Basics of CAM
CAM, short for computer-aided manufacturing, is a process of creating jewelry through the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software and computer-controlled manufacturing equipment. This technology allows jewelers to produce more intricate and complex designs with greater precision and accuracy than traditional methods.
The CAM process:
- In the CAM process, a CAD software is used to design the jewelry piece and create a digital 3D model of it.
- The model is then fed into a CAM software, which generates instructions for the manufacturing equipment to follow.
- The manufacturing equipment, such as a CNC (computer numerical control) machine or a 3D printer, then uses these instructions to precisely cut or shape the material into the desired form.
Why use the CAM process?
Few of the main advantages of using CAM are:
- It allows for high levels of customization and flexibility in the design process.
- It is possible to make changes to the digital model quickly and then generate new manufacturing instructions to reflect those changes.
- It enables jewelers to create jewelry pieces with greater consistency and accuracy.
- The computer-controlled equipment can repeat the same process over and over again, producing identical results each time.
- CAM technology is commonly used in the jewelry industry to produce engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, and other types of jewelry.