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What is CAD/CAM software?
CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design & computer-aided manufacturing. CAD/CAM software is used to design and manufacture prototypes, finished products and production runs. An integrated CAD/CAM system offers one complete solution from design through to manufacturing.
What is CAD/CAM used for?
CAD/CAM applications are used to both design a product and program manufacturing processes, specifically, CNC machining. CAM software (US Site) uses the models and assemblies created in CAD software to generate toolpaths that drive machine tools to turn designs into physical parts. CAD/CAM software is used to design and manufacture prototypes, finished parts and production runs.
Expert CAD/CAM software
Prepare your designs for manufacture with PowerShape, create 5-axis precision toolpaths to machine parts with PowerMill and inspect finished parts with multiple devices using PowerInspect.
Modelling for manufacture
A modelling for manufacture toolkit. Discover how PowerShape combines the strengths of surface, solid and mesh modelling to prepare moulds, dies and complex parts for manufacture. (video: 1.43 min.)
5-axis machining
Maximise machine efficiency and part quality. Import PowerShape models into PowerMill and create precision high-speed and multi-axis toolpaths for moulds, dies and highly complex components. (video: 1.33 min.)
Inspect manufactured parts
Compare your finished part against the PowerShape CAD data with PowerInspect. Inspect parts on the shop floor, in the inspection room or integrate inspection routines on the machine tool. (video: 1.33 min.)
Integrated CAD/CAM software
Fusion 360 eliminates your disconnected design to manufacturing process with a single, integrated CAD/CAM platform.
Communicate with your customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to get your part manufactured on time, the first time.
- Easily import files with a comprehensive set of data translators for 50 different file types.
- Direct edit existing features or model fixtures for the imported model with integrated CAD.
- Easily share design data or Fusion team functionality.
- Maintain control of who has access to view, comment and edit on projects.
- Quickly conduct design reviews with the ability to view project data through a web browser or a mobile device, allowing collaborators to review in real time if they don’t have Fusion 360.
Featured CAD/CAM software
Autodesk CAD/CAM software solutions for design and manufacturing.
Free CAD/CAM software
Autodesk offers free software for qualifying startups/hobbyists, students and educators.
FOR HOBBYISTS & MAKERS
Fusion 360 offers free use to qualifying startups, hobbyists and makers through a 3-step verification process.
FOR STUDENTS & EDUCATORS
We offer free Autodesk software for students and educators. Use the same CAD software as top professionals around the world.
CAD/CAM for production machining
FeatureCAM Ultimate brings together CAD/CAM technology from PartMaker and FeatureCAM for production machining.
Feature recognition
Get feature recognition tools to scan, identify and automatically create machinable features from your design with associative operations, reducing programming time. (video: 2.04 min.)
Multitask machining
Optimise CNC programs for multitasking turn-mills capable of performing both turning and milling operations in a single setup, helping reduce cycle times and maximise profit. (video: 1.30 min.)
Swiss-type lathes
Focused Swiss machining strategies for precision manufacturing give you full control over your Swiss-type lathes based on your tooling, machine tool and volume of production. (video: 1.48 min.)
How is CAD/CAM used?
Magna Advanced Technologies
Magna Advanced Technologies produces prototypes and tooling for the highly competitive automotive market. PowerMill and PowerShape enable the firm to design and manufacture complex parts faster while conserving capital expenditure.
See what our customers are doing
SandFlo Golf Putters
SandFlo golf uses Fusion 360 for end-to-end product development to create customised golf putters. The cloud, collaboration and the community combined enable Johan Sandflo to bring his ideas to life.
Watches of Switzerland
CallisonRTKL was enlisted by Aurum – the owner of Watches of Switzerland and other jewellers in the UK – to design the new 3-storey, 17,000 square foot flagship store on Regent Street in London.
CAD/CAM trends
Industry experts CIMdata expect CAD/CAM software demand to increase as manufacturers look to produce better quality products, reduce production times and lower their cost to market.
CAD/CAM integration
Trends toward CAD/CAM software interfacing with IoT (US Site), predictive analytics and smart manufacturing technologies are forecast to redefine manufacturing in the future.
Additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing is also increasing the demand for CAD/CAM software that enables industrial designers to take advantage of the extra creativity offered by 3D printing.
Cloud-based CAD/CAM
Cloud-based CAD/CAM applications such as Fusion 360, combining CNC programming, simulation and design into one cloud-based application, are predicted to accelerate over the next few years.
Resources for CAD/CAM
Get started with CAD/CAM with these tutorials, guides and tips.
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What is CAM? (US Site)
Read this article for a complete introduction to using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software.
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CAM programming (US Site)
Get tips and techniques to meet your CAM programming goals with greater consistency and efficiency.
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Access resources and learning content for FeatureCAM, PowerMill and PowerInspect through the Manufacturing Hub.
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Learn more about how to use CAM software for CNC machining. Explore Autodesk CNC machining resoures, products and tutorials.
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Get started in CNC programming with these tips, tricks and tutorials.
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CNC precision machining (US Site)
Learn how Autodesk manufacturing software tools can help you to minimise delivery times, maximise part quality and avoid costly machine downtime.