What is CAM?
CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) is software that turns a part's CAD geometry into the program a machine runs. In a laser or plasma shop, CAM nests the parts on the sheet, sets the cut path and cutting parameters, and outputs the file the machine's controller cuts from.
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What does CAM mean in fabrication?
CAM sits between the drawing and the machine. For profile cutting it handles:
- nesting: arranging parts on the sheet to use as little material as possible
- cut order: holes and inner features before the outer profile, so parts don't move while they're cut
- lead-ins, lead-outs and micro-joints
- kerf compensation
- cutting parameters: the feed rate, power and gas for each material and thickness
The output is an NC program, usually G-code, that the machine's CNC controller reads. Laser makers supply CAM software with most machines, and third-party CAM packages are also common.
How is CAM used?
A programmer imports the customer's CAD files, checks the geometry, assigns material and thickness, and nests the parts. CAM then estimates the run time and sends the program to the machine. In a shop with one laser, the programmer is often the operator, working on the machine's own PC between sheets.
CAM also produces sheet reports listing the parts on each sheet, the material used and the estimated cut time. Shops use those to check quoted times against what the machine will do.
Why does CAM matter?
CAM decides how efficiently the machine runs. Good nesting saves material, a sensible cut order avoids tipped parts and head collisions, and the right parameters give clean edges at full speed. Its time estimates are also the best check a shop has on its quoted cycle times.
Quoting in CAM
Some shops quote by nesting every job in CAM to get a time and a material figure. The numbers are accurate, but the method is slow:
- every quote takes programming time, including the ones that are never won
- in a small shop, quoting ties up the machine PC while the laser waits
- the result depends on who programmed it, so two estimators can reach different prices
That's why many shops quote from the geometry with separate quoting software, and program in CAM once the order is confirmed.
CAM and quoting
A quote needs reliable cut length, pierce count, cycle time and material use, not a finished machine program. Tempus Tools works these out from the customer's file and nests the parts itself to price material, so quotes go out without waiting on the programmer or the machine PC.
Related terms
Quote without waiting on the programmer
Tempus Tools works out cut time and material from the customer's file, so quotes go out before anything is programmed in CAM.
FAQs
What does CAM stand for?
CAM stands for computer-aided manufacturing. It's software that takes a part's CAD geometry and prepares it for a machine. For laser cutting, that means nesting parts on the sheet, setting the cut path and cutting parameters, and writing the program the laser runs.
Is CAM software included with a laser cutter?
With most machines, yes. Laser makers supply CAM or nesting software set up for their controller. Third-party CAM packages are also available, often with stronger nesting, remnant tracking or support for several machines in one shop.
What is G-code in laser cutting?
G-code is the instruction language most CNC machines read. A laser program lists moves, pierces, cuts and power or gas changes as lines of code. Each machine needs a post-processor that writes G-code in the dialect its controller understands.
Can you quote laser cutting jobs in CAM?
You can, by nesting each job and reading off the time and material, but it's slow. Every quote takes programming time, including jobs you don't win, and in a small shop it ties up the machine PC. Quoting software gets the same numbers from the geometry in minutes.