Resources on CAD CAM Software

CAD/CAM Software

Comuter Aided Design

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 process and involves both software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modellers.

CAD is sometimes translated as "computer-assisted", "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.

Comuter Aided Design

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of a wide range of Product Lifecycle Management computer-based software tools that assist engineers, in the manufacture of product components. 3D models of components generated in |CAD software are used to generate CNC code to drive numerical controled machine tools. This involves the engineer in selecting what type of tool, machining process and paths that are to be used.