CAD/CAM
CAD/CAM software is used to generate part designs and then CNC machining programs corresponding those designs. Short for “computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing,” these systems create programs for CNC lathes, multi-axis machines and milling machines. CAD software is used to create parts by designing and drawing, using geometric shapes to construct a model. CAM software must be programmed in order to calculate cutting paths in which the cutting tools that are being used will take to remove material and produce a part. With the high sophistication of multi-axis machines and increasingly complex part geometries, production shops often program offline and not at the machine’s CNC. Also, the ability to create a digital twin, or a duplicate of a CNC machine and its environment within CAM software, has become advantageous for many machine programmers.
ESSENTIAL READING
VIEW ALL
Get with the Program(ming): 10 Articles to Help You Transform Your Data
Collecting data but not sure how to use it? You’re not alone. See how smart shops are turning raw machine data into real results—better decisions, smoother operations, and measurable ROI.
Read More
VIDEOS: Tips for Screw Making on Swiss-Type Machines
Here’s a three-part video series focused on Swiss screw making to help explain the benefits of thread whirling, back turning and broaching while taking into consideration CAM programming, tooling and machine specifications.
Watch
Latest Products
SmartCAM Software Release Enables Advanced CNC Capabilities
SmartCAM v2026's new features include enhanced tool home positions, group functions, mask/hide options, CTK/MCL improvements, rotation support and more for improved productivity.
Read More
Hexagon Software Integration Enables Faster Programming for Complex Parts
The integration of Hexagon’s WorkNC CAM software and the cloud-based tool library is said to strengthen how CAM programmers apply validated tooling data and proven machining methods.
Read More
ModuleWorks Software Update Enhances Machining Simulations
ModuleWorks GmbH introduces the ModuleWorks 2025.12 release, featuring capabilities for three-axis machining, feed control, adaptive roughing, deburring and swarf machining.
Read More
GibbsCAM Software Update Optimizes Toolpath Generation
GibbsCAM 2026 features an advanced 3D machining engine, which provides gains in toolpath generation speed with fewer iterations.
Read More
Verisurf Software Platform Enhances Digital Manufacturing Efficiency
The Verisurf 2026 model-based metrology platform is designed to improve repeatable process control and reduce production costs.
Read More
Collaborative Event Showcases Advanced Technology
Emuge-Franken USA, Okuma America Corp. and Open Mind Technologies collaborate to demonstrate the Evogrip Modular Workholding System at Okuma’s Charlotte, North Carolina facility on September 11, 2025.
Read More
Featured Posts
Precision Machining Technology Review: January 2026
Production Machining’s January 2026 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Kyocera SGS Precision Tools, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Star SU, Erowa Technology Inc., SW North America and Sandvik Coromant.
Read More
Precision Machining Technology Review: November 2025
Production Machining’s November 2025 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Mazak, Platinum Tooling, Methods Machine Tools, Tormach Inc. and Verisurf.
Read More
Precision Machining Technology Review: October 2025
Production Machining’s October 2025 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Renishaw Inc., Horn USA Inc., Kyocera SGS Precision Tools, Seco Tools, Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence and Jergens Inc.
Read More
Precision Machining Technology Review: July 2025
Production Machining’s July 2025 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, Caron Engineering, Sunnen Products Co., Mastercam, Sandvik Coromant and Kennametal.
Read More
Get with the Program(ming): 10 Articles to Help You Transform Your Data
Collecting data but not sure how to use it? You’re not alone. See how smart shops are turning raw machine data into real results—better decisions, smoother operations, and measurable ROI.
Read More
Precision Machining Technology Review: March 2025
Production Machining’s March 2025 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Allied Machine and Engineering, United Grinding, HCLSoftware, Sandvik Coromant and Sunnen Products Co.
Read More
FAQ: CAD/CAM
What is CAD/CAM?
In the world of metalworking, the CAM part of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) generally means software for programming CNC machine tools. CAD is the computer-aided process that creates a design of a part or object.
Source: CAM at a Crossroads
What is CAD/CAM programming?
There are three methods of writing CNC programs, including using CAD/CAM software. CAD/CAM programming minimizes the need for the programmer to perform complex math calculations. Due to the minimal amount of math required by the programmer, CAD/CAM programming tends to be more efficient than manual programming.
By using an existing CAD drawing file and importing data into the CAM software, the programmer only needs to decide on which process and tooling to employ, typically using a list of tooling data and cutting conditions. The CAM software then calculates all of the moves necessary to machine the part.
What are the disadvantages of using CAD/CAM?
Programmers must keep in mind that there is some potential for unintentionally entering incorrect data. Another problem is that sometimes, the original drawing file is not available to the CNC programmer.
What is the relationship between CAD and CAM?
Most product design is performed on computers using CAD software. Then, that design or drawing file data is imported into the CAM software. After a few selections from the programmer, the CAM software will use that data and calculate the necessary moves to machine the part.
What are the advantages of CAD/CAM?
CAD/CAM programming minimizes the need for the programmer to perform complex math calculations. Due to the minimal amount of math required by the programmer, CAD/CAM programming tends to be more efficient than manual programming.
