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Status Study of CAD/CAM/CNC Integration in South Texas Technical Colleges

Abstract The CAD/CAM/CNC system is an advanced technology widely used to manufacture an array of products. The CAD system is both the hardware and software components that extract 2D or 3D CAD information. This information is then used to generate the desired Computer Numerical Control (CNC) program for milling, drilling, lathe, and other manufacturing processes.5 Recently, the CAD/CAM/CNC system has extended its applications in medical technology. The benefits have been exploited in dentistry to fabricate crown and bridge substructures. Furthermore, medical capabilities are used to generate 3D models of organs for medical observations.3

Significant measures have been taken by South Texas technical colleges to implement CAD/CAM/CNC technology within their programs. However, a regional study has not been conducted to determine the nature and potential to implement CAD/CAM/CNC programs in South Texas.

Introduction

The CAD/CAM process consist various design-based components to include modeling and prototyping, CAM processing, and generating G-code programs. A G-code program enhances different CNC computer driven machine tools such as CNC mill and CNC lathe.2 Actual operations using CNC machine tools finalize the CAD/CAM/CNC process. Complimentary, these processes require a major knowledge-based component to complete this system. Therefore, efficiency of part production solely depends on the machinist’s mastery of all processes. Using the CAD/CAM/CNC system as an effective tool cannot be achieved unless a machinist has acquired an in depth understanding through an advanced technical degree in CAD/CAM/CNC systems.

Leading technical colleges reference CAD/CAM/CNC programs as advanced manufacturing programs. An Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) in advanced manufacturing program is earned upon successfully completing both required general education and core technology coursework. Student success depends on their ability to demonstrate mastery through all coursework required in degree plan. Table 1 delineates earned credit hours for each course in this degree plan (Northwestern Michigan College, 2009 degree plan). The degree plan consists of 64 total credit hours to include 18 credit hours of drafting and design, 6 credit hours of manual

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Heidari, F. (2010, June), Status Study Of Cad/Cam/Cnc Integration In South Texas Technical Colleges Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--15906