CAD-CAM and Jigs & Fixtures Design for Production Engineering

Streamlining manufacturing processes requires a solid grasp of how parts are designed, held in place, and machined. This text-based course introduces the core principles of CAD-CAM technology alongside the essential mechanics of jigs and fixtures. By studying these concepts, you will transition from understanding basic engineering drawings to conceptualizing complete manufacturing setups. You will learn how to select proper locating points, design reliable clamping mechanisms, and write basic CAM toolpaths that optimize production efficiency and maintain tight tolerances. What you'll learn: - Understand foundational CAD-CAM terminology, coordinate systems, and 3D modeling workflows. - Design functional jigs and fixtures using standard locating and clamping principles. - Apply modern rapid prototyping techniques, such as 3D printing custom fixtures, to accelerate production. - Analyze CNC machining requirements to generate efficient CAM toolpaths. - Practice identifying manufacturing constraints to minimize error and reduce setup times. The course begins with core engineering definitions and structural design concepts before moving into practical fixture design methodologies and CNC programming fundamentals. Through clear written explanations and step-by-step design scenarios, you will build a strong foundation in production engineering. This program is designed for beginner mechanical and production engineering students, hobbyists, or aspiring machinists with no prior CAD-CAM experience. Start reading today to master the building blocks of modern manufacturing design.