CAD/CAM/CAE

CAD or Computer Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application is a multi-platform CAD/CAM/CAE commercial software suite developed by the French company Dassault Systems. It is written in the C++ programming language. CAD is also known as Computer-aided design, CAE as Computer-aided engineering, and CAM as Computer-aided manufacturing.

Today, the business environment is competitive, and it is essential for a manufacturer to maintain error-free production and reduced ‘time to market' to stay ahead of competitors. Here comes the need for processes that deliver high-quality products within compressed development schedules at very low costs. Here, CAD/CAM/CAE has emerged as a critical application for manufacturers. CAD/CAM/CAE is an evergreen branch of engineering.

CAD/CAM/CAE plays a vital role right from the stage of conceiving of the idea to designing the product with aesthetic appeal to developing the product level drawings and lastly to the validation/analysis stage. CAD/CAM/CAE is the integral part of today's product development and product lifecycle. The multifold capabilities of the application empower engineers with better visualisation and data handling tools necessary to create efficient products.

What is the difference between CAD, CAM, and CAE software? 

CAD = Computer Aided Design

CAE = Computer Aided Engineering

CAM = Computer Aided Manufacturing

Computer-aided design (CAD)

It is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, and optimisation of a design. Computer Aided Design is a three dimensional design tool for developing 2 and 3 dimensional models which can later be translated into a product. In the fashion sector CAD is used for automated pattern design and marker making.

Typical tools of the CAD are:

• Tolerance analysis
• Mass property calculations
• Finite-element modeling and visualization

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)

It is specifically designed for computer systems to plan, manage, and control manufacturing operations. It is used on the direct and indirect computer interface with the plant's production resources. It also takes care of numerical control of machine tools.

CAM is a training tool for improving productivity. Those interested in designing products and in research areas will find CAD CAM both interesting and valuable. All design oriented production industries and 3D animations need CAD CAM professionals.

Computer-aided engineering (CAE)

It is a use of computer systems to analyze CAD geometry. It allows a designer to simulate and study how the product will behave, allowing for optimization.

Components of CAD/CAM/CAE systems:

The major component of CAD/CAM/CAE systems is hardware and software that allows the manipulation of shape. Hardware includes graphic devices and their peripherals for input and output operations. Software includes packages that manipulate or analyze shapes according to user interaction.

Training is also being provided in tools of CAD/CAM/CAE:

• Catia V4
• Catia V5
• UniGraphics
• ProEngineer
• SolidWorks
• Autodesk Inventor
• Ansys
• Hypermesh

Eligibility:

• Should be a Graduate/Post graduate student in Mechanical/Automobile/Production/Industrial/Polymer engineering from any university

Career prospects:

Industry veterans say that CAD/CAM/CAE provides an exciting career in the industry. CAD/CAM/CAE trained professionals can make their career in the following industries:

• Automotive industry
• Foundry
• Sheet metal industry
• Plastics mould making industry
• Press tools/dies
• Pressure die castings
• Reverse engineering
• CAD/CAM consultants
• Software developers for CAD/CAM applications
• Customisation projects