On the Effective Teaching of CAD/CAM at the Undergraduate Level

Due to the growing need for the graduates having solid foundation in computer aided manufacturing, undergraduate programs for manufacturing/mechanical/industrial engineering across the globe offers introductory courses in CAD/CAM. In this paper, a method is presented for integrating various resources available in an engineering college and in the Internet for teaching the fundamentals of CAD/CAM (parametric curve based geometric modeling, machining parameter selection, and cutter location determination). The presented method helps students attain the educational objectives set by the ABET. It is also argued that the presented method is more effective than a teaching method wherein a commercial CAD/CAM package is used.