THE APPLICATION OF CAD/CAM/CNC TECHNOLOGY FOR AUTOMATIC CERAMIC PRODUCT PROTOTYPING USED BY SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED CERAMIC MANUFACTURERS IN THAILAND

Abstract

The application of CAD/CAM/CNC technology for ceramic product prototyping can increase the ceramic products' added value and increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized ceramic manufacturers in Thailand. This is the process of applying/using the Computer Aided Design (CAD) to help design the elements of the original products and simulate the molding conditions of the prototype products, also known as Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and then convert the results of milling cutting path (Tool Path) to NC-Code and G-Code in order to be able to use it to control CNC milling machines (CNC Machine) for creating the prototypes of ceramic products.

          However, in the application of CAD/CAM/CNC technology for automatic prototyping of ceramic products for small and medium-sized ceramic manufacturers in Thailand, it was found that necessities of readiness that each manufacturer should take into account are as follows: (1) Process of computer design, (2) Process of products molding simulation, and (3) Process of products prototyping by using CNC Machine. Therefore, the manufacturers need to get prepared for 2 main factors, which are: 1) specific manpower (1–2 workers) and 2) investment cost of providing or purchasing mini–CNC Machines for human labor’s compensation. Also, the application of CAD/CAM/CNC technology in the manufacturing process will enable the entrepreneur to increase their competitiveness.