Computer-aided design and manufacturing

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Definition

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer technology for the design of objects, real or virtual. The design of geometric models for object shapes, in particular, is often called computer-aided geometric design (CAGD).” (Wikipedia, retrieved 16:43, 24 June 2009 (UTC)).

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the use of computer-based software tools that assist engineers and machinists in manufacturing or prototyping product components. Its primary purpose is to create a faster production process and components with more precise dimensions and material consistency, which in some cases, uses only the required amount of raw material (thus minimizing waste), while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. CAM is a programming tool that makes it possible to manufacture physical models using computer-aided design (CAD) programs” Wikipedia, retrieved 16:43, 24 June 2009 (UTC).

CAD and CAM are kind of Electronic Design automation together with computer-aided engineering, etc.

See also:

  • Fab labs (machines that build designs). The purpose of this entry is provide some background information about CAD/CAM formats and software that could be useful for building things in a (larger) educational context with fabbers (low cost 3D printers).
  • RapMan, a cheap low-end 3D printer
  • 3D modeling

File formats

3D Computer Modeling
Models can be built in various formats, such as RIB, DXF, 3DM, 3DMF, OBJ, X3D. For many fabbers, they then must be exported as .STL file,
The .STL format
Scanners
Polygon File Format or the Stanford Triangle Format. (.PLY)
CAD standards
See CAD standards (Wikipedia).

Software

  • Fab@Home works with any CAD program that can export to .STL
  • SolidView light is a free program with support for SFX, STL, SolidWorks, VRML, and OBJ CAD files. I.e. it can be used to look at STL files.

Links

General and links of links
Free multi-purpose modelling software
  • Ayam,a free 3D modelling environment for the RenderMan interface.
  • Blender, a free open source 3D content creation suite.
  • Caligary, is a free 3D computer graphics and animation software.
  • Art of Illusion is a free, open source 3D modelling and rendering studio.