It is a term used in the sector of CNC processing, which is a composition of:

CAD

Computer-aided design (CAD) describes the use of a computer as an aid for technical drawing. Two-dimensional (2D) and, nowadays, three-dimensional (3D) constructions are possible.

CAM

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) describes the use of software, independent from the CNC machine, for the creation of the NC-code.

The WOP (Workshop oriented programming) is a special form of CAD/CAM. Sophisticated construction and drawing software usually plays a minor role here. Instead, certain recurrent process steps are pre-programmed and usually available by push buttons. The user can enter the necessary parameters into a kind of dialogue system and the software produces construction as well as the NC-program.

Examples of CAD/CAM-software

• AlphaCAM
• Aspan
• ArtCAM
• Genio
• New Dimension
• TopSolid Wood