What is CAD/CAM Software?

When a software claims to be CAD/CAM software, this means the software has the ability to do all of the following:

1. Create a design from scratch.
2. Apply toolpath information to the design (such as cutting speed, depth of cut, etc.)
3. Using a postprocessor written for the machine's controller, send that toolpath information to the machine in the language that the machine understands. (Typically this "machine language" is some form of G-Code or HPGL. You'll learn more about this later.)

In other words, CAD/CAM software stands alone and does not require any other software between itself and the machine's controller.