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2026-2027 College Catalog

MAC 257 - Computer-Aided Machining (CAM) Programming I

6 Contact Hours, 4 Credits
2 lecture periods 4 lab periods


Introduction to the Computer Aided Machining (CAM) environment used programming for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills. Creation and use of wireframe geometry to create cutting operations in milling applications, Solid model importing and introduction to 3D milling applications from solid models. Includes a review of shop safety, CNC operations, and basic Computer Aided Design (CAD) functions.

Prerequisite(s): MAC 155  
Information: Prerequisite(s) may be waived with faculty approved industry experience.
Button linking to AZ Transfer course equivalency guide    button image Prior Learning and link to PLA webpage

Course Learning Outcomes
  1. Utilize CAM software to develop a production plan from a blueprint.
  2. Create wireframe geometry on a CAM system.
  3. Demonstrate use of CAM software to create and organize 2.5D milling tool paths to machine a part.
  4. Exhibit the ability to generate code for different numerical control machines.
  5. Create and execute a CAM process to complete 2.5D machining projects in CNC mills.
Outline:
  1. Review of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)
    1. Safety procedures
    2. Cartesian coordinate system
    3. Absolute and incremental positioning
    4. Order of operation and documentation
    5. Drafting language and geometric construction
  2. Introduction to a CAM Environment
    1. Machining 2D Models
    2. Main menu
    3. Overview of CAM icons
    4. Stock setup
    5. Explanation of menu bars and their uses
    6. Import solid models
    7. Data entry shortcuts
  3. Creating Geometry
    1. Arc, lines, radius
    2. Transforming geometry
    3. Moving
    4. Copying
    5. Rotating
    6. Mirroring
    7. Extracting wireframe geometry from solid models
  4. Cutting Operations
    1. Determination and use of 2.5D milling tool path strategies with an introduction to 3D tool paths
    2. Tool Selection from a Tool Library
    3. Creating Tools
    4. Selecting tool parameters
    5. Verification of tool path
    6. Transform tool path
  5. Code Generation
    1. Machine Definition and Selection
    2. Posting code for different machining centers
    3. CAM Process analysis and verification before going to the machine
  6. Machining Parts
    1. Relating programming decisions made in CAM to program responses in the machines
    2. Use of CNC functionality to run larger programs
    3. Identifying differences between manually generated G/M Code and CAM generated G/M Code