CAD and CAM Books

This is what real robots are all about -- machines that labor away, doing work without our help, not souped up remote control cars with saw blades and flipper arms (amusing as they might be).

You've seen them on T.V. -- giant arms that weld cars together, pistons and arms that stack and organize a bundle of newspapers, the vibrating tumbler where all the exiting parts are facing the same way, and a conveyor belt arrayed with perfect tablets (because the broken ones have been rejected out).

Learn:

...Systematic planning of robotic automation

...Different driving mechanism (motors, hydraulics, ...)

...Kinematics of machines (actuators, cams, vibrations)

...Transportation systems (conveyors, rotating table, vibration beds)

...Feeding and orientation (arrange all parts the same way, pull parts from bins and magazines, reject off-spec pieces)

...Mechanisms (automatic assembly, inspection, grippers, guides, even walking robots)

This book clearly explains the mechanics behind these robots, from general theories of operation (suitable for beginners) to the intimate formulas that optimize the mechanisms (great reference for practicing machine makers).

This is not a hobbyist "how-to" cook book, so don't expect plans or instructions on how to build such machines. To put the information to good use, you need to have good machining (metal work) skills. Still, it's a great book even if you're just curious about the topic.

Includes tons of drawings of robotics components. It contains illustrated passages about nearly every mechanical component out there. The drawings are clear and simple. Each has a well-written description. An interesting book for anyone mechanically inclined. For engineers it has tables and equations to lay out some of the mechanisms. It also It is an excellent idea jogger and a fun read if you like mechanical stuff. A great book!

Finally, some solid ground in this subject! This book pulls together a wide range of work done in this area in the past, and establishes a strong conceptual foundation (both of which are essential if this field is to become better established). Overall the difficult balance between historical synthesis, theoretical foundations, mathematical detail, and discussion on future directions is achieved very very well (nice color snaps too!). The definitive work in the field - highly recommended.

an excellent publication - well done. The historical section is particularly interesting. Colour photos of images are clear and well presented. Of great interest to me are the proposals for the next generation of volumetric display. The text covers a considerable range of subject matter - this will take some perusal!

i read this book and i love it it gives all you need helps you learn it one step at a time buy this book it is great!!!!

I am a design consultant working in the UK for various clients in the design of Curtain Walling/Glass facades etc. I purchased the book to improve in the 3D aspect of my trade. Best thing I have ever purchased.
There was a few items of which I felt had not been dealt with correctly and emailed the Author raising the questions. Believe this or not, I recieved a response from the actual author himself, who not only addressed the situation but gave me contact telephone numbers to further develope my career.

I note that there is now a '3D Autocad 2007' of which I would recommend to anybody to purchase. I quite agree with some of the comments, It feels as though Tim is sitting on your shoulder.

Steve Barnes

I think I can't find any book as good as this, it have full of tutorials and examples for me to try. It is very interesting for beginner and novice like me.

Good book with good case studies.
We implement RTT software and this provides some ideas.

I'm a multimedia student. I find this book very illustrative. The exercises are great plus it gives you an easy step-by-step insturctions, to this amazing 3D world.

Nowadays many people is involved Cad/Cam business. There are designers, engineers, managers, directors etc. People who wants to make career should read this book first. It tells you what your aim should be and how it could be reached.

This book does an excellent job of taking pretty complex concepts and procedures and making them easy to understand and perform. Step by step instructions are a very helpful reference. We used this book in both my drafting and autocad classes - both taught by Ms. Prater. I will keep this book as I know that when I graduate, it will be a handy resource for me to refer back to.

Having to keep up with CAD technology like I do, I do not have the time to take classes on the new AutCAD programs that come out. This book is constantly being pulled out and used to get me through Architectural Desktop R2. After I got through the beginning chapters that got me familiar with the program, I have been able to go to the chapters that deal with the specific commands that I need to use. The exercises that come with the book have been extremely helpful and make it so that I do not need to experiment on the drawings that I am working on. I have been able to, with the help of this book, make Architectural Desktop become a profitable purchase for the drafting company that I own. I would recommend this book to anyone that has Architectural Desktop R2 and for anyone thinking about purchasing the program. If you are in the latter category, you will be able to see the potential for the program. If you already have the program, get this book.