Editing Computer-aided manufacturing (section)

==Overview==
{{see also|Printed circuit board#PCB CAM}}{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2024}}[[File:Disc with dental implants made with WorkNC.jpg|thumb|Chrome-cobalt disc with crowns for [[dental implant]]s, manufactured using [[WorkNC]] CAM]]
Traditionally, CAM has been [[numerical control]] (NC) programming tool, wherein two-dimensional (2-D) or three-dimensional (3-D) models of components are generated in [[Computer aided design|CAD]]. As with other "computer-aided" technologies, CAM does not eliminate the need for skilled professionals such as [[manufacturing engineer]]s, NC programmers, or [[machinist]]s.  CAM leverages both the value of the most skilled manufacturing professionals through advanced productivity tools, while building the skills of new professionals through visualization, simulation and optimization tools.

A CAM tool generally converts a model to a language the target machine in question understands, typically [[G-code]]. The numerical control can be applied to machining tools, or more recently to 3D printers.