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Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)
Computer-aided engineering (CAE) consists of using information technology for supporting engineers in tasks such as analysis, simulation, design, manufacture, planning, diagnosis and repair. CAE includes the simulation, validation and optimization of products and manufacturing tools. CAE includes the following areas:
- Stress analysis on components and assemblies using FEA (Finite Element Analysis).
- Mechanical event simulation (MES).
- Analysis tools for process simulation for operations such as casting, molding, and die press forming.
- Optimization of the product or process.
There are three phases in a computer-aided engineering task:
Phase 1:
Pre-processing: Defining the model and environmental factors to be applied.
Phase 2:
Analysis solver: Perform analysis of affect of factors on model. .Usually involves finite element analysis.
Phase 3:
Post-processing of results: Examine results of analysis using visualization tools.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Computer-aided design (CAD) consists of using information technology to design, develop, and optimize products. CAD is extensively used in the design of tools and machinery used in the manufacture of components. CAD is primarily used for detailed engineering of three-dimensional models and/or two-dimensional drawings of physical components. CAD is also used throughout the engineering process from conceptual design and layout of products, through strength and dynamic analysis of assemblies to definition of manufacturing methods of components. The use of CAD has been shown to results in lower product development costs and a shortened design cycle. The capabilities of CAD systems include:
- 3D parametric feature based modeling (Solid modeling).
- Automated design of assemblies (collections of parts and/or other assemblies).
- Create engineering drawings from the solid models.
- Reuse of design components.
- Ease of modification of design of model and the production of multiple versions.
- Automatic generation of standard components of the design.
- Validation/verification of designs against specifications and design rules.
- Simulation of designs without building a physical prototype.
- Output directly to a Rapid Prototyping or Rapid Manufacture Machine for industrial prototypes.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) consists of software tools that assist in manufacturing or prototyping product components by using CAD data to produce the physical components. CAM is primarily used to generate CNC (computer numerical control) code to drive numerical controlled machine tools that produce parts. CAM functions have recently expanded to interface more effortlessly with CAE and CAD systems to provide product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions in order to manage the entire lifecycle of a product. CAM was first used in 1971 for a car body design and tooling.
Disclaimer
DPT may not provide some of the services and/or techniques presented in the Knowledge Center. For a full list of services we do offer, please visit our rapid prototyping page.
