CAD/CAM Software

Autodesk, Inc. Blue Fox Enterprises N.v. Cenit AG Systemhaus Fukui Computer. Inc. Graphic Products Inc. GRAPHISOFT N.V.

Mb Software Ag Mechanical Dynamics Mensch Und Maschine Software AG Nedgraphics Holding Nv Parametric Technology Corporation Photron Limited

Radix Inc Softech, Inc. Unigraphics Solutions UpperSpace Viagrafix Corporation

Guide to CAD/CAM Software

It takes careful effort to pick this critical starting point of the manufacturing process.
By Chris Maxcer

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:

1. Boost your project's efficiency by creating a virtual prototype.
2. Easily track changes to a design before it goes to the manufacturing or building stage.
3. 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.