• Question: What is CAD and what is CAM as I realize that they stand for Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacture but what programs, techniques and qualities would I need and use to do this?

    Asked by Adam to Matthew, Neil, Pete, Philippa on 18 Mar 2015.
    • Photo: Pete Symons

      Pete Symons answered on 18 Mar 2015:

      Hi Adam,

      I thin that CAD?CAM are more taught in mechanical degrees when you get to university, i didn’t study mechanical engineering but I’m pretty sure people I knew had learnt about CAD on their degrees. I don;t think any hiring company would expect you to be an expert in CAD/CAM so it’s more likely that you would go into a company with a degree then learn on the job or get trained in its proper use, when you get into work.

      Hope this helps

    • Photo: Neil Taylor

      Neil Taylor answered on 18 Mar 2015:

      Hi Adam!

      Computer aided design is where you draw 2D and 3D models on a computer. I use CAD as part of finite element analysis (FEA) – it’s some software where you draw an object, divide it into little blocks, and then ask the program to work out how the object will react to temperature/bending/stretching etc.

      Some of the software I used at school/university was AutoCAD (2D) and solidworks (3D). You’d need some skill in maths to be able to work out dimensions (how long the lines are/what angle the angles are) on the drawings, and be able to read drawings – but it’s all stuff that you can learn!

      I’m not too familiar with CAM, but I believe it’s where you use software to control machines to precisely cut materials into objects. You would create a model of what you wanted in CAD, and then create it!

      Sounds pretty cool!

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