CAD and CAM software are used to design and operate machinery but the machines then require a final post processor to ensure that the code that reaches them is readable to optimise the machine’s operation.Most engineers are familiar with this process, however, in this post we will explain how the system works so that anyone can understand it.

Understanding What CAD and CAM Do

To begin with, let’s talk about what CAD or Computer Aided Design does.  CAD, as the name suggests, allows engineers to design complex machinery without spending time on long calculations.  It essentially simplifies the designing process.

CAM or Computer Aided Manufacturing simplifies the programming process of creating the machines.

Initially CAD and CAM were used individually but eventually engineers started using them together to create a process that makes it easy for CNC operators to program machinery.

CAD/CAM Post Processing

CAD/CAM post processing is a result of this combination and is the last link between the CAD model and the actual machine.

The post processor is actually the most important part of the system.  A company can have the most cutting edge designs and the best programming systems, but it’s the post processor that ensures that the code that reaches the machine is perfect.  The point of a good post processor is that the CAM code reaches the machine in a format that the machine is able to understand.

The Process Leading up to the CAD/CAM Post Process Level

CAD/CAM post processing makes it possible for the manufacturing process to start without an error.  Here are the steps that leads up to the post processing stage:

Step 1: The 3D CAD model is imported into the CAM System.

Step 2: The CAM System is then fed information about the machining operations by the CNC programmer and it creates the path that the tools will take.

Step 3: This is where the CAD/CAM post processor comes into the picture. The post processor converts the toolpath fed to it into language that the machine understands. The output produced by the post processor is usable without any further modifications.

Step 4: The code is exported to the machine and the manufacturing process begins.
CAD/CAM post processing is a delicate process, and requires skill. The PRV Engineering Limited team of experts is adept at CAD/CAM post processing and providing a complete solution.

If you want your CAD/CAM post processing done efficiently and professionally, get in touch with us today! Market leader PRV Engineering provides the best CAD/CAM post processing services.