CAD/CAM Software

There is a wide choice of CAD/CAM software for CNC (computer numerically controlled) programming and machining. Autodesk offers a number of products, with different capabilities to serve the needs of different industries and applications.

Fusion 360 – is a cloud-based 3D modeling, CAD, CAM, CAM, and PCB software platform for product design and manufacturing. It provides integrated CAD and CAM, CNC programming tools for 2D, 2.5D, 3-axis, 3+2, and 5-axis machining applications. A range of subscription options exist, including a free option for personal use, a commercial subscription ($495 per year), and a range of Extensions to unlock additional technology to meet the needs of more advanced applications (for example, generative design, or multi-axis CNC machining).

Autodesk offers alternative CAM software products for other industries and applications, including:

• Fusion 360 with PowerMill – part of the Fusion family of products, PowerMill is expert high-speed and 5-axis CAM software for manufacturers of molds, tools, and dies, that need to get the very best performance from their CNC milling machines and industrial robots.
• Fusion 360 with FeautureCAM – part of the Fusion family of products, FeatureCAM is automated CAM software that replaces manual data input (MDI) with fully automatic CAM programming using intelligent machining templates for milling machines, lathes, turn-mill, wire EDM, and Swiss-lathes.

There are many different software tools that can be used for woodworking, including Autodesk Fusion 360. Fusion 360 is easy-to-use 3D modeling software that allows you to design, test, modify, and visualize your projects in 3D before bringing them to life. Each phase of the product journey is integrated into one CAD/CAM solution. Fusion 360 is cloud-based, which greatly improves collaboration within your business and across your supply chain, helping you be more productive and bring your products to market faster.

For design, Fusion 360 provides parametric tools, advanced 3D modeling, sculpting, advanced nesting and arrange functionality to help optimize material utilization and reduce waste. For manufacturing, Fusion 360 provides highly efficient CAM programming tools to simplify the process of generating NC machining code for a range of 2D and 3-axis routers.

The cost of Fusion 360 varies depending on your specific business needs and how frequently you need/want to use it.

• Fusion 360 for personal use is free of charge
• Fusion 360 for commercial use costs $545 (USD) per year per user (monthly and daily access is also available)
• Unlock more capabilities by subscribing to a Fusion 360 Extension (typical prices are $1,600 per year per user)

CAD or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), is the technology for design and technical documentation, which replaces manual drafting with an automated process. If you are a designer, drafter, architect, or engineer, you have probably used 2D or 3D CAD programs such as AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT software. These widely used software programs can help you draft construction documentation, explore design ideas, visualize concepts through photorealistic renderings, and simulate how a design performs in the real world.

CAM or computer-aided manufacturing is the use of software and computer-controlled machinery to automate a manufacturing process. CAM software is used to create 3D toolpaths that instruct a machine how to make a product. These instructions are converted into machine-specific NC code that is then sent to the CNC machine. The CNC machinery is then used to turn raw material into a finished product either by subtracting material from it (CNC machining) or by depositing material onto it (additive manufacturing or 3D printing).

CAD/CAM software is used to design (CAD) and manufacture (CAM) products that we all use in our daily lives. From the chair that you're sitting on, to the desk that you're sitting at, to the computer or smartphone that you're using to read this article. All of these products have been designed using CAD software and then converted into physical objects using some kind of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) process.

Autodesk CAD/CAM software is widely used by many of the worlds leading designers and manufacturers in diverse industries, including; aerospace, automotive, construction, medical, consumer goods, and more. You can learn more about Autodesk customers, and how they are partnering with Autodesk to design and make a better world.