Cad cam

CAD CAM What is CAD/CAM? Computer Aided Design (CAD) software is used by engineers, architects, drafters, artists and others to create precision drawings or technical illustrations. CAD design involves the use of computer hardware and 2D/3D graphics software to generate design drawings for products. Modern CAD equipment enables the designer to quickly produce very accurate and realistic images of products to be manufactured. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software is used in automatically producing finished products with computer controlled production machines. CAD and CAM work together in that the digital model generated in CAD is used by the CAM software package. The CAM software needs to know the physical shape of the product (CAD model) before it can compose a proper set of fabrication instructions to a production machine.

CAD/CAM market CAD/CAM is an important industrial art extensively used in many applications, including automotive, shipbuilding and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural design, prosthetics and many more.

CAD/CAM is also widely used to produce computer animation for special effects in movies, advertising and technical manuals. CAD/CAM has been a major driving force for research in computational geometry, computer graphics (both hardware and software) and discrete differential geometry.

What do CAD operators do?

CAD operators are in demand in virtually every area of design. A CAD operator with a background in architectural design, for example, could find employment with a firm that is involved in residential or commercial construction. The operator generates construction drawings using CAD based on sketches and specifications from the architect. All modifications, schedules and 3D presentation models are also created in CAD and plotted for the office and the client. The CAM operator works with the production engineer to develop a process plan, a plan to manufacture a part. The operator then utilizes CAM software to generate a set of instructions to the computer controlled manufacturing machines. The operator ensures the process plan is adhered to when generating the instructions.

What other skills does a CAD/CAM operator need?

Knowledge of CAD/ CAM programs like AutoCAD, pro-e, catia with practical field experience and good hold over geometry.