machine control software & cam software

Are they one in the same nowdays?

No, they're different. Machine control software (such as Fanuc or Mach3) takes G-codes from CAM and makes the machine run the codes.

CAM takes a CAD drawing and a lot of help from the operator to tell it how to create the G-Codes that will make the part in the CAD drawing.

Many CAM programs have some CAD built-in, but many folks prefer to use their own CAD.

Hope that helps,

Bob Warfield

Thanks Bob. And by the way, you have a kick butt web site!

Take care,

Terry