CAD (Computer-Aided Design) are software that enable users to create two dimensions (2D) and three dimensions (3D) drawings of various objects. These technical and engineering drawings conveys information such as materials, processes, dimensions and tolerances of the object. These software are used in industries like automotive, aerospace, architecture, product design, etc – to produce a “blue print” for the fabrication of the final product.
CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is a type of software that assist engineers and machinists in manufacturing or prototyping products, components and tools. Its primary purpose is to create a faster production process and tools, with more precise dimensions and material consistency. CAM is a programming tool that makes it possible to manufacture physical models using computer-aided design (CAD) programs.
To put it in simple terms, imagine a desktop PC with a CAD program installed. Attached to the PC is a CNC Milling Machine (imagine a printer). CAM acts as the “driver software” between the milling machine and the PC. Once you have created a 3D drawing using the CAD software and inserted a block of steel into the milling machine, hit the print button and the milling machine starts to cut the steel according to your drawing.
CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) is the use of information technology to support engineers in tasks such as analysis, simulation, design, manufacture, planning, diagnosis and repair. With this software, an engineer can simulate the flow of material inside an injection mold and highlight areas where material may clog as a result of a poorly made mold. Certain tools in the software may enable engineers to identify possible weak-points and stress area of a part or product. Such analysis can prevent companies from making costly mistakes by having to produce the final product, and to later find out the faults and mistakes.
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