Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is an application technology that uses computer software and machinery to facilitate and automate manufacturing processes.In addition to materials requirements, modern CAM systems include real-time controls and robotics.CAM reduces waste and energy for enhanced manufacturing and production efficiency via increased production speeds, raw material consistency and more precise tooling accuracy.
CAM also implements advanced productivity tools like simulation and optimization to leverage professional skills.CAM software uses the models and assemblies created in CAD software to generate tool paths that drive the machines that turn the designs into physical parts.
CAD/CAM software is most often used for machining of prototypes and finished parts.All machines in CAM use computer numerical control (CNC) strings of numbers control the machine. The numbers provide all the commands needed: eg which direction to move, how fast, etc. These are normally stored in the machine as a program.
Advantages of CAM and CNC Compared to manual machines, there are several advantages to using CAM- Speed: CAM is faster because machining speeds are higher.
- Greater accuracy greater consistency : every finished product is the same accurate and consistent.
- Efficiency: production can run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Sophistication: CAM is able to machine difficult shapes which are not possible manually.
