Computer-aided manufacturing

Integrating computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) with computer-aided design systems produces quicker and more efficient manufacturing processes. This methodology is applied in different manufacturing areas.

Things taken care of by CAM:

Verification of the data
Panelization of the design to fit the raw material
Ability to edit
Ability to add manufacturing information

Data flow in mechanical engineering CAM

First the information about a product is imported into the CAM system. Usually 3D CAD model is imported.
In mechanical engineering CAM is used to calculate toolpaths to cut material. Machining operations are calculated by using different functionc that are offered by the CAM systems. The toolpath is usually written in CL data (Cutter Location data) format.
Calculated toolpath is imported to the postprocessor which converts the CL data to the NC program for the specific machine.
NC program is exported to the NC machine and the manufacturing proces can begin.

Areas of usage

In mechanical engineering
In electronic design automation, CAM tools prepare printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit design data for manufacturing.

Related Terms

CIM (Computer-Integrated Manufacturing)
FMS (Flexible Manufacturing System)

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