Computer-Aided Design and Manufacture

Because of extraordinary technological developments during the past decades, the term “computer” is becoming a household word. Computer applications have expanded to such breadth that the computer is now an integral part of virtually every type of business and industrial enterprises.

Engineers and drafters have used computers for years in performing the mathematical operations that go with their jobs. However, an even more innovative computer application has begun to get widespread using computer-aided design and manufacture. Computer-aided design and manufacture, or CAD/CAM as it is now called, involves applying the computer as a tool in making, checking, correcting, and revising original drawings. The computer can be used for converting a rough sketch into a finished working drawing, performing an infinite number of design computations, producing parts lists, including numerical control, process control, robotics and material requirements planning.

Computers are used by engineers, designers, architects, and drafters in all phases of the design process and then in all phases of the manufacturing process.

When computers are classified according to the type of data they are capable of handling, they are classified as being either digital or analog. In CAD/CAM systems the digital computers are only used.

When computers are classified according to the purpose they serve, they are classified as general-purpose or special-purpose computers.

General-purpose computers have the advantage of flexibility, which allows for broader utilization, but they sacrifice speed. Special-purpose computers are very fast, but they sacrifice flexibility.

The most common types of digital computers are the minicomputers and microcomputers.

A microcomputer is a computer that is manufactured on a single printed circuit board which contains one or more integrated circuit chips.

Microprocessor, minute, inexpensive central processing unit (CPU) of a small computer, can also be used independently in a wide range of applications. A microprocessor is built onto a single piece of silicon, called a wafer or chip, that is commonly no longer than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) along one side and no more than 0.05 cm (0.02 in) thick. Despite its small size, a microprocessor may be programmed to perform a great number of information-handling tasks. It can serve as a general-purpose computing machine for instructional or word-processing use, for controlling other machines or industrial processes, for monitoring hospital patients, and for hand-held calculators. The advent of the microprocessor was made possible by the progressive miniaturization of integrated circuits and by advances in semiconductor technology.

Notes

house-hold – семейный, домашний

to such breadth – до такой ширины

drafting – черчение

innovative – новаторский

widespread – широко распространённый

tool – инструмент, станок

drawing – чертеж, рисунок, набросок

a rough sketch – грубый набросок (эскиз)

infinite – бесконечный

sacrifice – жертвовать

minute – мелкий

advent – прибытие, приход

PART IV. Speech Exercises

1. Pair work

1. Imagine you are speaking with your former school mates, try to make them choose exactly your specialty.

2. Interview your friend and ask him why he decided to be an engineer.

3. You are choosing your major. You get a lot of contradictory (противоречивый) advice from the University graduates. Whose advice will you follow? Why?

2. Develop the following situations

1. Both graduate and undergraduate students work in the laboratories of the University to supplement (дополнить) their theoretical knowledge with practical training. What laboratory would you like to work in? What equipment is necessary for a modern laboratory? What can computers do?

2. Mike and Helen are fifth-year students. They do computer design at the University and they are having practical training in the laboratory of computer design. What functions are performed by computers? Is it necessary for an expert in computer design to have much knowledge? Are you optimistic about the use of computers in our life and in industry? What practical application do computers find in factories, research laboratories?

3. You are at a meeting of the Students’ Scientific Society. Discuss possible effects of technological developments over the next two decades. What areas will be the key sectors? Where will intelligent systems that use the latest developments in electronic and information technology be installed?

4. You speak at the conference about computer-integrated manufacturing and the advantages of its introduction at the enterprise.

3. Write down a letter to your English friends about your practical training.

4. A delegation of students and teachers from Oxford is on a visit to your University. You are asked to tell the guests about your Faculty.

5. Here are some viewpoints on “How to better train specialists”. Sometimes they are contradictory. Discuss and criticize them. Give your arguments for and against. You may use the hints given below.

1. Universities, especially technical ones, should admit more young people with practical experience in industry. Evening and correspondence faculties should be expanded.

2. The basic principle of a university should be to provide academic training in close cooperation with research institutes, design bureaus and industry.

3. Students should take part in research work performed at the university as it provides a broad and solid foundation for professional knowledge.