| What are the differences between CAD and CAM?

What are the differences between CAD and CAM?

Mosype asked:


What are the differences between CAD and CAM?
Becides CAD being computer-aided design and CAM being computer-aided manufacture.

How much alike are they and what are some key differences between them in there use?

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Comments

2 Responses to “What are the differences between CAD and CAM?”

  1. Ms G on May 7th, 2009 10:22 am

    To make it simple, CAD ‘creates’ or as you said, ‘designs’ a program
    CAM, ‘manufactures or ‘produces’ the product as he/she specializes in the proper tools, Molds, etc. in computer technology
    They are alike because they are both a step in the creation of the product

  2. THE ONE on May 8th, 2009 10:29 am

    In 2D CAD, the construction of the part can be in any order and does not to have all lines and intersections complete or exact or even drawn in the same direction. It is a picture and 2D CAD software doesn’t automatically trim or demand perfect intersections. Higher forms of CAD that is true 3D model building software does generate perfect mathematical models.
    CAM however, is a graphical representation of a tool path. The CNC (computer numeric control ) that drives the machine with the code generated from the CAM software requires all line intersections and tangents to be mathematically perfect and in a continuous path. Most good CAM software is capable of making corrections to CAD files within defined limits. Cam software requires definitions like start points, speed, feed, depth of cut, tool geometries. The key component of CAM software is called the post processor. When the part is completely defined, the post reads the geometry and generates the code in a series of instructions beginning with where the part is in relation to it’s work area, which tool to pick up( if it has an automatic tool changer) and where and how fast to move.
    I was a bit more technical than the wikiup blurb below, hope you found it an informative answer.