CAD

Computer Aided Design (CAD), is the use of computer software to design a drawing of pretty much any object you can think of. Most people have heard of CAD being used to design in architecture. In the world of CNC machining, by recording very specific dimensions, constraints, tolerances and materials, the CAD software can give you a highly accurate and detailed model of your product. We do offer a CAD design service for our customers that do not already have a CAD drawing for their product. We can help you at any stage of the process whether it’s just a one off CAD model in Fusion 360 or taking an initial idea and setting it up for mass production.

In order to understand your requirements, we will ask you to provide us with a rough design brief or a hand-drawn sketch. If you already have engineering drawings to hand, we can copy those into Fusion 360. We will be in contact with you throughout the design process and ensure you are happy with the project as it develops. Keeping you updated and allowing you to monitor our progress at every step of the journey will allow for a final CAD design that you will be satisfied with.

By using Fusion 360 software, you will have the benefit of visualising in 3D and understanding the design before it moves into production. It is an efficient way to ensure accuracy of the product specifications are adhered to from inception to production.

CAM

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) is generally referred to the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining process. Once we have been given your CAD design or we have completed one for you, CAM is needed to process the CAD part into a usable machine language that the CNC machines can understand. The language used by the machines, such as CNC routers, is often referred to as “G-Code”. The CAM software we use must be programmed to calculate the machining toolpath, which there are many styles depending on the machining circumstances. Typically toolpaths will have hold drilling, profiling, pocketing, facing, engraving, 2D toolpaths and 3D toolpaths.