Glossary Term: Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

In automating the manufacturing process Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) may be used. CAM is the process of using computer-controlled machinery and software to increase the efficiency of the process and decrease the need for human intervention.

While CAD focuses on the design of the product, CAM focuses on how it is made. CAD will produce a model, essentially any design created in the software. That model contains a set of elements that will be analyzed by a CAM system. After analyzing the design the CAM software then begins the process of machining or manufacturing. Using a CAM system, a computer algorithm will check for any possible errors in geometry in the original design, create a toolpath for machines to follow, adjust machine parameters, and configure nesting all to maximize machining efficiency.


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