Computer-aided design

Press, 29 June 1982, Page 21

Computer-aided design

CAD CAM is becoming a familiar abbreviation as computer systems manufacturers try to tempt customers into this exotic technology. It remains to be seen, however, as to how many New Zealand companies will be able to justify the high cost of buying CAD.'CAM equipment. CAD CAM stands for com-puter-aided design/com-puter-aided manufacturing. CAD is the use of computers to assist in the process of conceptualising designs. CAM is the use of computers to convert design information into the actual product. With a CAD system, engineering drawings are created on a television-like display terminal in a fraction of the

time required to' perform similar tasks manually. Different views and perspectives are obtained with simple commands.. Single sections of a design can be magnified for closer inspection on the CAD terminal. Dimensions and weights are calculated automatically and an engineering analysis can be performed. Parts lists can be generated from the completed drawings. The CAM system then can convert the design descriptions into control information used to run automated manufacturing processes or to design and manufacture moulds and dies. CAD/CAM is being widely used in major industries overseas. These include the automotive. electronics.

aerospace, communications, petro-chemical. and construction industries. A Wellington company. Walker Scientific. Ltd, is now selling the products of the United States CAD/CAM system manufacturer, Computervision Corporation. Walker Scientific aims to market and support the full range of Computervision systems and. also, to offer a bureau service throughout the country. Programmes will be available for mechanical design and drafting, printed circuit board design, electrical schematics. cartography, plant and .piping design, structural analysis, wiring diagrams, integrated circuit design and manufacturing engineering.

The Wellington launching of Walker Scientific's venture was attended by the Minister of Energy. (Mr Birch). "Our overseas competitors have recognised CAD/CAM's potential and are acting upon it. We must do the same,” Mr Birch said. Mr Birch acknowledged that many New Zealanders feared the introduction of new computer-based technology would result in wide : spread unemployment. “I believe those fears will prove groundless," he said. "Systems such as these will mean greater productivity for New Zealand, lower cost, more employment opportunities, and more prosperity for all New Zealanders."