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Difference Between CAD and CAM
CAD and CAM are the advanced computer-based technologies used in product designing and manufacturing processes. The most basic difference between the two is that CAD (Computer Aided Design) is used for designing of products using some designing software, whereas CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) is a software used to control the machines (like CNC machine) involved in industrial processes.
Read this article to find out more about CAD and CAM and how they are different from each other.
What is CAD?
CAD stands for Computer Aided Design. CAD is basically the implementation of digital computers in engineering designing processes. A CAD system generates mathematical models of a product based on user's inputs very accurately. In CAD systems, individual models can be integrated as components of an assembly to create the final product design through which we can check exact fit of the parts.
With the help 3D CAD systems, we can build fully furnished 3D (three-dimensional) models of parts and assemblies. One of the greatest advantages of the CAD systems is that the created designs can be examined virtually from any angle before actual manufacturing the product.
What is CAM?
CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. CAM is a software that helps to control the machine tools in the process of manufacturing modules. CAM is basically evolved as a central element in many production units.
CAM includes a wide range of processes such as cutting, turning, milling, routing, heat cutting, engraving and printing of solid materials, etc. In a CAM system, all these processes are carried out automatically. After designing and analyzing a product, it is manufactured where CAM is involved in manufacturing process. It can also be used for checking whether the product can be made by which process, and how much time it will take in manufacturing.
CAD is an integration of computer and designing tools, whereas CAM is an integration of computers and manufacturing tools. Now, let us discuss the differences between CAM and CAD.
Difference between CAD and CAM
The following table highlights all the significant differences between CAD and CAM −
S.No. |
CAD |
CAM |
|---|---|---|
1. |
It stands for Computer Aided Design. |
It stands for Computer Aided Manufacturing. |
2. |
It is the process of using computers to designing models of physical products. |
It is a software that helps control machine tools in the process of manufacturing modules. |
3. |
They help create design, modify the design and analyze the activity. |
It helps transform the engineering designs into fully grown end products. |
4. |
It is also known as Computer Aided Drafting. |
It is also known as Computer Aided Modelling or Machining. |
5. |
It makes 2D drawings of technical aspects and 3D models. |
The purpose is to use 3D models to design machining processes. |
6. |
It is generally used by engineers. |
It is generally used by a trained machinist. |
7. |
It is accurate, easy to use, and helps in quick drafting. |
It helps implement automation in the process of manufacturing. |
8. |
It is used to represent the geometric part of the computer. It is an independent process. |
CAM depends on CAD. |
9. |
Examples of CAD software include AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, and Solid Works. |
Examples of CAM software include Work NC, Siemens NX, Power MILL, and Solid CAM. |
Conclusion
From the above comparison, we can conclude that CAD is the process of using computers for designing models of physical products, whereas CAM is a computer software that helps to control machine tools in the process of manufacturing modules. Both technologies are used to make engineering processes computerized and efficient.
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