CAD/CAM

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CAD/CAM is an abbriviation of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of a wide range of computer-based tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. It is the main geometry authoring tool within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) process and involves both software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D parametric surface and solid design modellers. CAD is sometimes translated as "computer-assisted drafting", "computer-aided drafting", or a similar phrase. Related acronyms are CADD, which stands for "computer-aided design and drafting"; CAID, for Computer-aided Industrial Design; and CAAD, for "computer-aided architectural design". All these terms are essentially synonymous, but there are some subtle differences in meaning and application.

Integrating computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) with computer-aided design systems produces quicker and more efficient manufacturing processes. This methodology is applied in different manufacturing areas. In CNC manufacturing the CAM system is used to simplify the machining and designing process. In most cases the CAM system will work with a CAD design made in a 3D environment. The CNC programmer will just specify the machining operations and the CAM system will create the CNC program. This compatibility of CAD/CAM systems eliminates the need for redefining the work piece configuration to the CAM system. In other words: CAM software usually comes with a machine such as a lathe or mill which is controlled by the software. The entire system tends to be extremely expensive. (A lathe and computer system with software will cost in excess of $100,000).

Cad/Cam systems offer the advantages of increased programming accuracy, geometric conformance to design parameters, ability to make minor and often major changes to part configuration and programming metrics within the same system. Cad/Cam systems utilize either "wireframe" or "solids" for the part feature generation necessary for post-processing intermediate code files derived from cutter toolpaths into usable "nc" code readable by numerical control machines. Wireframe geometry can be either in two or three dimesional planes, while solids are in 3d. CAD/CAM is used widely across the world at schools and companies who design, inovate and manufacture new products. .