What is CAD/CAM and why should a Ham care?

Overview of process

CAD

Software to draw/design your model (2D or 3D)

Will leave you with some sort of picture/model file:

2D: Vector file – NOT bitmap

Yes: SVG, DWG, possibly PDF

No: JPG, PNG, screenshot, scanned paper drawing…

At least not like that: can be traced, inspiration, etc.

3D: SCAD, STEP, IGES, SLD*, F3D, etc.

PCB: Gerber (though you'll probably have a .BRD, .kicad_pcb, etc.)

Purpose of model: describe “outline” of what you've designed

Think home rendering

Tells us lots about what we want to build

“A panel of this by this, with a hole with this dimension here, and missing a square there with that dimension…”

Definition of shape and how everything is positioned relative to each other

No idea of how to actually build the model, just the (exact) shape.

Nothing about how to actually get a panel of that shape, or how to create those holes or missing squares…

CAM - Software to translate model into paths (cutting lines) - GCode

Often overlooked part of the process!

Not File/Print!

From home rendering to architectural building plans

Even detailed rendering doesn't care about (most) details!

Materials (studs, joists, wiring, plumbing, etc.)

Structure (How does the house stand up?)

Process (Need foundation, then framing, then surfaces, then finish)

Interference (Multiple items may try to occupy the same space!)

CAM not a generic process

Specific for each type of machine and process!

Additive:

3D printer (plastic extrusion)

DMLS (metal sintering)

SLA/DLP (light/resin)

SLS (light/powder)

Subtractive

Flat (2D / 2.5D)

Router (tool-based)

Laser/Waterjet/Plasma/EDM (non-tool-based)

Rotational

Lathe

3D (Extra DOF)

Mill

Each machine has specific details it needs beyond simple shape and dimensions

Specific path details

Machine capabilities/limitations

Material details

Speeds and limitations

Tooling details (size, shape, etc.)

Change the tool, literally change everything

At this point, presentation becomes much more use-case specific

Additive (3D Printer) much different than Subtractive (CNC Router)

Machine, material, techniques, limitations, etc.

My perspective: desktop CNC router in wood or PCB

3D printing similar concepts but very different details

Purpose: to create detailed instructions how to build your model

Reflecting details of your tools and material as well as your model

Additive: Slicer

Effectively fill-in layer-by-layer

What is the footprint in this fraction of a millimeter layer? Draw it!

Not quite so simple: Overhangs, underhangs, support material, bonding

Other subtleties: direction of strength/shear,

GCode Sender - Software to take

CAD Options

3D

Free as in freedom

OpenSCAD (For us wierdos)

FreeCAD (For power-user types)

Blender (For artistic/graphical types)

Free as in beer

TinkerCAD (For a simple start)

OnShape (Great for collaboration)

I've got a budget and I'm gonna use it

The pay-for versions of the free-as-in-beer…

Fusion360 (Low-end professional CAD)

SolidWorks/CATIA/UG (Why are you even listening right now?!?)

2D

Resources:

https://www.craftsmanspace.com/free-software/free-2d-cad-software.html

Free as in freedom

Inkscape (For those used to graphics design over CAD)

QCAD (Includes some CAM functions as well)

LibreCAD (For power-user CAD types)

Free as in beer

NanoCAD (Legacy version is free but still needs yearly renewal)

SketchUp (For those who want easy)

I've got a budget and I'm gonna use it

The pay-for versions of the free-as-in-beer…

Adobe Illustrator (If you've got it, use it)