The implementation of CAD/CAM software throughout the development cycle is critical to toolmakers. There are five main points to look for in the selection of CAD/CAM software for mold design and manufacturing:
1. Special functions for each step of the mold design and manufacturing process that eliminates tedious repetitive tasks and getting the task completed faster;
2. Fully integrated CAD/CAM software from industrial design through NC means downstream data translation can be totally eliminated from the process;
3. Robust, parametric, 3-D solid CAD/CAM software that provides the ability to create all complex geometry, as well as allow the created models to survive major changes to the design part, even late in the development cycle, thereby avoiding model reconstruction that would delay delivery of the tool;
4. Bullet-proof associability which enables truly concurrent industrial design, tool design, drawing creation and NC programming ensuring that everyone is working off the most current model;
5. Project collaboration and management capabilities via the web and peer-to-peer design conferencing capabilities, providing the collaboration tools needed to immediately resolve manufacturing, tooling and design issues in real-time design conferences, while saving and managing that information in an easily accessible, but secure, project repository.
CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) refers to computer software that is used to both design and manufacture products.
CAD is the use of computer technology for design and design documentation. CAD/CAM applications are used to both design a product and program manufacturing processes, specifically, CNC machining. CAM software uses the models and assemblies created in CAD software to generate tool paths that drive the machines that turn the designs into physical parts. CAD/CAM software is most often used for machining of prototypes and finished parts.