CAM software – Computer-Aided Manufacturing
How CAM software turns a 3D model into toolpaths for CNC machines: defining stock and clamping, programming, simulating and generating NC code.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing
CAM software is specialized software for programming CNC machines. It is not limited to milling and turning: there are also CAM systems for wire EDM, grinding and woodworking.
CAM software works with the 3D model that was previously designed in CAD software. After importing the 3D model, the user models the dimensions of the stock as well as the clamping setup. The stock can be thought of as the as-is state, and the 3D model as the finished part or target state. If the 3D model is not delivered at mid-tolerance, it must be brought to mid-tolerance after import with the help of the 2D drawing. If the 3D model is supplied with PMI data, this step becomes simpler because the relevant tolerances are stored as information directly on the geometries.
The clamping setup should match reality as closely as possible so that collisions with the workpiece surroundings (fixtures, clamps) are detected early. Once the part has been set up digitally, the user creates the toolpaths required to manufacture the part by selecting tools and machining operations.
A typical workflow in CAM software looks like this:
NC-code simulation
Why CAM simulation alone is not enough: the postprocessor can silently alter your NC code – only NC-code simulation verifies what really runs on the machine.
ModuleWorks
ModuleWorks supplies the toolpath algorithms behind most CAM systems. Why comparing such systems adds little value and how users benefit from shared feedback.
CAM vendors
Overview of common CAM systems and their vendors – from Fusion 360 and hyperMILL to Mastercam, with direct links to each vendor's official website.