Get CAD Software from Siemens & Design Products Easily. Learn More!
siemens.com/plm /answers
Complete Projects Quicker & More Efficiently With AutoCAD® software.
www.Autodesk.com/AutoCAD
No Hassle 3D Design Software with 3D Direct Modeling. Read how.
www.SpaceClaim.com
TurboCAD Pro 14 CAD & CAM complete CAD CAM solution on sale $299.95
www.cadandgraphics.com
Full-Featured, Easy-to-Learn 2D + 3D Designs Professional CAD
www.alibre.com/Affordable-3D-CADCAM
Annual Conference REGISTER NOW! August 6th-8th 2009 Miami Beach FL
www.cadapalooza.com/
Keep your edge with all the latest software at great Dell prices.
www.Dell.com/Business
Provider of communications and computer systems integration and networking services. Primary markets include distribution, manufacturing, CAD, desktop publishing and accounting. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.ace-syscom.com
Developer of ForReview(tm) view and mark-up software, 3DReview(tm) PC desktop CAD visualization and mark-up software and gXconvert(tm) and gXnetPlot(tm) universal graphics conversion programs. Software runs on multiple platforms and supports In...
www.allegria.com
Developer of Aperture(tm) Visual Information Manager software. The software is a high precision drawing system tightly integrated with a relational database manager, a computational engine and an ad hoc report writer. The software is used to b...
www.aperture.com
Developer of manufacturing engineering software. NC-AUTO-CODE CAM(tm) is for AutoCAD, R14 or 2000 or WIN, for programming NC mills, lathes, punch presses, wire EDMs, flame/plasma cutters, lasers and other NC machines. AUTO-CODE CAM(tm) is for ...
www.autocode.com
Manufacturer of CAD/CAM plotter and large document copying media; and provider of paper and film coating services. Products and services are sold to multiple industries.
www.azon.com
Developer of CAD/CAM software and scientific and engineering software. The mapmaking software is used predominantly by the military, but is also used by municipal governments for utility location. Civil engineering software is used by the cons...
www.bhinc.com
Developer of electrical/electronic engineering software called Electronics Packaging Designer(R). Software runs on Windows NT, Windows 95 and Windows 98. Products are sold to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private invest...
www.cad-design.com
Provider of software, books, consulting and outsourcing services for manufacturers, scientists, inventors, architects, contractors, builders, attorneys, universities and government agencies to provide CADD work of all kinds.
www.cadd-support-services.com
Distributor of Caddie software in the UK providing consultancy, installation, training and support for CAD solutions based around Caddie and other packages.
www.caddie.co.uk
Developer of cable TV, cable design, drafting (CADD) and management software.
www.cadix.com
Developer of 2-D and 3-D CAD software for mechanical engineering applications and reseller of CADKEY systems. The software runs on IBM PCs and compatibles. Products are sold to the aerospace, plastics, automotive and molding industries. This ...
www.cadkey.com
Developer of CAD software for mechanical and general engineering applications. The company also provides CAD consulting and custom programming services. The software runs on DOS and Windows.
www.cadmaster.com
CAD software and hardware reseller, specializing in supplying and commissioning computer-based drawing office CAD equipment.
www.cadservices.co.uk
Manufacturer of integrated computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing software products (CAD/CAM) for the tooling industry.
www.cimatron.com
Provider of consulting services for CAD/CAM/CIM and PDM and publisher of product data management buyer's guides, benefits guides, mechanical CAD buyer's guides and numerical control buyer's guides. Services are provided to the aerospace, automo...
www.cimdata.com
Developer of SolidDesigner, 3-D mechanical computer-aided design software that allows many sculptured surfaces to be generated. Developer of WorkManager, a workflow product data management software. Software runs on Windows NT and UNIX. Produ...
www.cocreate.com
Provider of computer integration, satellite ground station communications and logistics support services. The company also distributes CAD systems. Services are provided to NASA and the aerospace industry.
www.data-voice.net
Provider of custom application software programming services and custom systems software programming services specializing in CAD and graphics development. Parent/holding company with a high-tech unit involved in Internet services. Products an...
www.dcgfx.com
Provider of electronic design software sales, development and training services.
www.eda.co.uk
Developer of high speed CAD and related software, including landscaping and construction symbols software. PowerDraw(tm) is a full production oriented 2-D CAD package with features such as 'modeless' editing, interactive snapping, isometric she...
www.engsw.com
Developer of CAD systems software, ANVIL-1000MD(R) and utility software, Ultimate Viewer(tm). CAD systems software is used for mechanical engineering. Software runs on UNIX and PC compatibles. Products are sold to multiple industries.
www.geneseo.com
Developer of CAD/CAM software that runs on PCs. Products are sold to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.gmsworks.com
Developer of Microstation software with applications for chemical, civil/structural/architectural and mechanical engineering. Software runs on PCs with Windows and DOS. Products are sold to the cad industry.
www.hlbtech.com
Merchandiser specializing in commercial and retail sales of computer-aided drafting, computer-aided engineering and electronic document management products.
www.holmansnv.com
Developer of integrated industrial information software for migrating companies from CADAM to parametric feature-based modeling.
www.i-cubed.com
Solutions developer for 3D modeling and computer aided design.
www.immersion.com
Manufacturer of communications and medical imaging products.
www.interactivewhiteboards.com
Developer of Windows-based CAD/CAM software for lasers, 2-through 5-axis milling, turning, wire EDM, 3D design, drafting and surface modeling with gouge-free multi-surface machining. Works with all other CAD/CAM systems. Products are sold to m...
www.mastercam.com
Developer of CAD/CAM/CAE software. The software is used by mechanical engineers as a general purpose mechanical engineering package for designing discrete parts from coffee mugs to jet engines. The software runs on Windows NT systems.
www.mcsaz.com
Web-based facility for 3-D models of standard mechanical and electromechanical parts.
www.mdcybercad.com
Developer of PC-APT(tm) computer aided manufacturing engineering software. Provider of custom special applications software. The software runs on IBM PCs and compatibles. Products and services are sold to the aerospace, automotive, printing p...
www.ncsoft.com
Developer of Windows-based engineering software for use in CAE, CFD and CAM systems, specifically for work on turbo machinery. Provider of manufacturing engineering services. Products and services are provided to petrochemical processors, gas ...
www.nrec.com
Provider of systems integration consulting services, in areas such as local area networking and CAD applications. This company is a Novell-authorized education center. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized...
www.pc-solutions.com
Developer of CAD/CAE software, CapFast(tm) and CapFast/SCAT(tm), used on Microsoft Windows and UNIX computers, especially for electronic design automation (EDA) and computer aided design assurance (CADA) markets. Products are sold to multiple i...
www.phase3.com
Develops, markets and supports web-based, business-to-business application services for professional engineers and three-dimensional modeling software.
www.planetcad.com
Provider of custom software programming services for manufacturing industries. The company also develops CAD/CAM manufacturing software. The software runs on Windows 95 and Windows NT. This company was capitalized by corporate investment.
www.psc-cadcam.com
Provider of CAD, inspection, quality consulting and statistic analysis. Services are provided to multiple industries.
www.qualitytechnologies.com
Solid Solutions have over 10 years experience providing SolidWorks support in the UK. They also offer full training packages for SolidWorks.
www.solidsolutions.co.uk
Developer of custom engineering software that runs on Microsoft Windows. Products are sold to programmers. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.sourcequest.com
Developer of engineering software. EasyPlot(tm) is a data analysis software program. The software runs on IBM PCs and compatibles. Products are sold to the engineering industry.
www.spiralsoftware.com
Developer of optical ray tracing/mechanical engineering design software, BEAM II(tm), BEAM III(tm) and BEAM IV(tm). BEAM II(tm) is primarily sold to schools and colleges for the teaching of engineering design and III and IV are for professional...
www.stellarsoftware.com
Developer of numerical control software packages called SURFCAM 2AXIS(tm), SURFCAM 3AXIS(tm), SURFCAM 3AXIS PLUS(tm), SURFCAM 4AXIS(tm), SURFCAM 5AXIS(tm), SURFCAM NURBS(tm), AND SURFCAM LATHE(tm). The software runs on IBM PCs and compatible co...
www.surfware.com
Provider of CAD system integration services. Services are provided to multiple industries. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.synergis.com
Developer and marketer of circuit, filter design, simulation and thermal analysis software which runs on Macintosh and IBM PC and compatible computers. Products are sold to the electrical engineering and mechanical engineering industries. This...
www.tatumlabs.com
Developer of computer-aided testing software. The software is used in automatic test equipment for testing printed circuit boards. Products are sold to multiple industries.
www.testonline.com
Reseller of EDA products for design entry, verification and physical design of systems, boards, ASICs, FPGAs and PLDs. The company specializes in customization, CAE/CAD systems consulting, integration and training of our industry leading produc...
www.trilogic.com
Provider of CADD hardware and software systems integration, design engineering, CAD drafting and CAD training services. The company also provides custom applications software programming services and CAD training services. It also develops doc...
www.tsa.advet.com
Publishes three e-newsletters. Two for all CAD users and one solely on the needs of Canadian CAD users.
www.upfrontezine.com
Developer of CAE and real-time embeddable software. The CAE software includes SuperTask!(tm), GOFAST Floating Point Library(R) and PacLib(tm), which is a floating point library for 8086 with Microsoft C interfaces. Company also develops softwa...
www.ussw.com
Manufacturer of integrated CAD systems used in the textile industry for jacquard woven fabrics. The systems are composed of CAD computer hardware and software.
www.viacad.com
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Get CAD Software from Siemens & Design Products Easily. Learn More!
siemens.com/plm /answers
Complete Projects Quicker & More Efficiently With AutoCAD® software.
www.Autodesk.com/AutoCAD
No Hassle 3D Design Software with 3D Direct Modeling. Read how.
www.SpaceClaim.com
Computer aided design software is becoming more sophisticated all the time. As research into new levels of engineering and production continues to be explored, CAD CAM software is being developed to streamline the processes and give designers more flexibility. CAD software can easily be integrated into your current operations with the right kind of systems. You’ll find many of the CAM software programs to be user-friendly and a welcomed addition to your operations.
With the expansion of global markets and the need for quick decisions and model improvements, along with the value of the resources involved in the creation of new products, you’ll need to stay on top of all the innovation and emerging information available about computer aided manufacturing software. To remain competitive you’ll have to find ways to include the latest CAD/CAM programs in your operations. As CAD software applications continue to improve, there are a number of ways you can keep up with CAD/CAM software news and trends.
1. Log on to CAD design software blogs and websites
2. Subscribe to 3D CAD software publications
3. Sign on for email alerts from providers of CAD CAM software distributors
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Share information with other CAD design software users
Blogs are increasingly becoming the media of choice for many small business owners looking for quick and efficient means to communicate with other like-minded professionals. Find an Internet blog or website that provides trust-worthy information on computer aided design software and attracts reliable posting participants.
I recommend: Keep up with the latest trends through the articles and RSS feeds at Manufacturing and Technology eJournal. Find blogs and current articles on CAD/CAM trends at Design News.
Read up on changes in CAD CAM software
CAD/CAM software news and trends are popular topics in tech and small business publications available online. It's a good idea to stay on top of the industry as a whole so that you can know about changes that may be ahead of your current provider's abilities and offer better features as the industry streamlines the processes.
I recommend: Find links to the latest and most innovative CAD/CAM issues at CAD/CAM Insider. Cadcamnet is a comprehensive source of trends and news affecting the industry.
Receive CAD/CAM software alerts
While most business owners are trying to clear out their in-boxes to save time, you should allow at least one information provider to get into your email with alerts about changes and upgrades that others in the industry are employing. You shouldn't miss out on vital computer aided manufacturing software alerts when they are available.
I recommend: Find articles, blogs and research papers on the latest CAD/CAM software news at Fibre2Fashion. Caddit is a great source to use to keep up with emerging technologies and changes in the industry.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Join trade groups of other engineers and designers to hear your peers' talk about CAD/CAM software news and trends.
Computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software gives businesses a powerful way to create a drawing of a product or component — and then interface with a machine that can make the product from metal or other materials. A good software package allows you to:
- Boost your project's efficiency by creating a virtual prototype.
- Easily track changes to a design before it goes to the manufacturing or building stage.
- Increase the accuracy of detail by allowing all the members of the design team to seamlessly interact.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose your application
Start with the output that you require for the type of machine tool that you want to use, and use the manufacturing tool's requirements as your first stage for eliminating solutions. Next, look at features, ease-of-use, cost, vendor support options and availability of training materials or classes.
I recommend: Check out Freebyte's Free Mechanical Engineering Software: CAD/CAM, Yahoo!'s CAD/CAM Software Directory, CNET.com's CAD/CAM Software List, About.com's CAD/CAM Software List, and thefabricator.com's CAD/CAM Software Buyer's Guide.
Get an industry-specific solution
Several software manufacturers offer software programs that have been specifically designed for certain industries. Common industries that have their own custom applications include tool and die manufacturing and mechanical engineering.
I recommend: Check out TopSolid Software's programs that have been designed for the mechanical engineering, sheet metal, mold making and tool design industries.
Get training
Buying a CAD/CAM package is just the start. Training your staff and retraining to keep up with the upgrades is a major consideration.
I recommend: iKnowledge Solutions specializes in online and desktop training. Industry pioneer AutoDesk offers a huge variety of courses for its CAD/CAM products. See a directory of training companies from Yahoo!.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • In addition to selecting CAD/CAM software, you generally want to have an experienced machinist or manufacturing expert on-hand to help you put the software into production.
- • When you choose CAD/CAM software, it's important to pay attention to the PC requirements, but even more important to select a solution that will interface with your manufacturing tool of choice.
- • If your CAD/CAM software won't run the machine, it should be able to export data that can be utilized by your machine tool. In addition, you may want features like the ability to calculate project costs, share drawings across your organization, and convert or export drawings into a variety of formats.
Computer aided design software can help you manage your design projects with the tools that can make your projects move more smoothly and respond more readily to your details. Maximize your resources with CAD CAM software that has become easier to use and less expensive to run. You should take advantage of the expertise developed by suppliers of CAD software to help you manage and run your design operations in the most effective and timesaving manner.
CAM software can operate online so that you can work on your projects from any location with an Internet connection. CAD/CAM software can provide platforms that make the entire process from design to production error-free and less labor intensive. Find a number of ways to best utilize computer aided manufacturing software.
1. Use 3D CAD software for better visuals
2. Use web-based CAM software applications to work from anywhere
3. Use CAD/CAM programs for your entire team to avoid errors
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Integrate CAM software applications into your systems
The user-friendly options available in CAD software programs make using computer aided design software easy and accessible for any business now. Small to medium and large-size companies can eliminate the paperwork and human factor errors in favor of CAD software that can operate your entire workflow processes.
I recommend: Find the best and most common uses of the latest technology at CAD Digest. Use CAM Works to find out all the latest innovations that are being delivered to the design community.
Go online for web-based computer aided manufacturing software
For many of the newer online programs you don't even have to download any special software to your systems if you choose to engage web-based CAD/CAM programs. These operations typically allow you a trial period, which you should take advantage of as well.
I recommend: The Jewelers CAD/CAM Association helps members find providers and technology to best serve the needs of the companies. Use the contacts you make at the Power Sources Manufacturer Association to find out about the latest ways to use the new CAD/CAM products available.
Find CAD CAM software distributors
Once you've opened up the possibilities of running your business with the assistance of cam software providers, you need to get your team onboard with the programs. Instead of calling on consultants to handle projects, your designers should be able to move easily between new programs and design techniques.
I recommend: Read the Fabricator to find out about the latest uses for new CAD design technology.You will be enlightened and informed as you use your CAD/CAM software as you keep up with all the available new software and emerging news at CAD Info.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Before choosing computer aided design software, let your key employees try the free demos to see if they agree on the choice of programs. It will be easier to get buy-in from your staff if everyone participates in the final decision.
CAD/CAM software tools bring together and perform many different phases of a product's life cycle, including analysis, design, manufacturing, product testing and production planning. They can also perform specific functions, such as creating virtual labs and producing documentation. CAD/CAM software may be commercially available and proprietary to a particular product development company. These programs are especially common in industries such as aerospace, automotive engineering and shipbuilding that rely heavily upon mechanical engineering. CAD/CAM software also is frequently used to produce computer animation in movies and for research in computational geometry.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Cloud of points
A cloud of points is a set of coordinates that may be obtained from a device such as a scanner. CAD/CAM software commonly uses this data to produce a three dimensional model.
I recommend: MicroSystems Georgia has an extensive dictionary of CAD/CAM terms, including cloud of points.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
FEA is a technique that allows computers to find approximate solutions for many mathematical equations, such as partial differential equations. CAD/CAM software commonly uses FEA to perform many of its functions.
I recommend: SAE International provides an overview of the development of FEA and its role in CAD/CAM engineering.
Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD)
CAAD generally refers to any programming technique that may be used to design architecture. CAD/CAM software frequently makes use of these techniques by applying them towards building data.
I recommend: Network Dictionary contains a variety of terms that are used in CAD/CAM programming, such as CAAD.
Product lifecycle management (PLM)
PLM is the process of managing a product from its conception to its disposal. CAD/CAM software commonly provides a single solution to manage these various product lifecycle phases.
I recommend: Active Sensing provides an extensive glossary of the PLM terms that CAD/CAM software users may encounter, including an explanation of PLM itself.
Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE)
CAE generally refers to the use of information technology in any task that supports engineers. CAE software is commonly used to perform engineering calculations that simulate the performance of a machine or structure.
I recommend: Daratech specializes in CAD/CAM services and also provides a glossary of common CAD/CAM software terms, including CAE.
Computer numerical control (CNC)
A CNC device uses instructions from CAD/CAM software to operate a machine tool. The CAD/CAM software produces a file which contains the commands for the CNC device. These commands may then be extracted and loaded into the CNC device in order to produce a product.
I recommend: CNC Concepts provides an extensive definition and discussion of CNC, especially as it relates to CAD/CAM software.

