Technology enables manufacturers to design products, control production, and perform tasks more efficiently and consistently. This lesson introduces computer-based design and manufacturing, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI)—tools that are changing how products are developed and made.
Computer-aided design (CAD) uses computers to create, examine, and modify product designs. Engineers can view a product from different angles, analyze how it may work, and test virtual prototypes before producing a physical item. This can reveal design problems earlier and reduce the time and expense of development.
All flashcards
What is CAD?
Computer-aided design uses computers to create, examine, test, and modify product designs, including through virtual prototypes.
How does CAM differ from CAD?
CAM uses computers to plan and control production and send instructions to machines. CAD focuses on designing and analyzing products.
What does a CAD/CAM system integrate?
It connects product design and testing with manufacturing control, allowing design information to inform production.
What is predictive maintenance?
It uses equipment data and analysis to anticipate when repair or replacement may be needed, helping reduce unplanned downtime and maintenance costs.
What is a digital twin?
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a process, production line, or supply chain used to examine operations and assess possible changes.
Quiz questions
What is the primary purpose of computer-aided design (CAD)?Answer: To create, examine, and modify product designs using computers.
How does computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) support production?Answer: It plans production steps and sends instructions to manufacturing machines.
Why can virtual prototypes help product developers?Answer: They allow designs to be analyzed before physical prototypes are made.
Which AI application analyzes equipment data to anticipate needed repairs?Answer: Predictive maintenance.
What can managers use a digital twin to do?Answer: Examine operations and explore the likely effects of proposed changes.
Based on Introduction to Business 2e by Lawrence J. Gitman, Carl McDaniel, Amit Shah, Monique Reece, Linda Koffel, Bethann Talsma, James C. Hyatt (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.