While milling and turning are the main ways of removing material, grinding, routing, and drilling are also material removal processes that a CAD/CAM software will automate. Instead of the cutting tool rotating, the workpiece itself is rotating to cut away material. Turning also removes excess material, but in the opposite way. The reference to axes (three axis, four axis, and five axis) describes the axis points on which the CNC machine operates (X,Y, and Z axes).

Milling progressively removes material from the workpiece by using rotating, multi-point cutting tools.

The processes and a brief description of each are listed below. Automating these activities isn’t the only thing the tool does, but it’s a large piece in the manufacturing puzzle. Processes automated by CAD/CAM softwareĪ CAD/CAM system will control and automate a variety of processes, all of which are carried out by a CNC machine and are categorized under the umbrella term CNC machining (go figure). Use our PLM Software Product Selection Tool to get started. We’ll shave hours off of your research by sending you free, personalized recommendations of the best software solution for your organization. If you’re just starting your search for a CAD/CAM system, we can help. It saves a lot of time and headache, as both tools are used in tandem to increase automation in the manufacturing process.

We highly recommend purchasing these add-ons, as a complete tool provides the ability to seamlessly switch back and forth between making changes, finding problems, and getting feedback. Some of these tools don’t provide both capabilities, but they all offer add-ons to make them a complete CAD/CAM solution. We’ve compiled a list of our top 5 CAD/CAM software picks to help you find one suitable for your needs. In short, CAM/CAM software facilitates the process of transforming raw materials into finished products. CAM software converts these CAD models into geometrical design data to control automated machinery known as a computer numerical control (CNC) machine. CAD software creates digital 2D and 3D drawings, essentially replacing manual drafting with an automated process. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) tools help product teams precisely design physical products.

Cam works software