CAD and CAM

Designers draw on screen and machines make the parts. Computers have changed how almost everything is designed and made.

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Computer-aided design (CAD)

CAD means using software to design products in 2D or 3D.
Advantages: designs are accurate; they are quick to edit and copy; they can be rendered to look real and tested on screen; files can be shared instantly with anyone in the world.
Disadvantages: software and computers can be expensive; it takes time to learn; files can be lost or corrupted if not backed up.

Computer-aided manufacture (CAM)

CAM means using computer-controlled machines to make products. Many are CNC (computer numerical control) machines.
MachineWhat it doesType
Laser cutterA focused laser beam cuts or engraves sheet materials such as acrylic, MDF and cardSubtractive
CNC router or milling machineA spinning cutter removes materialSubtractive
Vinyl cutterA small blade cuts self-adhesive vinyl for signs and stickersSubtractive
3D printerBuilds an object layer by layer, often from melted plastic filamentAdditive

Benefits and safety

CAM is accurate and consistent: every product is identical, so it is ideal for batch and mass production. Machines can work for long periods without tiring.
However, machines are expensive to buy and maintain, and can replace some skilled jobs.
Safety: never laser cut PVC, because it gives off a harmful gas. Never leave a laser cutter running unattended, because the material can catch fire.
Additive manufacturing builds material up; subtractive manufacturing cuts material away.
Worked example

A school makes 30 identical acrylic key rings for a fundraiser. Give two reasons to use a laser cutter rather than cutting by hand.

  1. A laser cutter follows the CAD file exactly every time.
  2. So all 30 key rings are identical (consistent) and accurate.
  3. It is also much faster for repeated shapes and gives a smooth, polished edge on acrylic.

Answer: All 30 will be identical and accurate, and it is much quicker than cutting each one by hand.

Key idea

CAD is designing on a computer: accurate, easy to edit and share. CAM uses computer-controlled (CNC) machines: laser cutters, routers and vinyl cutters are subtractive; 3D printers are additive. Never laser cut PVC.

Key words
CAD
Computer-aided design: using software to design products in 2D or 3D.
CAM
Computer-aided manufacture: using computer-controlled machines, such as laser cutters, to make products.
CNC
Computer numerical control: machines controlled by numerical data from a computer.
Mass production
Making very large numbers of identical products, usually on a production line.

All KS3 Design and Technology key terms and definitions →

Quick check

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Extra practice

2 more questions

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  1. What does CAM stand for?

    1. Computer art machine
    2. Computer-aided manufacture
    3. Cutting and moulding
    4. Central assembly method
    Show the answer

    Answer: Computer-aided manufacture

    CAM uses computers to control machines.

  2. Which is a CNC machine?

    1. A hand-held coping saw
    2. A pencil
    3. A computer-controlled router
    4. A try square
    Show the answer

    Answer: A computer-controlled router

    CNC machines follow numerical instructions.

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Sources and references

Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.