CAD/CAM Course

Lesson 1 • CAD/CAM Workflow Overview

Maps the end-to-end process from design intent to manufactured part. Students trace data flow across design, simulation, and machining stages.

Lesson 2 • Coordinate Systems and Geometry Basics

Introduces Cartesian, polar, and cylindrical coordinate systems used in CAD. Provides the geometric foundation for all modeling tasks.

Lesson 3 • Hardware and Software Components

Identifies workstation hardware, input devices, and software categories. Connects system selection to production requirements.

Lesson 1 • Creating Basic 2D Geometry

Teaches construction of lines, arcs, circles, and polygons using CAD tools. Accurate geometry creation underpins all downstream design work.

Lesson 2 • Dimensioning and Annotation

Adds linear, angular, radial, and ordinate dimensions to drawings. Proper annotation communicates design intent to manufacturing teams.

Lesson 3 • Editing and Modifying 2D Objects

Applies trim, extend, offset, mirror, and array commands to refine geometry. Editing efficiency directly impacts drawing accuracy and speed.

Lesson 4 • Interface Navigation and Setup

Covers workspace layout, toolbars, and drawing environment configuration. Efficient navigation reduces errors in subsequent drafting tasks.

Lesson 1 • Surface Modeling Introduction

Introduces loft, sweep, and boundary surface tools for complex geometry. Surface techniques extend solid modeling capability for organic shapes.

Lesson 2 • Parametric Design and Feature Trees

Manages model history through the feature tree and parametric relationships. Parametric control enables rapid design iteration without rebuilding geometry.

Lesson 3 • Model Validation and Measurement

Uses mass properties, interference detection, and measurement tools to verify models. Validation confirms geometry accuracy before downstream processes.

Lesson 4 • Sketch-Based Feature Creation

Builds 3D features from constrained 2D sketches using extrude and revolve. Sketch constraints ensure design intent is maintained during edits.

Lesson 1 • Configurations and Design Variants

Creates part and assembly configurations to manage design variants efficiently. Configurations reduce file redundancy and support product family management.

Lesson 2 • Assembly Environment and Component Insertion

Introduces the assembly workspace and methods for inserting existing parts. Proper component placement establishes the foundation for constraint-based assembly.

Lesson 3 • Assembly Motion and Interference

Simulates component motion and detects collisions within the assembly. Motion analysis validates mechanical function before physical prototyping.

Lesson 4 • Bill of Materials and Assembly Drawings

Generates BOMs, balloons, and exploded views for assembly documentation. Accurate documentation supports procurement, assembly, and maintenance teams.

Lesson 1 • Cutting Tool Libraries and Selection

Builds and manages tool libraries with geometry and cutting parameters. Proper tool selection directly affects surface quality and cycle time.

Lesson 2 • 2D Milling Toolpaths

Creates contour, pocket, facing, and drilling toolpaths for prismatic parts. 2D operations form the core of most production machining programs.

Lesson 3 • CAM Environment Configuration

Sets up the CAM workspace, machine definition, and coordinate system. Correct setup prevents errors that propagate through all toolpath operations.

Lesson 4 • Toolpath Parameters and Cutting Strategies

Adjusts stepover, depth of cut, climb vs. conventional, and entry methods. Parameter optimization balances material removal rate with tool life.

Lesson 1 • High-Speed Machining Techniques

Applies trochoidal, adaptive, and smooth toolpath strategies for HSM. High-speed techniques reduce cycle time and extend tool life significantly.

Lesson 2 • Turning and Lathe Operations

Programmes roughing, finishing, grooving, and threading cycles for turned parts. Turning operations complement milling in complete part manufacturing.

Lesson 3 • Toolpath Optimization and Efficiency

Analyses and refines toolpaths to minimise air cuts, retracts, and cycle time. Optimisation directly reduces production cost and machine wear.

Lesson 4 • Multi-Axis Machining Introduction

Introduces 4-axis and 5-axis indexed and simultaneous machining strategies. Multi-axis capability reduces setups and enables complex geometry machining.

Lesson 1 • Program Management and DNC Transfer

Organises NC programme files and transfers them to machines via DNC systems. Reliable programme management prevents version errors in production environments.

Lesson 2 • G-Code and M-Code Fundamentals

Introduces G-code structure, modal codes, and common M-code functions. Code literacy enables manual editing and troubleshooting of NC programmes.

Lesson 3 • Work Offsets and Tool Length Compensation

Configures work coordinate offsets and tool length compensation in NC programmes. Correct offset management is critical for dimensional accuracy on the machine.

Lesson 4 • Post-Processor Fundamentals

Explains post-processor architecture and its role in translating toolpaths to NC. Correct post selection ensures code matches the target machine controller.

Lesson 1 • Project Review and Continuous Improvement

Evaluates project outcomes against requirements and identifies improvement areas. Structured review builds professional habits for iterative design refinement.

Lesson 2 • Complete Part Modeling and Drawing

Builds a fully featured solid model and produces a dimensioned production drawing. This integrates 3D modeling and 2D drafting skills into one deliverable.

Lesson 3 • CAM Programming for the Project Part

Develops a complete CAM programme including roughing, semi-finishing, and finishing. Programming decisions are justified against part requirements and tolerances.

Lesson 4 • Setup Documentation and Work Instructions

Creates setup sheets, tool lists, and work instructions for the machining cell. Complete documentation enables repeatable production without programmer presence.