Milling and drilling, turn, boring: many operations on HWI's machinery were traditionally done by hand. Nowadays, these production processes are often done using computer-controlled programmes. The software used for this is called CADCAM. If you search for machining techniques, you often come across this term. But what exactly does CADCAM mean?
What is CADCAM?
CADCAM is a combination of two abbreviations: Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
- CAD indicates that products are designed using computer programmes.
- CAM refers to the manufacturing process, showing that the designed products are then manufactured by computer. This is done using computer-controlled machines, such as CNC milling machines or CNC lathes.
What is the advantage of Computer Aided Design (CAD)?
Computer-aided design, in other words. What is the advantage of this?
In CAD, before a product is produced, digital technical drawings are created. These drawings can be designed in 2D or 3D so that the product can be viewed in detail before going into production. Because of its meticulousness, CAD is used in many fields where designing is done to the millimetre.
For this, consider specialisms such as:
- Mechanical engineering.
- Land surveying.
- Steel construction.
- and industrial design.
Computer-aided manufacturing
After a product is shaped using CAD, the computer programme can pass the technical drawings to the CAM system. In Computer Aided Manufacturing, the programme loads the files, and converts the shape language into machine language.
This allows the right machining technique to be chosen and a product to be produced. Many companies choose to use CAM to manufacture a prototype of the product first: this way, customers can be sure that the product will suffice.
The prototype can then be put into production using CNC machines. This ultimately leads to more efficient use of all production resources.
The chance of errors in the production process decreases, and the quality of products can be monitored even better.
The advantages of CADCAM
So the combination CADCAM stands for a combination of two software types used to design and produce a variety of products. There are several CADCAM computer programmes on the market. At HWI Machining we use the leading programme ´Esprit´.
- Using this CADCAM software to design products reduces work preparation time.
- At the same time, the likelihood of errors in the production process also decreases
- Product quality can be monitored even better.
Getting started
Are you considering having a product manufactured, but don't know which way is best for it?
Then take contact with us. Our specialists will be happy to explain more about CADCAM manufacturing and, together with you, look at which machining technology is best suited to your product.