5 Strange and Amazing Uses For CAD/CAM Systems

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Modeling (CAM) software systems are some of the most invaluable tools in the modern engineer’s arsenal. In fact, modern-day engineering wouldn’t really exist without these systems. Much of what you see around you now was probably birthed inside a CAD system.

CAD systems act as virtual 3D design platforms, allowing engineers to create unique, amazingly complex creations. Then using CAM software, which generates specific manufacturing G and M codes, engineers are able to bring their creations to life with the most advanced manufacturing tools on Earth-like CNC machining and 3D printing.

Still, many people forget just how strange and amazing the technology around them really is. When Ivan Sutherland designed the first form of CAD—which he called Sketchpad–in 1962 while attending MIT surely he couldn’t have imagined how integral his invention would be for the entire future of humanity.

In honor of Mr. Sutherland’s invention, let’s take a look at 5 strange and awesome uses for CAD/CAM systems in 2020.

The Tallest Bridge In The World

One of the most fascinating and beautiful uses for CAD/CAM came all the way back In 2004 when France completed the tallest bridge in the world, the Millau Viaduct.

The bridge’s highest pylon length above the ground is just over 1100 feet. The construction of the Millau Viaduct was one of the most complex bridge constructions in history, as detailed in a subsequent University of Bath study.

The Milau Viaduct used a total of 127,000 cubic meters of concrete and 24,000 tonnes of steel and pre-stressed steel. The size and complexity of materials, extreme wind forces, natural impediments to construction and various other factors led the bridge’s engineers to use advanced CAD/CAM software to help model out the bridge and prevent tragedy.

It was successful, and the bridge is now world-famous for its height and beauty.

Fixing That Hip

Another strange use for CAD/CAM systems is in the medical field. In particular in orthopedics medical laboratories utilize CAD/CAM systems to create perfectly fitting hips, knees, and even vertebrae.

If you ever wondered where Granny’s hip was made. Companies like Materialise, a European 3D printer, create patient-specific implants that look like something out of Star Wars.

It’s not just the usual hips and knees being printed either, Materialise specializes in traumatic facial injuries and the reconstruction of facial bones. Medical technology has benefited immensely from the amazing manufacturing capabilities brought on by CAD/CAM.

Yes, we’re in the future, folks.

3D Printed Homes

One of the coolest things to come out of CAD/CAM diagrams of late has been 3D printed homes. For under $4,000, and in under 24 hours, engineers are able to print an entire 1 bed, 1 bath, 350 square foot home.

This type of revolutionary construction wouldn’t be possible without CAD/CAM systems. It just goes to show how fascinating the future may become as CAD/CAM systems become more readily available to the public due to reduced production costs and barriers to entry.

Creating Your New Teeth

Perhaps the most common, yet strange use for CAD/CAM systems is the designing of dentures, veneers, partials and various other dental implants.

If you have dentures, you are supporting CAD/CAM system manufacturers without even knowing it. Dentists now outsource the creation of dentures and other systems to manufacturers who create patient-specific implants that actually fit at their full-service dental labs.

CAD/CAM systems have perhaps revolutionized the dental industry more than any other by allowing for new materials, faster turnaround times, and lowered costs.

To Infinity and Beyond!

The final and, in my opinion, coolest use of CAD/CAM systems is found in the aerospace industry.

CAD/CAM systems are the perfect tool for aerospace manufacturers who need to create high quality, extremely reliable, and often extremely complex parts for their craft.

SpaceX, for example, used 3D printing and CAD/CAM systems to create their SuperDraco engines. These are small auxiliary engines built into the spacecraft Dragon’s sidewalls. The engines can produce up to 120,000 pounds of axial thrust to carry astronauts to safety in the event of a disaster.

That’s right CAD and 3D printing are trusted so thoroughly, SpaceX used them to design their backup engines.

CAD/CAM and 3D printing was the perfect tool for SpaceX because of the superalloy Incol which was used to create the SuperDraco engine. It would be nearly impossible to manufacture something from this material this precisely without the use of these systems.

So, whether you are looking up at a rocket taking off towards space, or into the mirror in the morning at your dental implants, you can thank CAD/CAM systems. It’s all too easy to forget just how amazing the technology that surrounds us every day really is.