Cincinnati Design Rendering Services (CAD & CNC)
Old School Craftsmanship with New School Technology
CAD is used for creating 2D and 3D drawings and models. CAM is to design machining processes through 3D models. CAM refers to the use of various software packages to create tool paths and NC code to run a CNC controlled machine, based on 3D computer model (CAD) data. When the two are used together, this is generally referred to as CAD / CAM. CAM does not actually run the CNC machine. It creates code for it to follow.
CAD is used for creating 2D and 3D drawings and models. Computer-aided design, CAD / CAM software have taken what we as craftsmen can do to the next level.
If you have never heard of or encountered this technology, CAD / CAM software allows Brendon and I to plan out the details and dimensions of our design plans in incredible detail. This is extremely useful when we are working with our CNC robots to create project components (spindles for example) as we can input the design into the computer and then robots can replicate it as many times as we want.
CAD / CAMsoftware allows us to chart and review designs before we start work. So, if we want to make a change before we start cutting, it's as easy as changing out dimensional inputs. Brendon is a true master of CAD / CAM software. His prowess is truly impressive and has helped us take our projects to the next level.
CAD / CAM software is an important part of using the Old School Craftsman workshop to its full potential. It has helped us perform incredible historic restoration projects, especially since we can use high-tech tools like scanners to make inputting dimensions easier than ever before.
CNC Robots
The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) robots go hand-in-hand with CAD technology. We have three CNC robots:
- 5’ x 12’ CNC – the most advanced robot, it works on 5 axis points for cutting spindles, A, B, X, Y, Z
- 4’ x 8’ CNC – the standard CNC robot, it works with X, Y, and Z axis
- Handheld CNC – this one is used for specialty or untraditional shapes
CNC robots are extremely helpful when making historical components like spindles. Typically, one single spindle takes hours to make and consumes a lathe’s full capacity (many shops can’t afford to do them for this reason). However, CNC robots make cutting spindles, especially easy, especially for historic restorations. What’s more, we can use technology like scanners to scan a single spindle, upload it to the computer, and then use the CNC robots to cut exact replicas as many times as we choose!
Clients maximize value utilizing this method of design service; a service seldom utilized yet equally important as the build itself.