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Design and manufacture are the two processes that are integral to the development of engineering products. CAD is software that is used in designing a mechanical part whereas CAM employs software and Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines to automate a manufacturing process

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Points to be covered:

1. What is meant by CAD?
2. What is meant by CAM?
3. Fields in which CAD-CAM software is used.
4. CAD to CAM-Understanding the process.
5. What are the benefits of CAD-CAM integration?
6. Final words

What is meant by CAD?

CAD stands for Computer-aided Design. It is a way through which one can digitally create 2D and 3D drawings of real world products. CAD allows creation, modification and optimization of a design. It uses software like AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS in the designing process. Designing products through CAD is useful when one wants to protect their inventions in patent applications.

What is meant by CAM?

Computer-aided Manufacturing uses software and Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines to automate manufacturing process. There are three components of a CAM system:

• Software that generates toolpaths and helps in the making of a product.
• Machines that can transform raw material into finished products.
• Post processing that converts toolpaths into a language understandable for machines.

Fields in which CAD-CAM software is used

Traditionally, CAD-CAM software was reserved for aerospace applications. Today it is used in various fields. Let us look at some of them.

•Aerospace: CAD-CAM software plays an integral role in the aerospace industry. It is used to manufacture machines such as satellites, missiles, aircrafts and their parts.

•Dentistry: CAD-CAM software is used in the dentistry to make visual designs of dental structures and oral cavity.

•Fashion Designing: CAD-CAM software is used for manufacturing products on a mass scale in big fashion companies. It also helps in visualizing whether the clothing will fit or not.

•Forensics: CAD-CAM software is used in forensic science to determine ages and conduct autopsy. It also helps in visualizing 3D reconstruction of crime scene.

•Automotive: CAD-CAM software is used in the automotive sector to create 3D prototypes of automotive and to design its various components such as circuit boards, tires, engines etc.

CAD to CAM-Understanding the process

CAD and CAM complement each other and there can be no CAM without CAD. The focus of CAD is on the designing of a product. It is mainly concerned with how should a product look and function. On the other hand, CAM is concerned with how to manufacture that product. Therefore, it can be said that the initiation of an engineering process lies with the CAD.

• Engineers initiate the process by drawing 2D and 3D drawings of a product. Such a drawing is called as “model” in CAD. It could be anything ranging from an automobile to remote control.
• After the design is ready, it is loaded into a CAM software. The CAD file is exported and imported to the CAM software. In tools like Fusion 360, no import/export is required as CAD and CAM are present in the same world.
• The next step that follows is of machining. After CAD model is imported into CAM, machining begins. It implies a process through which raw materials are moulded into a definite shape.
• CAM software undertakes the following actions for machining:

1. It keeps a check upon the geometry errors that could lead to wrong machining.
2. It creates a toolpath for the machine that consists of a set of coordinates to follow during machining.
3. It sets up specific machine parameters such as speed, height, material thickness, voltage etc.

• Once a model undergoes the process of machining, all information related to it gets transferred to the machine to manufacture that part physically. The language in which such information is sent is known as G-code. After receiving the information, the machine then transforms the raw material into a finished product.

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What are the benefits of CAD/CAM integration?

The CAD-CAM software has the potential to meet enormous manufacturing demands. Its close integration helps in reducing the gap between designing and manufacturing processes. It helps the machines to work in the most efficient way. There are many advantages of CAD-CAM integration.

1. Fast and precise drawings: CAD software facilitates fast and easy drawings of real world products that saves a lot of time between designing and manufacturing. Moreover, there is a very less scope for errors in the designing process so it makes the work easier for an engineer.
2. Proper production planning: CAD-CAM software aids in proper production planning of the real world products in the shortest duration of time by making the optimum usage of the machines.
3. Greater accessibility for clients: CAD-CAM software allows you to receive CAD files easily and conveniently. You can easily open CAD files, set up coordinates for machining and execute simulations to acquire insightful information.
4. Easy and efficient manufacturing: One of the biggest advantages of CAD-CAM software is that it helps in easy and efficient manufacturing of products. The present day CAD-CAM system act as a single unit instead of two separate systems.
5. Time-saving engineering: CAD-CAM software helps to save a lot of time in producing prototypes and finished products in a cost-effective manner.

Final words

The integrated process of CAD-CAM system has greatly revolutionized the engineering industry. Traditionally, CAD-CAM software was reserved for aerospace applications. However, today its scope has widened to various engineering plants. Using CAD-CAM integration is the key to an easy and effective manufacturing process that is cost-effective and sustainable for the businesses.

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