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Computer Aided Manufacturing

Home / Oferta Formativa / Coimbra Institute of Engineering / Bachelor / Bachelor in Electro-Mechanical Engineering

Base Knowledge

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Teaching Methodologies

In the theoretical classes we use the lecture method during the explanation of theoretical issues. In the laboratorial component, students have training sessions in CNC milling machine and create CNC programs. Some CNC programs are manually created and others are generated by CAM software. At the end the programs are loaded into CNC milling machine and performed to obtain parts.

Learning Results

Understand the main operations to obtain parts by chip removal, starting from an initial form, until their final dimensions and shape; To select tools and cutting parameters for machining operations; To build manually CNC programs for basic milling operations; To use Computer Aided Manufacturing software programs to create CNC programs for advanced machining operations; To perform the major procedures on a CNC milling machine.

Program

1. Machining by Chip Removal

  • Conventional and computer-controlled machine tools. Nomenclature of the axis system.
  • Main chip removal cutting operations: Sawing; Drilling; Threading; Grinding; Boring; Turning; Milling.
  • Cutting tools and cutting parameters. Calculation of cutting speed and feed rate.
  • Machining force and power. Torque and power curves of a machine tool.
  • Chip formation and heat generation during cutting.

2. Measuring Tools

  • Operating principles and use of measuring instruments. Vernier caliper and inside and outside micrometers.
  • Surface roughness tester (profilometer).

3. Additive Manufacturing Processes

  • Operating principles and applications.

4. Numerical Control of Machine Tools (CNC)

  • Relative and absolute coordinates. Cartesian and polar coordinate systems.
  • Addressing for variable and parameter definition. CNC codes: Preparatory functions (G-codes), auxiliary functions (M-codes).
  • Reference points: Machine zero and workpiece zero concepts. Tool change procedure.
  • Tool length and radius compensation concepts.
  • Linear interpolation at rapid and programmed feed rates. Circular interpolation at programmed feed rate. Circular interpolation block format using parameter R and using i, j, k vectors.
  • Main program and subprograms.
  • Drilling and threading cycles.
  • Mirror function and workpiece zero shift.
  • Execution of main operations on the Machining Center with Fanuc Series O-M Controller, and execution of CNC programs using metallic and polymeric materials.

5. CAD/CAM Technologies

  • CAD/CAM systems and methodology for creating a machining program.
  • Post-processing.
  • Toolpath and permissible tolerance.

6. Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software

  • Mastercam program architecture.
  • Creating and modifying entities.
  • File conversion from CAD programs to Mastercam.
  • Creation of 2D machining operations: Contours, facing, and pocketing.
  • Drilling and threading cycles.
  • Simulation of programmed toolpaths and post-processing.
  • Transfer of CNC programs to the machining center and execution of CNC code.

Curricular Unit Teachers

Pedro Miguel Soares Ferreira

Grading Methods

1 - For evaluation purposes, the course unit comprises the following components:

  • Component I: Chapters 1, 2 and 3 (theoretical content)
  • Component II: Chapter 4 (CNC laboratory component)
  • Component III: Chapters 5 and 6 (CAM laboratory component)

2 - The course unit comprises a component assessed by written examination (Components I and II) and a laboratory-based software assessment conducted on school computers (Component III).

3 - The assessment mentioned in the previous point can be carried out in stages throughout the semester, consisting of two exams: one mid-semester and the remaining during the regular or resit exam period (Case I). Alternatively, a single final exam can be taken during the exam period (Case II).

Case I

a) Approximately mid-semester, an exam will be administered covering the laboratory course content taught up to that point. This exam encompasses the syllabus content specified in Chapter 4 (Component II), with the date and time defined by the LEEM coordinator. Admission to this exam is not contingent upon practical class attendance

b) During the regular or resit exam periods, the examination will always consist of the component regarding the syllabus content taught in theoretical lectures, specified in Chapters 1, 2 and 3 (Component I), and the laboratory content specified in Chapters 5 and 6 (Component III).

c) The final grade will be the arithmetic mean of the three components. To pass the course unit, students must achieve a final grade of 10 out of 20 or higher. There is no minimum grade requirement for any of the three assessment components.

Case II

a) The examination consists of a written exam component (Components I and II) and a laboratory-based software assessment component (Component III).

b) The final grade will be the arithmetic mean of the three components. To pass the course unit, students must achieve a final grade of 10 out of 20 or higher. There is no minimum grade requirement for any of the three assessment components.

Regardless of Case I or II, and whenever justified, the lecturer reserves the right to conduct a complementary oral examination for any student enrolled in the Course Unit. This exam will be triggered as necessary, specifically to clarify doubts regarding the submitted assessment items, verify knowledge, or confirm authorship. The student's final grade will be determined taking into account the outcome of this oral exam. Failure to attend or refusal to take this exam will result in the invalidation of the respective assessment item.

During special exam periods (or any others that may apply), all components must be completed, regardless of whether students previously opted for the assessment method defined in Case I or Case II.


    Internship(s)

    NAO

    Bibliography

    Recommended Bibliography:

    • Amaro, P., & Simões, F. (2009). Controlador Fanuc Series O-M: Manual do utilizador. ISEC.
    • Davim, J. P. (2008). Princípios da maquinagem (2.ª ed.). Publindústria, Edições Técnicas.
    • Mastercam. (n.d.). Help e tutoriais do software Mastercam [Software].
    • Relvas, C. (2002). Controlo numérico computorizado: Conceitos fundamentais (2.ª ed.). Publindústria, Edições Técnicas.
    • Walker, J. R. (1998). Machining fundamentals: From basic to advanced techniques. The Goodheart-Willcox Company.

    Complementary Bibliography:

    • Completo, A., et al. (2009). Tecnologias de fabrico. Publindústria.
    • Groover, M. P., & Zimmers, E. W. (1984). CAD/CAM: Computer aided design and manufacturing. Prentice Hall.
    • Machado, Á. R., et al. (2009). Teoria da usinagem dos materiais. Editora Blucher.
    • Rocha, J. (2016a). Programação CAD/CAM em MASTERCAM. FCA – Editora de Informática.
    • Rocha, J. (2016b). Programação de CNC para torno e fresadora. FCA – Editora de Informática