Fusion 360 is the CAD/CAM software that Langmuir Systems recommends for most of our customers because it is free for personal use and has both CAD and CAM capabilities in the same program.
CAD is shorthand Computer-Aided Design. This is where you create the shape and set dimensions of what you want to cut on the CNC machine.
CAM is shorthand for Computer-Aided Manufacturing. This is the process where you create a toolpath from your CAD work, and program information that the CNC controller will need to know in order to render your CAD work on the machine.
After both CAD and CAM work are complete, you are ready for post processing. Post processing means converting your CAD and CAM data into a G-code that is compatible with the CNC machine.