1.2 WHAT IS CAD/CAM? Copy

CAD stands for Computer-aided design.

Computer software is used for the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.

There are two different categories of CAD software frequently used in jewellery design and manufacturing:

• 2D CAD programs for 2-dimensional designs, technical drawings and image manipulation like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• 3D CAD programs for 3-dimensional designs, rapid prototyping and manufacturing. Rhino is one of these 3D CAD programs and frequently used in the jewellery industry.

Rapid prototyping is a collective term of techniques used to quickly build a physical model of a 3-dimensional CAD file. Rapid prototyping techniques can be additive like 3D printing or subtractive like grinding, turning and milling.