CAD/CAM software is used to generate part designs and then CNC machining programs corresponding those designs. Short for “computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing,” these systems create programs for CNC lathes, multi-axis machines and milling machines. CAD software is used to create parts by designing and drawing, using geometric shapes to construct a model. CAM software must be programmed in order to calculate cutting paths in which the cutting tools that are being used will take to remove material and produce a part. With the high sophistication of multi-axis machines and increasingly complex part geometries, production shops often program offline and not at the machine’s CNC. Also, the ability to create a digital twin, or a duplicate of a CNC machine and its environment within CAM software, has become advantageous for many machine programmers.
How to Get More Efficient Production from Swiss-Type and Multitasking Machines
SolidCAM for multi-axis Swiss type and multitasking machines provides a very efficient CAM programming process, generating optimal and safe Mill-Turn programs, with dramatically improved milling tool life.
CAD/CAM: Essential Reading
How to Get More Efficient Production from Swiss-Type and Multitasking Machines
SolidCAM for multi-axis Swiss type and multitasking machines provides a very efficient CAM programming process, generating optimal and safe Mill-Turn programs, with dramatically improved milling tool life.
VIDEOS: Tips for Screw Making on Swiss-Type Machines
Here’s a three-part video series focused on Swiss screw making to help explain the benefits of thread whirling, back turning and broaching while taking into consideration CAM programming, tooling and machine specifications.
CAM Software Helps Eliminate Scrap and Reduce Cycle Times
GibbsCAM 2016 was designed with the assistance of shop owners and shopfloor employees.
Good News for Swiss-Type Shops
The latest PartMaker release features enhanced cloud connectivity and a host of new technologies that will be of particular interest to Swiss-type shops.
CAD Viewer Helps with Job Estimating
Vero Software has recently released a high speed 3D viewer that directly displays and evaluates 3D CAD files without the need for the original CAD application.
FAQ: CAD/CAM
What is CAD/CAM?
In the world of metalworking, the CAM part of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) generally means software for programming CNC machine tools. CAD is the computer-aided process that creates a design of a part or object.
Source: CAM at a Crossroads
What is CAD/CAM programming?
There are three methods of writing CNC programs, including using CAD/CAM software. CAD/CAM programming minimizes the need for the programmer to perform complex math calculations. Due to the minimal amount of math required by the programmer, CAD/CAM programming tends to be more efficient than manual programming.
By using an existing CAD drawing file and importing data into the CAM software, the programmer only needs to decide on which process and tooling to employ, typically using a list of tooling data and cutting conditions. The CAM software then calculates all of the moves necessary to machine the part.
What are the disadvantages of using CAD/CAM?
Programmers must keep in mind that there is some potential for unintentionally entering incorrect data. Another problem is that sometimes, the original drawing file is not available to the CNC programmer.
What is the relationship between CAD and CAM?
Most product design is performed on computers using CAD software. Then, that design or drawing file data is imported into the CAM software. After a few selections from the programmer, the CAM software will use that data and calculate the necessary moves to machine the part.
What are the advantages of CAD/CAM?
CAD/CAM programming minimizes the need for the programmer to perform complex math calculations. Due to the minimal amount of math required by the programmer, CAD/CAM programming tends to be more efficient than manual programming.
