CAD/CAM

Computer aided tools are nowadays commonly used in product development. In the practical course “Computer Aided Product Development” students are introduced to computational tools for product development.

The practical course consists of two parts: The CAD part is given by the Institute of Product Development (Prof. Lindemann, Prof. Shea), the CAM part by the Institute for Machine Tools and Industrial Management (Prof. Zäh).
In the first part, the systematic creation and methodical application of 3D-CAD-models is taught using a parametric 3D-CAD-system (CATIA V5). Advised by tutors, the course’s participants will be introduced to different techniques which can be used to design parts in a CAD-system; this will be done using the example of a Stirling engine. Besides the basic methods for the generation of solid models and free form surfaces, the application of components for the design of more complex parts is also taught. Thus, a special focus is put on the systematic and structured creation of models. Furthermore, the creation of manufacturing drawings that are derived from existing solid models and the generation of assemblies as well as their kinematic analysis are covered. Participants are also expected to manage the product data generated during the course in a product data management (PDM) system. The first part of this course is identical in content to the first five lessons of the practical course “Computer Aided Product Development – CAD”, which is also offered by the Institute of Product Development.
The CAM part (4 lessons) focuses on different aspects of computer aided manufacturing. After an introduction to production planning, the students learn to generate the program code for computer controlled milling, turning and drilling processes using the CAD system. Offline programming for industry robots and computer aided quality control are additional subjects. On top of this, presentations of the institute’s machines are given.