What is CAM?

CAM stands for Computer-Aided Manufacturing and referes to the use of software to control machine tools used in manufacturing processes.

Enabling faster, accurate and more precise production of components, CAM is usually the next step after computer-aided design (CAD).

Something desinged using CAD is then input into CAM software, which then controls the machine tool to the specifications of the design.

CAM was first adopted by the French engineer Pierre Bezier who worked for the car company Renault. Bezier created a CAM system named UNISURF which assisted car body design.

Where is CAM not so useful?