, customised products, low-volume production, prosthetics, F1 and aerospace parts.
Benefits: no tooling or lead time, complex forms and moving parts in one print, minimal waste, low set-up cost, easy changes. Drawbacks: slow, limited materials, visible layer lines, size limits, poor value for large or high-volume parts.
Watch
Key terms
| CAM | Computer-aided manufacture: machines controlled from CAD data. |
|---|---|
| CAM benefit | Accurate, repeatable, fast; runs 24/7; reduces labour. |
| CAM drawback | High cost of machines, software, training and maintenance. |
| Laser cutter drawback | Limited to flat sheet; scorch marks; fumes; expensive. |
| 3D printing benefit | Complex forms with no tooling; easy to change; low waste. |
| 3D printing drawback | Slow and limited materials; not economic for high volumes. |
Quick check
1. Which is a drawback of CAM?
- Poor repeatability between parts
- Lower accuracy than hand tools
- It cannot run without an operator
- High initial investment and training
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2. Which product suits laser cutting?
- Acrylic earrings with intricate cut-outs
- A hollow plastic kayak for the river
- A blow-moulded plastic drinks bottle
- A die-cast metal toy car body
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3. Why is 3D printing suited to prototypes?
- It is the fastest process for thousands of parts
- No moulds are needed so changes are low cost and quick
- It only uses metal
- It gives a perfect smooth finish
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4. A laser-cut plywood edge can be identified by…
- Ejector pin marks
- Flashing
- Brown scorch marks
- Rough sand texture
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Exam-style questions
1. Describe two benefits and one drawback of using CAM rather than manual methods. (3 marks)
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- Benefits: accuracy and repeatability; speed; can run continuously; less labour (2)
- Drawback: high set-up cost; training; maintenance; job losses; production stops if it breaks (1)
2. Explain the benefits of 3D printing compared with traditional modelling and manufacturing methods. (3 marks)
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- No tooling, so low set-up cost for small runs (1)
- Complex forms and moving parts in one piece (1)
- Easy to modify the CAD and reprint (1)
- Minimal waste (1)
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.