CAD/CAM applications are used to both design a product and program manufacturing processes, specifically for CNC machines. CAM software uses the models and assemblies created in CAD software to generate tool paths that drive machine tools to turn designs into physical parts. CAD/CAM software is used to design and manufacture prototypes, finished parts, and production runs.
 

A normative concurrent design and engineering process

CAD CAM Packages

There has been tremendous progress to make use of CAD/CAM software in small and medium scale industries. There is affordable software available for the lower end of the industries. It is now an inevitable transition from conventional manual systems to computerized systems in the sheet metal industry.



Example: Amada Software Solution, Software covers the entire manufacturing path for sheet metal fabrication.
(Amada)

It is well-advised to choose appropriate CAD software to manufacture sheet metal components. Most sheet metal fabrication operations on CNC machines involve cutting, punching, bending, and dimple and boss creations. Many also use general-purpose CNC machines for prototype development, one-off or small batch productions. Designers should visualize the part in CAD models and try to understand how to optimize the sheet sizes, generate punch and bend sequences, how to avoid dimples and bosses that do not conflict with punch tools and bending tools.