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computer-aided manufacturing

Also known as: CAM

Learn about this topic in these articles:

automation

  • Jacquard loom
    In automation: Computer-integrated manufacturing

    Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) involves the use of computer systems to assist in the planning, control, and management of production operations. This is accomplished by either direct or indirect connections between the computer and production operations. In the case of the direct connection, the computer is…

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work organization

  • In history of the organization of work: Automation

    …fields: computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), often linked as codisciplines under the title CAD/CAM. In a sense, CAD/CAM allows the mass production system to manufacture customized “handmade” articles. The machinery can be adapted to a particular product through computer programming, enabling work on small batches to achieve many…

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computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), data-driven automation that affects all systems or subsystems within a manufacturing environment: design and development, production (see CAD/CAM), marketing and sales, and field support and service. Basic manufacturing functions, as well as materials-handling and inventory control, can also be simulated by computers before the system is built in an attempt to eliminate wastage. See also artificial intelligence; expert systems; robotics.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Erik Gregersen.