CAD Technology

Computer aided design refers to the use of tools and software on computers specifically created to assist design professionals within a vast spectrum of industries. It is the main geometry authoring tool within the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) process involving both software components as well as occasional special purpose hardware to implement such instructions generated via CAD. Current packages offer ranges from 2D vector based drafting systems to 3D parametric surface and solid design modellers. CAD may sometimes be translated into "computer assisted drafting", "computer aided drafting" or similar alternatives. Related acronyms are CADD standing from "computer aided design and drafting"; CAID, for computer aided industrial design; and CAAD, for "computer aided architectural design". All these terms essentially mean the same thing however subtle differences are incurred hence alterations within each title.  

CAD is not merely a tool for drafting; it is an extremely accurate and robust design tool too. Due to the complexities of computations in design methodology, the power of computers is leveraged to solve solutions to complex problems such as stress analysis, shear analysis, thermal analysis and fluid flow analysis. The CAD simplifies these components to make it easy to use, less time consuming and provides clear methods to study and evaluate the design process and arrive at a near flawless design.

CAM Technology

Computer aided manufacturing goes hand in hand with CAD as once the design has been created using the latter, the design must then be transformed into a product. CAM technology refers to the use of computer systems controlling robotics and tools throughout the product manufacture. The integration of CAD with CAM aids a much quicker, easier and more efficient manufacturing processes. This method is applied in numerous areas. In CNC, computer numerical control, manufacturing the CAM system is used to simplify both producing and designing processes. In general the CAM system will work with a CAD design made in a 3D environment. The CNC programmer will identify the machining operations and the CAM system will create the CNC program. The compatibility of CAD/CAM eliminates the need for producing extensive competitor work pieces reducing the overall cost and increasing programming accuracy, geometric conformance to design parameters, ability to make adjustments to part configuration and programming metrics within the same system. CAD/CAM is used broadly across the globe from schools to design companies and future technology at the forefront of innovation.