The CAM learning journey for most of us in the manufacturing sector typically follows a similar path. You may start to learn about CAM in school, using the software that is best suited for the curriculum. Later, when you join the workforce, you will have to learn whichever CAM software is used by the employer. This can often feel like being dropped into the deep end of the pool – but you make it through because you have the basic tools to understand the new software given your experience with a previous tool. The lucky few of us have mentors to show us the tips and tricks to get the software to do exactly what we need.
It’s common that CAM programmers will find themselves at a new shop, or in a new situation, needing to learn yet another new CAM system quickly. While I am not working at a job shop, I had a similar experience when I came to Hawk Ridge Systems. My previous experience was not with CAMWorks, but I had to come up to speed quite quickly.