(redirected from Computer Aided Manufacture) Also found in: Encyclopedia.
computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
the use of COMPUTERS to impart operating instructions to NUMERICALLY-CONTROLLED MACHINES and ROBOTS employed in PRODUCTION systems (mass production, batch production, group technology and flexible manufacturing systems). CAM enables PRODUCTION SCHEDULING to be completed more efficiently and quickly, particularly in rescheduling production to accommodate new or redesigned components or products. CAM systems are especially effective when linked to COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD), for with CAD/CAM computer software packages it is possible to provide design specifications and parts lists for components or products directly to the machines that will produce these items.