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Guide to CAD/CAM Software
It takes careful effort to pick this critical starting point of the manufacturing process.
By Chris Maxcer
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Computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software gives businesses a powerful way to create a drawing of a product or component — and then interface with a machine that can make the product from metal or other materials. A good software package allows you to: - Boost your project's efficiency by creating a virtual prototype.
- Easily track changes to a design before it goes to the manufacturing or building stage.
- Increase the accuracy of detail by allowing all the members of the design team to seamlessly interact.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
 Choose your application
Start with the output that you require for the type of machine tool that you want to use, and use the manufacturing tool's requirements as your first stage for eliminating solutions. Next, look at features, ease-of-use, cost, vendor support options and availability of training materials or classes.
I recommend: Check out Freebyte's Free Mechanical Engineering Software: CAD/CAM, Yahoo!'s CAD/CAM Software Directory, CNET.com's CAD/CAM Software List, About.com's CAD/CAM Software List, and thefabricator.com's CAD/CAM Software Buyer's Guide.
Get an industry-specific solution
Several software manufacturers offer software programs that have been specifically designed for certain industries. Common industries that have their own custom applications include tool and die manufacturing and mechanical engineering.
I recommend: Check out TopSolid Software's programs that have been designed for the mechanical engineering, sheet metal, mold making and tool design industries.
Get training
Buying a CAD/CAM package is just the start. Training your staff and retraining to keep up with the upgrades is a major consideration.
I recommend: iKnowledge Solutions specializes in online and desktop training. Industry pioneer AutoDesk offers a huge variety of courses for its CAD/CAM products. See a directory of training companies from Yahoo!.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- In addition to selecting CAD/CAM software, you generally want to have an experienced machinist or manufacturing expert on-hand to help you put the software into production.
- When you choose CAD/CAM software, it's important to pay attention to the PC requirements, but even more important to select a solution that will interface with your manufacturing tool of choice.
- If your CAD/CAM software won't run the machine, it should be able to export data that can be utilized by your machine tool. In addition, you may want features like the ability to calculate project costs, share drawings across your organization, and convert or export drawings into a variety of formats.
The official source of CAD/CAM Software is the CAD/CAM Software page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
3D CAD Software With Free Trial3D Mechanical CAD software. Serious, Simple & Cheap. Parametric parts, assemblies, 2D drawings. Priced at $995 with free version available.
www.alibre.com CAD & Graphics: Computer Aided DrawingOffers computer aided design software including the latest versions of TurboCAD and DesignCAD CAD software.
www.cadandgraphics.com Charting SoftwareCreate forms, timelines & flowcharts with our charting software. Institutional discounts. Download now!
www.smartdraw.com Paramount Industries Inc.: cad/camParamount provides design development services, including product design and engineering, prototyping, tooling, and more.
www.paramountind.com
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 Recommended Solution Providers | Back to top |
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Provides CAD/CAM software solutions for manufacturing.
Providers of CAD/CAM software and technology workshops.
Providers of CAD/CAM software, controls, retrofits and machines.
CAD software package.
Provides CAD/CAM training and mentoring, design engineering, drafting and other services.
Developer of CAD software.
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 Best Sites to Learn More | Back to top |
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Listing of CAD/CAM software packages and a comparison of features.
Articles and resources pertaining to CAD/CAM software.
Listing of CAD/CAM software separated by industry.
List of companies that provide CAD/CAM software.
Guide to CAM software. Also links to other CAM software guides.
News, articles, reviews, resources and forums about CAD/CAM software.
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 Best Blogs and Forums | Back to top |
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Discussion of CAD/CAM issues.
Information and news about design and manufacturing.
News and information about AutoCAD.
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