1 SDP TOPICAL Where the Future is Now In Steyr there is a "factory" in which the future takes place here and now. This factory is prosaically called the Steyr.:rechnology-Centre. The idea behind it: flexible manufacturing systems. And CAD/CAM is the magic formula. CAD/CAM stands for "Computer Aided Design" and "Computer Aided Manufacturing". lt began, as in many other companies, with the drafting of plans and construction sketches. Now integration, the closest co-operation between computerbacked construction, calculating and manufacturing is in the forefront. With the computer, and the monitor-screen, everything goes much easier, quicker and cheaper. Earlier, after the first sketch in the Construction Office, came the costing calculation. This usually meant adjusting the draft. In its turn this necessitated on-going co-ordination between the constructor and the costing-engineer. Then the detailconstructor came on the scene and made further adjustments to the construction. After checking, the work could be put in hand using an initial working plan settling the data for the machine-tool guidance. Nowadays the calculations are all included in the drafting stage. Right from the start exterior strain, stability, durability, possible deformations and the geometry of the finished product are taken into consideration .The programme then draws up the complete constructional design, and turns out the data for the NC machine, which is like-wise computer driven. Something that earlier-from draft to prototype-often required up to six months can now, thanks to flexible construction in the Steyr:rechnology-Centre, generally be accomplished in less than 14 days. At the same time production costs are considerably reduced. The story of this success has already leaked out, Now quite a number of other companies are showing interest in knowhow "Made by Steyr". HIGHLIGHT 11
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