ABSTRACT
S. A. Coons proposed a Computer-aided Design (CAD) concept integrating conceptual, detail, and production designs and developed a 'patch' for free surfaces. The first computer program for process planning was developed as automated manufacturing planning (AMP) by the International Business Machines Corporation. Later, Computer Aided Manufacturing-International (CAM-I) constructed one of the best-known systems called computer-automated process planning (CAPP). Computer-aided design (CAD) utilises computers, graphic display, automatic drawing machines, and other peripheral devices for interactive or automatic design and drawing. Functions treated in CAD are: geometric modelling, optimum design and automatic drawing. Geometric modelling or pattern design is a major task of CAD, constructing geometric patterns of parts/products on the display. CAD can reduce design lead time by using group technology (GT) principles. Combining CAD and CAPP, the drawing of parts can be eliminated, resulting in an increase in design efficiency and reduction of lead time to production. The 'CAD/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) system' thus integrates design and production using the computer.
