Definition
CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) is software that generates toolpaths and NC code for a CNC machine, based on a part's CAD geometry and a chosen manufacturing strategy (which tool, what cutting parameters, what path). It sits downstream of process planning: process planning decides what operations and machines to use, CAM generates the specific instructions to execute them.
Why CAM programming behaves like a one-time cost
CAM programming time is itself a real cost, often treated similarly to setup time: largely a one-time cost per part design, not per piece produced, which is why a repeat order's CAM program can usually be reused rather than rebuilt.
Where CAM fits in
Not on the drawing; CAM takes the drawing's implied requirements, via the 3D model and process plan, and produces the machine-specific program, rather than appearing in the technical documentation itself.
Common mistakes
Confusing CAM with CAPP; CAPP decides the process plan (what operations, what machines), while CAM generates the specific toolpaths and code to execute a plan already decided.
CAM programming time is itself a real cost, often treated similarly to setup time: largely a one-time cost per part design, not per piece produced, which is why a repeat order's CAM program can usually be reused rather than rebuilt.
See how Blake reviews a partFrequently asked questions
Is CAM the same as CAPP?
No, CAPP decides how to manufacture a part; CAM generates the specific toolpaths and NC code to execute that decision on a chosen machine.
Does CAM programming need to be redone for every part?
Not for a repeat order; the CAM program from a prior order can usually be reused if the part and revision are unchanged.
What does CAM actually output?
NC code (or a similar machine-readable program) that a specific CNC machine's controller executes to produce the toolpaths.