CAD/CAM

MD. MAZHARUL HELAL

LECTURER, DEPARTMENT OF TEXTILE ENGINEERING
GREEN UNIVERSITY OF BANGLADESH
 CAD (Computer-aided design)
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers (or
workstations) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or
optimization of a design.
CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer,
improve the quality of design, improve communications through
documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing.
 CAM (Computer-aided
manufacturing)
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) is the usage of software to
control machine tools and related ones in the manufacturing of
work-pieces.
CAM may also refer to the use of a computer to assist in all
operations of a manufacturing plant, including planning,
management, transportation and storage.
 What is CAD/CAM used for?
CAD/CAM applications are used to both design a product and
program manufacturing processes. 
CAM software uses the models and assemblies created in CAD
software to generate toolpaths that drive machine tools to turn
designs into physical parts.
CAD/CAM software is used to design and manufacture prototypes,
finished parts, and production runs.
 Brief history of CAD/CAM
Though CAD/CAM has been available for the past 25-30 years, it’s
only been within the past decade that the technology has moved
from the lab to chairside.
CAD/CAM technology got its start in Europe in the 1970s and
1980s.
However, early versions of CAD/CAM systems were so cumbersome
and complicated.
Fortunately, advances in the technology over the past few years
have made CAD/CAM a more viable option.
 Features of a CAD Software
1. Solid Modeling:
With CAD solid components of desired shapes can be made
virtually by joining, cutting, trimming different solid volumes.
The final solid model comes out to be an exact replica of the actual
shape, but it can also be seen and rotated like the real product.
It even allows us to get inside any 3D model to inspect it from the
inside.
With this any model can be constructed and can be edited at any
point of time.
 2. Surface Modeling: 
Solid components can be given texture, details by trimming,
stitching and joining different surfaces to create the final shape of
the model.
3. Assembly:
Surface modeling can be done to get an overview of how the
product will look in the final assembling.
This allows us to make changes accordingly.
It is also used to see actual fittings and the working of the
assembled model.
 4. Drafting details: 
3D drawing can also be created from a 2D drawing of the
components or assemblies only by providing the parameters and
dimensions.
5. Reverse Engineering:
Real components of any design can be converted into 3D CAD
model with instruments like laser scanner, white light scanner etc.
The virtual model created can be used for any modification
purpose, shared, and documented. Later it is updated to the final
model.
 Uses of Computer Aided Design
(CAD) in Different Sector
1. Fashion design sector
2. Apparel sector
3. Architecture Engineering and Construction sector
4. Electronic and electrical sector
5. Mechanical sector (Aerospace, Automotive, Machinery etc)
 Categorization of CAD/CAM Systems
in Textile Sector
1. For Fabric Design
It acts as a stimulation for all type of fabric and allows us to plan a
complex weave, color scheme, etc.
The software is able to create & generate an infinite number of
designs variation.
Some of the prominent software are Design Dobby, Design
Jacquard from Textronic, TUKAstudio for TUKATECH, Weave It, Adobe
Illustrator etc.
 2. For Apparel Design
For any garment to be made the process starts with a proper
design of the garment.
All this process can now be done entirely on computer system
where we can design the garment, check out color combinations,
make changes if needed and along with that documentation.
After that, they can be made ready for pattern making.
Some of the most useful design software are Adobe Photoshop,
Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, Smart Designer Modern High
Tech, Telestia Creator etc.
 3. For Pattern Making
The use of CAD in pattern making comes a great deal in garment export house,
fashion school, medium or large size garment business etc.
With CAD the clumsy and tough job of pattern making which required skill
technician can be done with ease and accuracy.
With this pattern, a maker can justify image efficiency before print out through
2D/3D visual effects.
It also helps in visualizing the measurements of different styles.
Some of the world-renowned pattern making software are Lectra, Gerber
Accumark, O/DEV by Optitex, TUKAcad by Tukatech, Gemini CAD systems Wild
Ginger etc.
 4. For Cutting Room Operations
The main function of CAD in the cutting room is for marker making
which can be done manually or automatically through a powerful
algorithm providing the highest material utilization.
Along with that, they are also integrated with a CAM (Computer
Aided Manufacturing) which are generally spreading and cutting
machine.
Some of the world renowned cutting room software is Integrated
CAD by Gerber technology, Modaris by Lectra, GT CAD Software,
O/PRO by Optitex, SMARTmark Tukatech, Richpeace etc.
Pattern Design Software (PDS) 2D
A pattern making software that allows the user to
seamlessly create digital patterns
and produce pattern sizing while eliminating
hundreds of manual steps
in the design-development process.
PATTERN DESIGN SOFTWARE
(PDS) 2D
:OPTITEX
Seamlessly create
digital patterns while
eliminating hundreds
of manual steps in the
design-development
process.
Draft pieces from
scratch, edit, and
finalize digital patterns
using powerful editing
tools.
PATTERN DESIGN SOFTWARE
(PDS) 2D
:OPTITEX
Digitize and grade existing
hard copy patterns in order
to receive a fully functional
digital pattern with maximum
accuracy.
Quickly and easily create
enhanced patterns, add
various elements, such as
pleats, darts, seam
allowance, buttons, and
much more.
PATTERN DESIGN SOFTWARE
(PDS) 2D
:OPTITEX
Easily walk your
pattern while correcting
shape, adding or
adjusting details for
precision purposes.
Define points required
for garment measure
specifications with
accurate Measurement
Charts.
Pattern Design Software (PDS) 3D
A set of 3D tools that display virtual samples in an
innovative 3D digital environment
that allows the user to fashion the garment
and make quick alterations at the click of a button,
powered by photorealistic rendering for
a true-to-life visualization.
PATTERN DESIGN SOFTWARE
(PDS) 3D
:OPTITEX
3D Virtual Samples
Generator
Accurate Fabric
Simulation
Photo Realistic
Rendering
Colorways and Print
Placement
PATTERN DESIGN SOFTWARE
(PDS) 3D
:OPTITEX
Virtual Tension Map

Multi-Stitch Tool

Avatar Editor
 Factors to consider before installing
CAD/CAM system
Buying something according to the requirement and not to the extra features
or brand value.
Determining the budget that must be allotted for the software and the
expected ROI (Return on Investment) from it.
Initial hardware present must be checked against the requirements of CAD
software vendors otherwise the software may not function properly.
The software must have a user-friendly interface for the operator to feel
comfortable using it.
Asking for a free trial version of the software to check its compatibility with
resources available.
 Benefits of CAD/CAM system
1. Increase in the productivity
With the use of CAD, software designers are able to visualize the
final product, constituent parts of it, assembly process.
The software also helps in giving animations to product and thus
allows the designer to make any modification according to it.
An integrated CAM system with CAD boost up the production.
These factors and features will help in drastically improving the
productivity, speeding up the process, lowering design cost with
shorter project completion time.
 2. Improve the quality of the design
With the CAD software, the designing professionals have better
options for various design tools that will help in easing up the
process of designing.
The tools also help designers to perform inspections on the design
for any errors.
With CAD the accuracy of the design increases drastically reducing
errors thus leading to better and accurate design.
With a lower number of errors the manufacturing process becomes
much faster with reduced wastage.
 3. Better communications
The next step after designing is the making of the drawing.
CAD has made communication of the designs easier as the designs
are transferred digitally within seconds, decreasing lead time.
Any changes that are to made in the design can be easily
transferred back, corrected and send back for next authentication.
 4. Creating documentation of the
designing
Having a proper documentation of the designs is very important
part of designing and this can be done very efficiently on CAD
software.
The process of documentation of an existing pattern can be done
through a digitizer and then stored digitally for later use.
The uses can be from referencing from older designs to geometric
and dimensions of the product, its components, material
specifications, bill of materials etc.
 5. Creating the database for
manufacturing
With the easy process of documentation, CAD software has allowed
us for better databases for designs that can be used for
manufacturing.
Rather than searching for any particular design for reorders, it can
be found directly from the database.
 6. Simulations
With 3D designing CAD we can make a virtual 3D avatar of a human
figure just by scanning through specific hardware.
Simulations of fabric are also made possible to visualize the
physical properties of the fabric which include textures,
transparencies, drapability etc.
With 3D CAD full-motion simulation of any garment can be done on
a virtual model and it can then be made to run, dance, cycle, pose,
walk etc. along with identifying the pressure points on the garments.
 7. Elimination of inventory
With 3D modeling, there is no need for a physical sample to be
made.
Everything starting from sample making, photo shoot for online
sales, buyer communication can be done through it.
This also eliminates the need for having an inventory as every
design can be stored online for future reference.
 Disadvantages
1. Processing Power Limitations
These systems & software often consumes large amounts of
computer processing power.
This requires high-quality computer hardware that can be costly.
CAM requires advanced manufacturing devices that are also pricey.
This high cost of hardware is a significant disadvantage of
CAD/CAM and a major barrier to the wider uptake of these
technologies.
 2. Software Complexity
As CAD software advances, it becomes more flexible and adaptable.
However, this comes at the cost of making the software more
complex.
This complexity makes it more difficult for first-time users to learn
the software.
Combined with the cost of training personnel in CAD/CAM
technologies, this complexity represents another disadvantage of
CAD/CAM.
 3. Maintenance and Upkeep
The computers and devices needed for CAD/CAM need to be
maintained, which can be a drain on available resources.
If the computers or devices break down, that leads to expensive
downtime, which is frustrating for everyone involved.
Keeping to a preventative maintenance schedule can help, but
sometimes breakdowns are inevitable.
 CAD & CAM Software for Apparel
Industry

In textile and apparel industry, computer aided design (CAD) and
computer aided manufacturing (CAM) plays a significant role to
achieve higher output from the available company resources.

There are different types of CAM and CAD software used in textile
and apparel manufacturing sector.
 Available 2D CAD software for clothing
industry
1. GRAFIS from Software Dr. K. Fridrich 1. TUKACAD from Tukatech
(Developed by Germany) (Developed by USA)

2. Accumark from Gerber Technology 2. CAD Assyst from Assyst

(Developed by USA) (Developed by Germany)

3. COAT from COAT-EDV System 3. Fashion CAD from CAD CAM

(Developed by Germany) Solutions (Developed by Australia)

4. PAD Pattern design from PAD System 4. Modaris from Lectra (Developed
Technologies Inc. (Developed by by France) etc.
Canada)
 Available 3D CAD software for the
clothing manufacturing industry
1. Modaris 3D Fit from Lectra,
2. Virtual fashion from Reyes Infografica,
3. Accumark Vstitcher from Gerber,
4. 3D Runway from Optitex,
5. Vstitcher from Browzwear,
6. EFit Simulator from Tukatech.
 Pricing
The basic level is often free or priced less but comes with a lesser
number of features.
More features can be added or upgraded with paid modules. So
more the number of tools, more will be the cost.
They also come with the subscriptions system where we can use
the license for a maximum period which we have already paid for.
 Pricing
Gerber and Lectra have systems starting from $10,000 and with a full set-
up of software, drafting table, digitizer, plotter and computers at $40,000.
Master Pattern from PAD is priced at $4,500. TUKATECH has a price of
$7,500 for basic program.
WildGinger is priced under $4,000. AutoCAD and TurboCAD are ranged
from $100 to $400 depending on the features.
Pricing is often based on individual packages designed for company needs
thus they should be bought depending upon the need the company.
 Future of CAD/CAM in the Apparel
Industry
The way in which technology is improving, we can expect a future
wherein the entire process of garment manufacturing would be done
through machines by a powerful algorithm.
With On-demand Manufacturing becoming the new way of
production, CAD/CAM has already influenced the industries & its
becoming popular day by day.
It will also play an important role in the 3D printed fashion which is
expected of becoming the next big thing in the fashion industry.
 Conclusion
With the present scenario of the manufacturing sector, a new development of
products, competitive pricing, relative margins, brand image, customer loyalty
etc. have become the most important factors for remaining competitive in the
market.
Companies are trying on ways to increase production efficiency without much
compromise. With the use of CAD/CAM they have able to decrease throughput
time, increase the fabric utilization efficiency & reduce wastage.
Factors like this will affect the production thus making it use a must for
growing industry.