Computer Aided Machine Design

Abstract

A manufacturing system consists of a number of machines such as machine tools, robots, measurement tools, material handling equipment, and fixtures. The processes in a manufacturing system are performed by machines in one form or another. In this chapter, the fundamentals of machine design are reviewed, the theory of kinematic and dynamic modelling is introduced, and the focus is on the analysis on machine motions. Computer aided machine design is used to automate kinematic and dynamic modelling in a virtual environment. SolidWorks Motion Analysis is discussed as an example of CAD tools for kinematic and dynamic simulation of machines.