CAD produces blueprints that help program the manufacturing process for CAM. It helps understand the shape, design and overall look of the product. CAD helps companies create digital simulations of a product before initiating its manufacturing process. Related: What Is A CNC Programmer? (Duties, Skills And Qualifications) Difference Between CAM And CADĬomputer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided design (CAD) are terms that closely relate to modern manufacturing processes. Automating the manufacturing process through CAM helps organisations in improving precision in design, saving costs and improving efficiency. It replicates the movements and processes that an employee may perform. It empowers machines to create objects by referencing designs and software. To answer the question 'What is computer-aided manufacturing?' simply, it refers to using software and computer-controlled machinery (CNC) to automate manufacturing. What Is Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)?