CAM, CNC & Manufacturing explains how CAD models become physical products. It covers machining fundamentals, milling, turning, toolpaths, post-processing, sheet metal production, mold manufacturing, additive manufacturing, design for manufacturing and assembly, inspection and metrology.
Explore This CADpedia Section
Use this section to understand the full path from CAD geometry to machines, processes, inspection and finished parts.
CAM Fundamentals
Key topics include What Is CAM?, CAD-to-CAM Workflows, Manufacturing Features, Stock Definition, Fixtures, and Work Coordinate Systems. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: What Is CAM?, CAD-to-CAM Workflows, Manufacturing Features, Stock Definition, Fixtures, Work Coordinate Systems, Tools and Tool Libraries, Feeds and Speeds.
CNC Milling
Key topics include 2D Milling, 2.5D Milling, 3-Axis Milling, 4-Axis Milling, 5-Axis Milling, and Pocketing. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: 2D Milling, 2.5D Milling, 3-Axis Milling, 4-Axis Milling, 5-Axis Milling, Pocketing, Contouring, Adaptive Clearing.
CNC Turning
Key topics include Facing, Rough Turning, Finish Turning, Grooving, Threading, and Drilling. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Facing, Rough Turning, Finish Turning, Grooving, Threading, Drilling, Mill-Turn Machining, Swiss-Type Machining.
Toolpaths and Post-Processing
Key topics include Toolpath Generation, Toolpath Simulation, Collision Detection, Machine Simulation, Post-Processors, and G-code. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Toolpath Generation, Toolpath Simulation, Collision Detection, Machine Simulation, Post-Processors, G-code, M-code, NC Verification.
Sheet Metal Manufacturing
Key topics include Flat Patterns, Bend Allowances, Bend Deductions, K-Factors, Laser Cutting, and Punching. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Flat Patterns, Bend Allowances, Bend Deductions, K-Factors, Laser Cutting, Punching, Press Brake Programming, Nesting.
Mold and Tool Manufacturing
Key topics include Mold Machining, Electrode Design, Die Machining, Toolpath Optimization, High-Speed Machining, and Rest Material Removal. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Mold Machining, Electrode Design, Die Machining, Toolpath Optimization, High-Speed Machining, Rest Material Removal, Surface Finishing.
Additive Manufacturing
Key topics include FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, Metal Additive Manufacturing, and Binder Jetting. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, Metal Additive Manufacturing, Binder Jetting, Material Jetting, Build Orientation.
Design for Manufacturing and Assembly
Key topics include DFM, DFA, DfAM, Machining Constraints, Moldability, and Draft Requirements. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: DFM, DFA, DfAM, Machining Constraints, Moldability, Draft Requirements, Uniform Wall Thickness, Sheet Metal Rules.
Inspection and Metrology
Key topics include Coordinate Measuring Machines, CMM Programming, 3D Scanning for Inspection, Dimensional Inspection, GD&T Inspection, and First Article Inspection. Additional entries will expand the subject with definitions, methods, examples and related standards.
Representative topics: Coordinate Measuring Machines, CMM Programming, 3D Scanning for Inspection, Dimensional Inspection, GD&T Inspection, First Article Inspection, Inspection Plans, PMI-to-Inspection.
How CADpedia Organizes This Knowledge
Each topic is developed as a separate encyclopedic entry. Definitions explain the terminology, reference pages document standards and formats, software profiles describe platforms, and practical entries connect the concepts to professional workflows. Related pages are linked across categories so readers can move from theory to software, standards, files and industry applications without repeating the same information.