An introduction to CAD/CAM

CAD/CAM Overview
Why CAD/CAM?

Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided

Manufacture is the way things are made these
days. Without this technology we wouldnt have
the range and quality of products available or, at
least, they wouldnt be available at a price most
of us can afford. Hand-building and manual
techniques still very much have their place and
Design Education needs to treasure and foster
these skills so that future generations will have
the hands-on skills to understand the manmade world and provide the next generation of
engineers, designers and technicians. All of these
professionals will be using CAD/CAM techniques
or CAD/CAM products in their work, alongside
practical hands-on skill. Design and Technology
education has to reflect modern practice so it is
crucial that students have the opportunity to
use real CAD/CAM tools in their designing and
making.

What is CAD/CAM?

Sketching is still an essential tool for exploring

ideas but CAD has long-since replaced the
drawing board and pencil for design detailing
and proposal. Although CAD images are referred
to as Drawings, a CAD file contains mathematical
data that defines shape and geometry. In early
systems, this numerical data could be coded
to control a machine hence CNC; Computer
Numerical Control. Modern CAD/CAM systems do
the coding automatically so what you draw is
what you get. When you output a file (a drawing)
to the machine there is just a simple dialogue to
let the machine know what you want it to do and
what settings it should use.

The TechSoft Advantage

In many cases, TechSofts 2D Design software
outputs directly to machines, so this has huge
advantages for teaching. Simple 2D drawing can
start with the youngest pupils and be developed
as they move up the school regardless of which
material area they may be working in. TechSofts
2D Primary software can let this start even earlier.
Drawings could be for simple milled-shapes, ironon logos, laser-cut badges or superb presentation
sheets. Whatever the desired outcome, the
start will always be with an increasingly familiar
software tool. Because we write the software
and work closely with machine manufacturers,
we make sure that output is easy from 2D Design
and, where possible, direct from the desktop with
a common output dialog box. This is far more
than simple compatibility.

2D or 3D Software?

2D CAD is still an important tool for commercial

designers. Graphic design will always be a 2D
activity and any project using a laser or knifecutting CNC machine will need 2D data to work
from. 2D shapes are always quick to machine important in a classroom situation. The parts may
be assembled into 3D products reflecting the
commercial practice of flat pack assembly.
There is, however, no doubt that 3D CAD is
increasingly the norm for commercial designers
and it is important that students have access to
a good 3D modelling system as well. After much
searching and trialling, TechSoft were delighted
to be appointed UK Education re-sellers for
SolidWorks world leading 3D CAD. SolidWorks
has excellent support letting students quickly get
up to speed and onto the important thing which
is using it to design better products.
For education, TechSofts 2D Design V2 and
SolidWorks sit very well alongside each other and
share much common ground. 2D sketches can be
imported into SolidWorks for 3D treatment, and
elevations created in SolidWorks can be imported
into 2D Design for profiling on a CAM system.
Many schools introduce students to 2D Design
at KS3, SolidWorks at KS4, and then use both 2D
and 3D CAD as appropriate to project work right
through to A level.

CAD/CAM in Education
Primary Schools

2D Primary software
gives pupils a great new
tool for doing a new
type of drawing. If you
back the software with
a Roland Stika, then
youll have all you need
to create accurate technical drawings, design eyepopping textures and patterns, cut stickers from
self-adhesive vinyl or even print and cut bespoke
stickers and labels. Add the iModela or SRM20 milling machine, and Primary pupils will be
machining solid parts for real projects. Its proper
CAD/CAM, a great teaching tool and exciting stuff
for the pupils.

Stika SV-8E
A good starting
point for those on
a low budget
(See page 33)

Secondary Schools

Getting the right CAD/CAM resources is essential

to make the most of budgets and to give students
the tools that they need. We recommend the
packages featured on page 9 as a good place to
start. If at all possible, machines should be sited
where students have access to see work being
machined, and to take some part in the process.
In an ideal world students will have access to
all resources whenever needed, but reality says
that many departments are split and even clever
timetabling wont prevent bottlenecks. It might
be sensible to consider several smaller machines
in different areas of the department rather than
one large machine in a hub. Some schools aspire
to an enhanced level of CAD/CAM access, perhaps
to meet the needs of Technology or Engineering
Specialism and a remit to provide extended
resources for neighbouring schools. Whatever
the number or scale of machines needed, 2D
Design V2 and SolidWorks will provide the core
software needed to make them earn their keep.

Colleges & Universities

TechSofts 2D Design V2 (see page 12) has become

increasingly popular at FE and HE level where
industry-specific software provides the core but
a straightforward route is needed for 2D CAM
output. 2D Design V2 provides this and integrates
easily with other systems. All TechSoft machines
are designed for industrial use and this includes
full 3D capability where appropriate. TechSoft are
appointed SolidWorks re-sellers for UK education
and will be delighted to advise, provide support
and training and supply the right package of
SolidWorks licences for any college or university
adopting this market-leading 3D CAD software.

iModela iM-01

A low cost Miller/Engraver

(See page 65)

RouterCAM 1290
Large format routing
(See page 72)

www.techsoft.co.uk

sales@techsoft.co.uk