CAD/CAM Software Key Terms

Learn common terms for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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