COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING

COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING

Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) in engineering is a method of manufacturing in which the entire production process is controlled by computer. Typically, it relies on closed-loop control processes, based on real-time input from sensors. It is also known as flexible design and manufacturing.
The term CIM both a method of manufacturing, and the name of a computer-automated system in which individual engineering, production, marketing, and support functions of a manufacturing enterprise are organized. In this system functional areas such as design, analysis, planning, purchasing, cost accounting, inventory control, and distribution are linked through the computer with factory floor functions such as materials handling and management, providing direct control and monitoring of all process operations.

As method of manufacturing, three components distinguish CIM from other manufacturing methodologies:
Means for data storage, retrieval, manipulation and presentation;
Mechanisms for sensing state and modifying processes;
Algorithms for uniting the data processing component with the sensor/modification component.
CIM is basically use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)in manufacturing.

History

The idea of "Digital Manufacturing "is a vision for the 1980s. In the 1980s, Computer Integrated Manufacturing was developed and promoted by machine tool manufacturers and the CASA/SME (Computer and Automated Systems Association /Society for Manufacturing Engineers).
"CIM is the integration of total manufacturing enterprise by using integrated systems and data communication coupled with new managerial philosophies that improve organizational and personnel efficiency."

CIM Topics:

Key Challenge:
There are three major challenges to development of a smoothly operating CIM system:
Integration of components from different suppliers: When different machines, such as CNC, conveyors and robots, are using different communications protocols. In the case of AGVs, even differing lengths of time for charging the batteries may cause problems.

Data integrity: The higher the degree of automation, the more critical is the integrity of the data used to control the machines. While the CIM system saves on labor of operating the machines, it requires extra human labor in ensuring that there are proper safeguards for the data signals that are used to control the machines.

Process control: Computers may be used to assist the human operators of the manufacturing facility, but there must always be a competent engineer on hand to handle circumstances which could not be foreseen by the designers of the control software.

Subsystems used in CIM:
A CIM system is not the same as a "lights out" factory, which would run completely independent of human intervention, although it is a big step in that direction. Part of the system involves flexible manufacturing, where the factory can be quickly modified to produce different products, or where the volume of products can be changed quickly with the aid of computers. Some or all of the following subsystems may be found in a CIM operation:

CAD/CAM (Computer-aided design/Computer-aided manufacturing)

CAPP, (Computer-aided process planning)

ERP (Enterprise resource planning)

CNC (computer numerical control) machine tools

DNC, direct numerical control machine tools

FMS, flexible machining systems

ASRS, automated storage and retrieval systems

AGV, automated guided vehicles

Robotics

Automated conveyance systems

Computerized scheduling and production control

CAQ (Computer-aided quality assurance)

A business system integrated by a common database.

Lean Manufacturing

Application

There are multiple areas of usage:

1. In mechanical engineering

2. In electronic design automation (printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit design data for manufacturing)

3. In Textile Engineering.

4.Many other sectors.