How to Pick a CAM -Computer Aided Manufacturing- Program

There are multiple CAM programs available for generating tool paths and machining operations. Generally, people become familiar with one and stick with that. As far as selecting the right one for you, my advice is this. Most software companies have free trial. Thirty-day trials are common. Take advantage of these trial periods and test the software out. Then at the end, decide if you want to try another or stick with your best one. I would advise you try out at least three different packages.

The one you select will probably have to do with your liking the interface or finding it intuitive. Keep in mind it may work for you now. A simple to use and understand interface probably has some limitations for your designs. The very best programs are complex with many tools that give you the most control. I have found that I start with a simple program and outgrow it. At some point, I move up to the next level of software. This usually means a higher price as well.

The difference with CAM Software levels is the number of Axis the software allows for. You will see the standard types below. Think of it like this, as you add more Axis’, the more sophisticated the software must get and the more it will cost. It will also give you more flexibility though. That is the trade off, money for flexibility.

The different types of CAM Software

There are many different types of CAM Software. You will need to purchase the type that fits your machine. For example, if you have a CNC Plasma Cutter, you probably only need a 2D CAM Software version. The torch will only move in the X and Y planes. That is if you have a torch height control.

What if you have a CNC Milling Machine with X and Y axes that are powered by stepper motors? You will probably only need 2.5D CAM Software. That is because your parts will have depth.

What if you have a CNC Wood Router and it carves out three-dimensional shapes out of wood? It has three servo motors to control on the X, Y and Z-axis. Yep, you need 3D CAM Software.

What if you want to mill or carve something into a cylinder of stock material? You will need a 4th Axis CAM Software so the machine can rotate the cylinder while all the other three Axis’ are moving.

Here are the most common types of CAM Software2D CAM

2.5D CAM

3D CAM

4th Axis CAM

5th Axis CAM

Don Edge has used CNC in making some of his metal art. If you want more information on CAM Software or CAD CAM Software please go to http://www.cncinformation.com

History of Computer Aided Manufacturing

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is one of the software automation processes that directly convert the product drawing or the object into the code design that enables the machine to manufacture the product. It is used in various machines like lathes and milling machines for the product manufacturing purposes. It allows the computer work instructions to communicate directly to the manufacturing machines.

The mechanism of CAM developed from the Computer Numerical Machines (CNC) in the early 1950?s. These systems were directed by a set of coded instructions in a punched paper tape. The proposal to develop the first numerically controlled machine was commissioned to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from the US Air Force in the year 1949. The entire proposed idea of developing this machine was demonstrated in the year 1952.

The motivation factor in developing these kinds of numerically automated machines involves the expensive costs in manufacturing the complex curved geometries in 2D or 3D constraints mechanically. The development of these machines considers the factors like easier programming in CAM and easy storage of programs. A program can be changed easily and avoid manual errors. Numerically controlled machines are safer to operate, and the complex geometry comes at a reasonable price.

James T. Parsons proposed the concept of the numerical control operations during the year of 1948. In 1950, the MIT servo mechanism lab developed the Numerical Control (NC) milling project. The remaining program parts were released in the later period of 1952 along with the first successful demo version. After 1955, major companies in the industry developed their own machine designs.

IBM?s Automatic Tool Changer in the year 1955, G & L?s first production of the skin-miller in the year 1957, and the machining center developed by K & T have all been considered to be major developments to promote the technology with more benefits. CAD drafting and the sculptured surfaces were developed in the year 1965; 7,700 NC?s were also installed during the same year.

During the year 1967, the concept of developing the CNC machine was proposed. The existence and the major development of the CAD/CAM machines evolved during the year 1972. 3D CAM/CAD systems were introduced in 1976. Expert CAM/CAD systems were developed in the year 1989. The major development of the CAM systems provides you with easier manufacturing of objects with high efficiency.



Computer Aided Manufacturing provides detailed information on Applications of Computer Aided Manufacturing, Cam And Computer Aided Design, Computer Aided Design , Computer Aided Design Scanners and more. Computer Aided Manufacturing is affliated with Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing.