Toolpath

/kæm/

n. “The use of computers to turn digital designs into machine instructions.”

CAM, short for Computer-Aided Manufacturing, refers to software systems that convert digital design data, most commonly from CAD, into instructions that control manufacturing equipment. CAM bridges the gap between a virtual model and a physical object by translating geometry into toolpaths, feeds, speeds, and machine movements.

Where CAD answers the question “what should this look like?”, CAM answers “how do we make it?”. It takes precise digital geometry and maps it onto real-world machines such as CNC mills, lathes, laser cutters, plasma cutters, and 3D printers.

Key characteristics of CAM include:

• Toolpath Generation: Automatically calculates how cutting tools move across material.
• Machine Control: Outputs machine-readable instructions, commonly G-code.
• Material Awareness: Considers stock size, tool diameter, cutting depth, and material properties.
• Simulation: Allows virtual machining to detect collisions, inefficiencies, or errors before cutting.
• Automation: Reduces manual setup and increases repeatability and precision.

Conceptual example of a CAM workflow:

// Conceptual CAM process
Import CAD model
Define stock material
Select cutting tools
Generate toolpaths
Simulate machining
Export G-code to CNC machine

Conceptually, CAM is like choreographing a dance for machines. Every movement is planned in advance, ensuring tools cut only where intended, at the right speed, and in the correct sequence.

In essence, CAM transforms digital designs into physical reality, enabling modern manufacturing to be faster, more accurate, and far more consistent than manual machining ever could be.