virtualization of design and production a thesis - Bilkent University

3. EMERGING DESIGN AND PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AND
3.1. Contribution of Technology
METHODS
Remarkable innovations taking over the conventional means of design and
production seem to change the whole course of manufacturing and marketing
strategies of products. Among these technologies, apparently, the most
outstanding transformation has been executed by the introduction and spread of
CAD-CAM (computer aided design-computer aided manufacturing) technology
which has changed the timing and spatial conditions of design and production.
The imperfect drawings have been replaced by precisely calculated vector lines
which can be machined directly by the intelligent 5 axis CNC (computer numeric
control) machines without much complementary craftsmanship. This computer
based technology simply implies the replacement of various standard designer
tools with a simple software and advanced machines which provide both the
ability of a virtual formation and the actual execution of pieces. The historical
background for CAD-CAM technologies still remains ambiguous but it is
appropriate to define its foundations back to the introduction of computers. As
soon as the computers are integrated into the production processes, CAD-CAM
developments became a serious concern for manufacturers since the more
advanced they are, the more time and expenditure on manufacturing of products
is decreased. Without referring to any detailed historical background, it is
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