CAD/CAM Software
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on CAD/CAM Software
Are you interested in CAD/CAM software? CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design and CAM refers to Computer-Aided Manufacturing. This sort of software is used in a number of areas, but usually construction or construction related fields like architecture and various areas of engineering and uses drawing tools in conjunction with an advanced ability for complex calculations in order to display accurately plans and designs and predict a range of issues from feasibility of a project to materials and even cost in some instances.
There is a wide range of software which can perform CAD and CAM functions. Some of the things you may want to keep in mind as you come to a decision include the exact area you are interested in, some software can get very specific to a particular task, usability is a concern and you want to be sure it can be used by whomever will need to manipulate the program, and this sometimes requires training, compatibility is always a concern when purchasing any software, and of course price varies by these key factors and the manufacturer.
Reviewing your various options is always a good idea when choosing CAD/CAM programs. Business.com provides a number of links that will help you find the software that is right for you.
Browse the links to the left for more on CAD/CAM software.
CAD/CAM Software
It takes careful effort to pick this critical starting point of the manufacturing process.By Chris Maxcer, Freelance Writer 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.
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.
Try:
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.
Try:
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.
Try:
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!.
- 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.
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