Definition
The use of computer software and computer-controlled machinery to plan, control, and carry out manufacturing operations such as cutting, shaping, drilling, and finishing aircraft parts. CAM systems take a digital design and convert it into precise instructions that drive the machines on the shop floor.
Plain English
Using computers to run the machines that actually make the parts. The computer tells the cutting or shaping machine exactly what to do, so the part comes out the same way every time.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation maintenance and manufacturing material when discussing how aircraft parts, tools, or repair parts are made.
Why Pilots Care
CAM is part of why modern aircraft parts fit and perform consistently. When a component is replaced during maintenance, CAM-produced parts meet tight tolerances that affect strength, balance, and reliability.
Intuition Check
CAM here does not mean a cam in an engine or a camera. In this glossary entry, it means computer aided manufacturing: using computers to help make parts.
Example Sentence 1
The replacement bracket was produced using CAM, so it matched the original part's dimensions exactly.
Example Sentence 2
CAM software translated the engineer’s design directly into instructions for the cutting machine.