Editing Computer-aided manufacturing (section)

==History==
Early commercial applications of CAM were in large companies in the automotive and aerospace industries; for example, [[Pierre Bézier]]s work developing the CAD/CAM application [[UNISURF]] in the 1960s for car body design and tooling at [[Renault]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Dokken|first=Tor|title=The History of CAD|url=http://www.saga-network.eu/index.php/resources/downloads/category/2-kolimpari?download=42%3Ator-dokken-the-history-of-cad-and-examples-of-its-use-in-industry|publisher=The SAGA-project|access-date=17 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102082519/http://www.saga-network.eu/index.php/resources/downloads/category/2-kolimpari?download=42%3Ator-dokken-the-history-of-cad-and-examples-of-its-use-in-industry|archive-date=2 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Alexander Hammer at DeLaval Steam Turbine Company invented a technique to progressively drill turbine blades out of a solid metal block of metal with the drill controlled by a punch card reader in 1950. Boeing first obtained NC machines in 1956, made by companies such as [[Kearney and Trecker]], [[Stromberg-Carlson]] and [[TRW Inc.|Thompson Ramo Waldridge]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sanders |first1=Norman |title=A Possible First Use of CAM/CAD |url=https://inria.hal.science/hal-01526813/document |website=Hal Portal Inria |access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref>

Historically, CAM software was seen to have several shortcomings that necessitated an overly high level of involvement by skilled [[CNC]] machinists. Fallows created the first CAD software but this had severe shortcomings and was promptly taken back into the developing stage.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} CAM software would output code for the least capable machine, as each machine tool control added on to the standard [[G-code]] set for increased flexibility.  In some cases, such as improperly set up CAM software or specific tools, the CNC machine required manual editing before the program will run properly.  None of these issues were so insurmountable that a thoughtful engineer or skilled machine operator could not overcome for prototyping or small production runs; G-Code is a simple language.  In high production or high precision shops, a different set of problems were encountered where an experienced CNC machinist must both hand-code programs and run CAM software.

The integration of CAD with other components of CAD/CAM/CAE [[Product lifecycle management]] (PLM) environment requires an effective [[CAD data exchange]]. Usually it had been necessary to force the CAD operator to export the data in one of the common data formats, such as [[IGES]] or [[STL (file format)|STL]] or [[Parasolid]] formats that are supported by a wide variety of software.
The output from the CAM software is usually a simple text file of G-code/M-codes, sometimes many thousands of commands long, that is then transferred to a machine tool using a [[direct numerical control]] (DNC) program or in modern Controllers using a common [[USB]] Storage Device.

CAM packages could not, and still cannot, reason as a machinist can. They could not optimize toolpaths to the extent required of [[mass production]]. Users would select the type of tool, machining process and paths to be used. While an engineer may have a working knowledge of G-code programming, small optimization and wear issues compound over time.  Mass-produced items that require machining are often initially created through casting or some other non-machine method.  This enables hand-written, short, and highly optimized G-code that could not be produced in a CAM package.

At least in the United States, there is a shortage of young, skilled machinists entering the workforce able to perform at the extremes of manufacturing; high precision and mass production.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Joshua |title=America's Skilled Trades Dilemma: Shortages Loom As Most-In-Demand Group Of Workers Ages |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/emsi/2013/03/07/americas-skilled-trades-dilemma-shortages-loom-as-most-in-demand-group-of-workers-ages/ |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323744604578470890996410044|title=Help Wanted. A Lot of It.|last=Hagerty|first=James R.|date=2013-06-10|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660}}</ref>  As CAM software and machines become more complicated, the skills required of a machinist or machine operator advance to approach that of a [[Programmer|computer programmer]] and engineer rather than eliminating the CNC machinist from the workforce.

;Typical areas of concern
* High-Speed Machining, including streamlining of tool paths
* Multi-function Machining
* 5 Axis Machining
* [[Feature recognition]] and machining
* Automation of Machining processes
* Ease of Use

===Overcoming historical shortcomings===
Over time, the historical shortcomings of CAM are being attenuated, both by providers of niche solutions and by providers of high-end solutions. This is occurring primarily in three arenas:
# Ease of usage
# Manufacturing complexity
# Integration with [[Product life-cycle management (marketing)|PLM]] and the extended enterprise<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fJsvJgppWWoC&q=Over+time%2C+the+historical+shortcomings+of+CAM+are+being+attenuated%2C+both+by+providers+of+niche+solutions+and+by+providers+of+high-end+solutions.+This+is+occurring+primarily+in+three+arenas%3A+Ease+of+usage+Manufacturing+complexity+Integration+with+PLM+and+the+extended+enterprise&pg=PA313|title=Basic Civil Engineering|last=Gopi|date=2010-01-01|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=9788131729885|language=en}}</ref>

;Ease in use

:For the user who is just getting started as a CAM user, out-of-the-box capabilities providing Process Wizards, templates, libraries, machine tool kits, automated feature based machining and job function specific tailorable user interfaces build user confidence and speed the learning curve.
:User confidence is further built on 3D visualization through a closer integration with the 3D CAD environment, including error-avoiding simulations and optimizations.

;Manufacturing complexity
:The manufacturing environment is increasingly complex. The need for CAM and PLM tools by the manufacturing engineer, NC programmer or machinist is similar to the need for computer assistance by the pilot of modern [[aircraft]] systems. The modern machinery cannot be properly used without this assistance.
:Today's CAM systems support the full range of machine tools including: [[turning]], [[Multiaxis machining|5 axis machining]], [[Water jet cutter|waterjet]], [[Laser cutting|laser]] / [[plasma cutting]], and [[Wire cutting|wire EDM]]. Today’s CAM user can easily generate streamlined tool paths, optimized tool axis tilt for higher feed rates, better tool life and surface finish, and ideal cutting depth. In addition to programming cutting operations, modern CAM software can also drive non-cutting operations such as [[Coordinate-measuring machine#New probing systems|machine tool probing]].

;Integration with PLM and the extended enterprise LM to integrate manufacturing with enterprise operations from concept through field support of the finished product.
:To ensure ease of use appropriate to user objectives, modern CAM solutions are scalable from a stand-alone CAM system to a fully integrated multi-CAD 3D solution-set.  These solutions are created to meet the full needs of manufacturing personnel including part planning, shop documentation, resource management and data management and exchange. To prevent these solutions from detailed tool specific information a dedicated [[tool management]]