What do CAD and CAM mean?Please help me!?

Answer 1

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of a wide range of computer-based tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. It is the main geometry authoring tool that involves both software and sometimes special-purpose hardware. Current packages range from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D parametric surface and solid design modellers.

CAD is sometimes translated as "computer-assisted", "computer-aided drafting", or a similar phrase. Related acronyms are CADD, which stands for "computer-aided design and drafting", CAID for Computer-aided Industrial Design and CAAD, for "computer-aided architectural design". All these terms are essentially synonymous, but there are some subtle differences in meaning and application.

CAD is used to design and develop products, which can be goods used by end consumers or intermediate goods used in other products. CAD is also extensively used in the design of tools and machinery used in the manufacture of components. CAD is also used in the drafting and design of all types of buildings, from small residential types (houses) to the largest commercial and industrial types (hospitals and factories). CAD is used throughout the engineering process from conceptual design and layout, through detailed engineering and analysis of components to definition of manufacturing methods.

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of a wide range software tools that assist engineers, in the manufacture of product components. 3D models of components generated in CAD software are used to generate CNC (computer numerical control) code to drive numerical controled machine tools. This involves the engineer in selecting what type of tool, machining process and paths that are to be used.

Sometimes the CAM software is integrated with the CAD system, but not always. Every piece of CAM software must first solve the problem of CAD data exchange where in the CAD system which is producing the data often stores it in its own proprietary format, much as is the case with word processor software. Usually it is necessary to force the CAD operator to export the data in one of the common data formats, such as IGES or STL, which can be simpler since it does not need to be edited.

The output from the CAM software is usually a simple text file of G-code and M-codes, sometimes many megabytes long, that is then transferred to a machine tool using a direct numerical control (DNC) program.

While it has long been the dream to make the CAM software that can run on its own, it generally requires a human operator with much knowledge and skill of machining to select the Milling cutters and define the necessary parameters and strategies that will generate an effective tool path

Answer 2

CAD = Computer Aided Design
CAM = Computer Aided Manufacturing.

Imagine if you have a block of steel and would like to make it in a love shape.

You use a CAD to (program) to draw it in your computer.. and get it printed out in A4 paper and hence show it to your client.

You use CAD to convert into CAM then to CNC language and CNC Machine to have the steel block make into love shape.

Generally, you will use CAD to design your building drawing electrical single line diagram and so on. and CAM you use it in your manufacturing of parts like plastic, various shape of steel blocks and so on

Answer 3

Computer Aided Design
Computer Aided Manufacturing

Answer 4

CAD is computer aided drafting or design and CAM is computer aided manufacturing.

Answer 5

CAD (abbr.) computer-aided design
also
Cash available for distribution (CAD) is defined as AFFO, adjusted for certain non-cash amortization and recurring capital expenditures equal to four percent of hotel room revenue from continuing operations

CAM is an eccentric or multiply curved wheel mounted on a rotating shaft, used to produce variable or reciprocating motion in another engaged or contacted part. it is the total integration of the manufacturing process using computers.

Answer 6

CAD: Computer ASSISTED design.
CAM: Computer assisted MODELLING.
Both are tools to design "things" on computer and make Drawing plans.
The first is usually 2D drawings, while the second is essentially 3D drawinmg, where parts can be assembled and MOVED as if they were the whole machine (i.e. a hydraulic RAM will change its length, as in reality, and things attached to it will move as well, just on your screen!)

Answer 7

Computer aided design (drafting)
Computer Aided Machining