PERSONAL COMPUTERS EXPAND THE CAM ELEMENT OF CAD/CAM.

A complete system, with personal computer, operating-system data interchange, and specific programs for programming, accounting, estimating part tracking inventory control, and cost analysis could cost as little as 50,000. Small-shop flexibility and needs have been the impetus for such software developments, but it isn't just the small shops that now elect personal computers for programming work. One reason is the low cost and practical possibility of setting up a separate part-programming department within any large production facility, permitting the machine shop to handle its own work with dedicated equipment and personnel. Several examples of software packages are cited.