CAD CAM Training

Lesson 1 • History and Industry Context

Traces CAD CAM evolution from drafting boards to integrated digital systems. Grounds students in why these tools exist and how they transformed manufacturing.

Lesson 2 • Navigating the CAD CAM Interface

Introduces the graphical user interface, menus, and workspace layout common to major platforms. Students gain confidence navigating before creating geometry.

Lesson 3 • Core Terminology and Concepts

Defines essential vocabulary used throughout CAD CAM workflows. Accurate terminology enables students to read documentation and communicate with engineers.

Lesson 1 • Dimensioning and Annotation

Applies linear, angular, radial, and ordinate dimensions to drawings. Proper annotation communicates design intent to machinists and inspectors.

Lesson 2 • Layers, Blocks, and Drawing Standards

Organizes drawings using layers and reusable block definitions. Structured drawings comply with industry drafting standards and simplify revision management.

Lesson 3 • Editing and Modifying 2D Geometry

Teaches trim, extend, offset, mirror, and array commands. Efficient editing reduces drawing time and maintains geometric accuracy.

Lesson 4 • Coordinate Systems and Grid Setup

Establishes absolute, relative, and polar coordinate entry methods. Accurate coordinate input is the foundation of all precise CAD geometry creation.

Lesson 1 • Sketch-Based Solid Features

Creates extrusions, revolves, sweeps, and lofts from 2D sketches. These operations generate the majority of prismatic and organic solid geometry.

Lesson 2 • Assembly Modeling and Constraints

Assembles multiple parts using mates and constraints to simulate real mechanisms. Assembly models validate fit, clearance, and motion before physical production.

Lesson 3 • Surface Modeling Techniques

Builds complex curved surfaces using ruled, lofted, and boundary methods. Surface modeling handles organic shapes that solid features cannot efficiently produce.

Lesson 4 • Parametric Modeling Principles

Introduces feature-based, history-driven modeling and design intent. Understanding parametric logic enables efficient model editing and design iteration.

Lesson 1 • CAM Environment Configuration

Sets up stock, work coordinate systems, and machine definitions in CAM. Correct setup prevents coordinate errors and ensures toolpaths match physical machine behavior.

Lesson 2 • Cutting Tool Selection and Management

Covers tool geometry, material grades, and tool library management. Proper tool selection directly affects surface finish, tool life, and cycle time.

Lesson 3 • Cutting Parameters and Feeds and Speeds

Calculates spindle speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and step-over values. Optimized parameters balance material removal rate with tool life and part quality.

Lesson 4 • Toolpath Verification and Simulation

Uses built-in simulation to detect gouges, collisions, and excess material. Verification before posting code prevents costly machine crashes and scrapped parts.

Lesson 1 • Cycle Time Optimization

Reduces non-cutting time through optimized retract heights, feed rates, and toolpath ordering. Efficient programs lower production cost without sacrificing part quality.

Lesson 2 • Machining Complex Surfaces

Addresses undercuts, steep walls, and multi-region surface machining challenges. Students apply strategy combinations to handle real-world part complexity.

Lesson 3 • 3D Finishing Strategies

Applies scallop, parallel, and pencil finishing to achieve target surface quality. Finishing strategy and step-over directly control scallop height and surface finish.

Lesson 4 • Toolpath Lead-In and Lead-Out

Configures entry and exit moves to protect tool edges and part surfaces. Proper lead-in and lead-out prevent witness marks and tool breakage at cut entry.

Lesson 1 • Drilling and Boring on the Lathe

Programs axial drilling, boring, and tapping cycles for turned parts. These operations add internal features that complement external turning profiles.

Lesson 2 • Lathe Turning Fundamentals

Configures turning setups and generates roughing and finishing turning toolpaths. Turning operations produce cylindrical, conical, and profiled rotational components.

Lesson 3 • Mill-Turn and Combined Operations

Programs parts that combine milling and turning on a single machine setup. Mill-turn reduces setups, improves accuracy, and shortens total cycle time.

Lesson 4 • 4-Axis Indexing and Wrapping

Programs rotary axis indexing and wrapped toolpaths for cylindrical parts. 4-axis capability enables features on multiple faces without manual re-fixturing.

Lesson 1 • Post-Processor Configuration

Customizes post-processors to match specific machine controller requirements. Correct post output eliminates manual code editing and reduces setup errors.

Lesson 2 • Program Proving and First-Article Run

Establishes a structured process for proving new programs on the machine. Systematic proving prevents crashes and ensures dimensional accuracy on first parts.

Lesson 3 • Program Transfer and DNC

Covers direct numerical control methods for transferring programs to machines. Reliable transfer workflows prevent data corruption and version control errors.

Lesson 4 • G-Code and M-Code Fundamentals

Explains the structure, syntax, and common codes of CNC program files. Reading G-code enables students to verify, edit, and troubleshoot machine programs.

Lesson 1 • Macro and Script Automation

Writes macros and scripts to automate repetitive CAD CAM tasks and batch processing. Automation reduces human error and enables high-volume programming throughput.

Lesson 2 • Feature-Based Machining

Automates toolpath generation by recognizing geometric features in CAD models. Feature recognition links design intent directly to machining strategy selection.

Lesson 3 • CAD CAM Data Management

Implements PDM and PLM practices to manage CAD CAM files across teams. Structured data management ensures traceability, revision control, and collaboration.

Lesson 4 • Template-Based CAM Programming

Creates reusable CAM operation templates and machining process libraries. Templates enforce best practices and dramatically reduce setup time for repeat part families.