CAx - Computer Aided Systems and Processes

The term CAx serves more or less as a collective term for various computer-aided systems and processes. CAx is an abbreviation derived from the English, stands for "computer-aided" and means computer-supported or EDP-supported. The "X" at the end of the abbreviation serves as a placeholder, which is why it is usually written in lower case. In itself, CAx means "computer-aided everything" and, according to Vajna et. al. can be understood as the "systematic use and consistent further development of computer-aided methods, procedures and tools in product development".

What are CAx systems? - CAx as a generic term

CAx systems are the various specific processes from the CAx universe. Instead of the placeholder "X", various letters can be used, each of which stands for one of these CAx systems relating to the aspects of planning, development, design, manufacturing and quality assurance. These include Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Computer Aided Engineering (CAE). These and more are briefly explained again below.

In addition to the already familiar three-letter acronyms, combinations are also possible. One example is CAS/CAD, i.e. a CAx system that covers the aesthetic and functional aspects (CAS & CAD → Styling & Design) in their entirety. There are also CAx systems specially tailored to individual industries, such as CASE (computer-aided software engineering).

What other processes fall under CAx?

As already explained, the universe of CAx systems includes several different processes that are, at best, closely interrelated. These include, but are not limited to, the following.

CAD

CAD is abbreviated to Computer-Aided Design, which stands for computer-aided design. CAD systems are technologies for the computer-aided design of products such as tool (parts) or even complex systems, such as a building or vehicle. CAD software is used to create three-dimensional, virtual designs, constructions and technical drawings.

CAM

CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is the computer-aided creation and planning of manufacturing processes. Here, machining strategies and work sequences are specified, which lead to an NC program (NC = numerical control; an NC program thus serves to control a numerically controlled machine tool). Furthermore, manufacturing processes can be simulated in CAM in order to check the generated NC program for errors or collisions. For this purpose, the program can, among other things, generate a 3D model.

CAP

CAP (computer-aided planning) is the computer-aided planning of work processes in the production sequence. Based on the geometric data developed in CAD, the design, individual work steps are defined in their sequence and assigned to individual machines. In addition, the corresponding production resources/tools and production factors are selected and scheduled, and a target time is determined for individual phases. As part of the CIM system, CAP is intended to reduce planning times and costs and to increase quality and performance in production. 

CAE

If the two preceding CAx systems CAD and CAP are combined, this results in CAE as "computer-aided engineering", i.e. computer-aided (digital) technical processes and developments. CAE includes simulation, validation and optimization of processes, manufacturing tools and products. The main objective of CAE is to test, predict and improve the robustness, performance, energy efficiency and durability of components and assemblies. The ultimate goal is to create better products and reduce the number of physical prototypes required and time to market.

CAQ

The abbreviation CAQ stands for "Computer-Aided Quality Assurance" and translates to "computer-aided quality assurance." As a component of computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), CAQ monitors and accompanies the production process from planning to production, enabled by stringent networking of the systems in the individual production stages. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about "Computer Aided Everything

What is CAx?

CAx stands for computer-aided-x, meaning "computer-aided" or "EDP-aided", and is a collective term for various computer-aided systems and processes. The "X" at the end of the abbreviation serves as a placeholder and includes all other CA processes.

What is a CAx system?

CAx systems are the various specific processes from the CAx universe. Instead of the placeholder "x", various letters can be used, each of which stands for a CAx system relating to the aspects of planning, development, design, production and quality assurance. 

Which processes belong to CAx?

CAx processes include Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Computer Aided Planning (CAP) and Computer Aided Quality Assurance (CAQ).

What is meant by CAD CAM?

CAD is the abbreviation for Computer-Aided Design. CAD systems are technologies for the computer-aided design of products such as tool (parts) or even complex systems, including a building or vehicle. CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) is the computer-aided creation and planning of manufacturing processes. Here, machining strategies and work sequences are specified, which lead to an NC program.