(See picts 5 & 6) A Parasolid file sent from one Parasolid based software program to another, represents very good data integration, as the data comes through flawlessly. An IGES surface file represents poor data integration, due to the amount of manual repair work frequently required for success. This is the most important type of integration for CAD/CAM. There are three different types of integration to consider:ĭata Integration. Data integration is the ability to share part models (common data files or a common database). Integration refers to how different software functions work together. For these different products to work well together, they need to possess a high level of integration. Unfortunately this is not a perfect world. In a perfect world, you would select up to three different products, each one best at one of these functions, and they would all interact perfectly. This model can be represented as a drawing or a CAD data file.

This definition of the part can be called its model. There are other types of CAD and CAM, but for the purposes of this article, only mechanical CAD and CAM are discussed.Įngineering design and manufacturing uses CAD/CAM software for three distinctly different purposes:ĭesign Modeling. A mechanical design engineer uses CAD software to create a part. CAM is software used to develop NC programs. To understand CAD/CAM integration today, it makes sense to start with the steps that need to be integrated.ĬAD (Computer Aided Design) is widely used to describe any software capable of defining a mechanical component with geometry, surfaces, or solid models. What is CAD/CAM integration? Is it good? Do you need it? It all depends on the type of integration and what your needs are.

They pursue integration through other means than single brand products. Now there is a new group of products touting integration as a key issue. They provide CAD and CAM integration by providing all pieces from the same company. There have been big workstation integrated CAD/CAM systems around for many years. Integration plays a very important role in the future of CAD/CAM products. The biggest change in recent times for the CAD/CAM industry lies with the term 'integration'. If you are involved with CNC machines, you are probably involved with CNC programming and CAD/CAM systems.

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