What is CAD/CAM?

CAD stands for Computer Aided Designing and CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. CAD involves creating computer models defined by geometrical parameters. These models typically appear on the monitor as 3 dimensional representations of a part or system of parts, which can be altered by changing its relevant parameters. CAD system helps designers to view the object under wide variety of representations and also helps to test these objects by simulating into real world conditions. On the other hand CAM uses those geometrical data to control the automated machinery. CAM systems are associated with either CNC machines or DNC machines. Hence both being computer-based methods to encode geometrical data, it is possible for the processes of design and manufacture to be highly integrated.

CAD/CAM Integration

The integration of CAD/CAM system is very simple and all the process which has to manufacture have to be designed at the first place. Hence integration of this system helps the complete process to be important. There are few points which show the importance of CAD/CAM integration.

1) Designing of the product: The very first step of any final product is its design and the applications desired from it and its capability of carrying out various stress and strain analysis. Hence all these processes can be carried out using CAD system and at the end final shape and size of the product is decided.

2) Making the drawings: Once the designing process is finalized, the assembly drawings and parts drawings of the product have to be made. These drawings are used for manufacturing purposes as a reference. These drawings are also made using CAD systems.

3) Production planning and scheduling: Production requires the creation of process plans and production schedules, which explain how the product will be made, what resources will be required, and when and where these resources will be deployed. Production also requires the control and coordination of the necessary physical processes, equipment, materials, and labor. In CAM, computers assist managers, manufacturing engineers, and production workers by automating many production tasks. Computers help to develop process plans, order and track materials, and monitor production schedules. They also help to control the machines, industrial robots, test equipment, and systems which move and store materials in the factory.

4) Manufacturing the product: Last and final stage where the product has to be manufactured. The machine which does the physical manufacturing of the product is known as a CNC machines. The CNC machine is operated using CAD software.

The above CAD/CAM process clearly shows how important CAD and CAM are to each other. Both the applications support and complement each other to design and manufacture the product in better way and in shortest possible time.

Frequently used in architecture as a means of producing detailed sketches with accurate dimensions, CAD (computer aided design) is also an effective way for manufacturers to design and tweak a prototype before production. Depending on the exact application requirements, 2D vector-based models or 3D solid, surface models can be produced with CAD. However, there are other significant differences between 2D and 3D CAD which may prompt a user to select one over the other.

2D CAD Features

Both 2D and 3D CAD are widely used in designing machine-related products and buildings, as well as mechanical services. Architects and engineers often depend on CAD programs to assist them in the developmental stages of production.

2D CAD is often an effective way for those who value working drawing level documentation, such as landscape designers, to produce and edit their design. 2D CAD allows users to navigate an array of symbols, choose what they need, and accurately and quickly see how an additional component or device will figure into the original drawing. For various kinds of facilities design, such as certain sports arenas, 2D CAD can easily and quickly produce the needed prototype, without superfluous features.

Although many architecture programs were among the first to embrace 3D CAD (seeing as buildings are all naturally in 3D), simpler buildings and project designs are often more quickly drawn up using 2D CAD. In cases where a complex project calls for multiple designer input, a larger 3D system may expedite the design process.

Transitioning to 3D CAD

If, after examining the needs of a specific project or application, it is determined that switching from 2D to 3D CAD is the best decision, there are several factors to keep in mind. In terms of a financial investment, 3D CAD software can run anywhere from 500 to 5,000 dollars, depending on the number of users and software package. Additional training is often necessary because using 3D CAD requires different skills from those needed to work with 2D CAD. Investing in computer hardware with a larger operating system is also often necessary to accommodate the newer software. In all cases, considering the rate of return on investment is essential in determining if switching from 2D to 3D CAD is a cost-effective move.

3D CAD Features

3D CAD can make any image three dimensional, including jpg, gif and bmp formatted images. Because the images feature height, depth and width, graphics tend to be more precise and realistic, which can be beneficial for many types of prototyping, especially those that require data in 3D format.

In terms of identifying errors and flaws in prototypes, 3D CAD can simulate the matching and mating of product models to test for a proper fit.  A design can then be re-worked as necessary before being manufactured, which ultimately saves time and money spent ordering multiple prototypes. Additionally, the product assembly process can be viewed using 3D CAD, which enables users to analyze and visualize the process before manufacturing. If multiple designers are working on one project, desktop sharing allows multiple users to work on the same project in real time.

Because all dimensions of a product are visible in 3D CAD, it is easier to determine the amount of material needed and for engineers to make necessary design changes. Although 2D CAD programs are still extremely useful for basic drawing and drafting, 3D CAD offers a wider range of features that may be more useful for those designing highly specific components that require routine testing before they can be manufactured.

get the latest 3D CAD Software

if you can program but have no artistic inclinations, it may be hard working with CAD and 3d modeling software, luckily the folks at openSCAD have addressed this.

openSCAD uses a language similar to C for creating models. A preview of the model is rendered alongside your code. Cross-platform compatible it runs on Linux, OS X, and Windows. Much like SketchUp, openSCAD can also extrude 2D outlines into models. This feature comes in very useful if one already has a set of technical drawings for a part. With no price tag, it’s pretty affordable during this costly season.

In modern CNC systems, end-to-end component design is highly automated using CAD CAM programs. The programs produce a computer file that is interpreted to extract the commands needed to operate a particular machine, and then loaded into the CNC machines for production. Since any particular component might require the use of a number of different tools – drills, saws, etc. – modern machines often combine multiple tools into a single “cell”. In other cases, a number of different machines are used with an external controller and human or robotic operators that move the component from machine to machine. In either case the complex series of steps needed to produce any part is highly automated and produces a part that closely matches the original CAD design.

Free CAD-CAM CNC software for mechanical engineering:

G-Simple This CNC program is completely free simple yet powerful software for 3-axis mills, use it to create G-codes for drilling, milling, engraving, tapping & pocketing.
Download:
http://www.polaris.com.gr/gsimple/download.html

GCAM is an free Open Source software for 3-Axis CNC mills. Simple interface for making holes, and sketches, which after extruded, provide the cutting paths for the selected end mill. GCAM also supports RS274X (Gerber) and Excellon drill files for circuit board milling..
Download:
http://gcam.js.cx/index.php/Main_Page

30-day trial versions:
http://www.softsquad.com/downloads.htm
robert borsody

Cut2d by Vectric
Cut2D converts CAD DXF and graphics designs to GCode / CNC Toolpaths for machining high quality parts and components, and users say it’s easy to use. Price: $149 .
http://www.vectric.com/WebSite/Vectric/products/download_products.htm