Despite advances in control technology, manually programming a modern CNC machine tool can be a slow, inefficient and potentially inaccurate process. This is especially true where the finished component contains sculptured free form geometry, complex prismatic features or a combination of both. Using a Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) system to program CNC machine tools can reduce manufacturing lead times, eliminate the risk of programming errors and dramatically improve overall productivity.
Computer aided manufacturing or CAM is the process of using specialized computers to communicate instructions directly to the manufacturing machinery. It can control, monitor and adjust tools and machinery in the manufacturing process. Computer aided manufacturing makes use of algorithms for planning and controlling the fabrication processes. CAM has become an industry standard in all major manufacturing industries.
Computer aided manufacturing can be used to facilitate the process of creating small batches of products that are custom designed to suit each particular client. CAD software allows for easy customization and rapid design changes. The automatic controls of the CAM system make it possible to adjust the machinery automatically for each different order.
