CAD/CAM Revolution for Small and Medium Foundries

With CAD/CAM technology moving from myth to mainstream applications, most foundries are caught between change and survival. This is especially true in the case of small and medium foundries. This paper attempts to answer the question: “Is CAD/CAM necessary and economically justifiable for small and medium foundries?” by focussing on four aspects: key developments, benefits, bottlenecks and strategies. Key developments in computer-aided product design, casting design, simulation, rapid tooling, intelligent advisory systems and Internet-based collaboration are reviewed, supported by relevant vendor information. Immediate tangible benefits (shorter lead-time, higher productivity and lower rejections), and long-term intangible benefits (better image, higher confidence and stronger partnerships) are illustrated with suitable examples. Various factors hindering small and medium foundries in fully adapting CAD/CAM technologies are examined. These include external factors (price, manpower availability and technical support) as well as internal factors (perceived need, culture clash and integration). Finally, an explore-adopt-adapt-integrate strategy is outlined to spread the risk/investments and allowing more time to assimilate and fully utilize the technology.