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[QUOTE]Originally posted by john70t
Please correct this if wrong. I'm a newby looking into this now, but from what I can tell so far, the catagorys are:
1)CAD(computer aided design) software...
Yup, and that can be broken into 2 more categories: (and I've really trivialized this mind you)
1) CAD (computer aided design)
Most commerical systems are 3d parametric modelers, which create 3d solid or surface objects from 2d sketches and operations (extrudes, cuts, sweeps, lofts, etc.). Parametric refers to the solid model being driven by user defined dimensions. Your parts drive 2d drawings and assemblies. If a part feature must change, changes are made typically to the model only and cascade (or reference through) to related drawing and assembly files updating them automatically. Good commericial packages like the ones island911 mentions begin around $5k and go from there.
and
2) Cad/Cam (computer aided machining)
Unless you own a CNC milling machine or a CNC lathe, a CAM package is pretty much useless and generally not an optimzed tool for designing parts. CAM packages take CAD files either native or translated which the operator uses to select geometry (surfaces, edges, holes, pockets, etc.) that the software then writes a toolpath to. Through a series of menus you might select an operation, cutting tool, feeds/speeds, etc. and the operation is recorded. When the part is fully programmed and verified the user then "posts out G-Code" which is what a typical machine tool control uses to run itself. Good CAM packages start at around $10k and go up from there quick.
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'84 Carrera Coupe
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