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Mastercam is CNC Software's main product. It started as a [[2D computer graphics|2D]] CAM system with CAD tools that let machinists design virtual parts on a computer screen and also guided [[Numerical control|computer numerical controlled]] (CNC) machine tools in the manufacture of parts. Mastercam has been ranked by CIMdata Inc. as the most widely used CAM package in the world since 1994.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mastercam tops worldwide ranking for CAM usage |url=https://www.ctemag.com/news/industry-news/mastercam-tops-worldwide-ranking-cam-usage |website=Cutting Tool Engineering |access-date=August 10, 2023 |date=October 17, 2022}}</ref>
Mastercam is CNC Software's main product. It started as a [[2D computer graphics|2D]] CAM system with CAD tools that let machinists design virtual parts on a computer screen and also guided [[Numerical control|computer numerical controlled]] (CNC) machine tools in the manufacture of parts. Mastercam has been ranked by CIMdata Inc. as the most widely used CAM package in the world since 1994.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mastercam tops worldwide ranking for CAM usage |url=https://www.ctemag.com/news/industry-news/mastercam-tops-worldwide-ranking-cam-usage |website=Cutting Tool Engineering |access-date=August 10, 2023 |date=October 17, 2022}}</ref>
[[File:MastercamV9-screenshot.jpg|thumb|MastercamV9 mill screenshot showing an example part]]


==History==
==History==


===Early Versions===
=== Founding and early development ===
CNC Software, LLC was founded in 1983 by brothers Mark and Jack Summers; their brother Brian joined later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-03 |title=CNC Software Inc. celebrates anniversary |url=https://www.ctemag.com/news/cnc-software-inc-celebrates-anniversary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417151849/https://www.ctemag.com/news/cnc-software-inc-celebrates-anniversary |archive-date=2024-04-17 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=Cutting Tool Engineering}}</ref> In the same year, the company released Mastercam as a PC-based 2D CAM application with integrated CAD capabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-27 |title=Mastercam Celebrates 35 Years in Business |url=https://www.productionmachining.com/news/mastercam-celebrates-35-years-in-business |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/SsTkz |archive-date=2025-10-07 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=www.productionmachining.com |language=en}}</ref> Over time, the software expanded to include support for 3-axis, multiaxis, and turning operations.<ref name="AMD">{{Cite web |date=2015-04-09 |title=Meghan Summers-West named president of CNC Software |url=https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/news/mastercam-cnc-software-summers-west-040915/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250910104058/https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/news/mastercam-cnc-software-summers-west-040915/ |archive-date=2025-09-10 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=Aerospace Manufacturing and Design}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Koenig |first=Karen |date=2013-04-03 |title=Mastercam Developer CNC Software Commemorates 30th Anniversary |url=https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/archived/custom/mastercam-developer-cnc-software-commemorates-30th-anniversary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/R9ejI |archive-date=2025-09-10 |access-date=2025-11-18 |website=Woodworking Network |language=en}}</ref>
 
=== Major milestones and product evolution ===
In 2005, CNC Software released Mastercam X, initiating the "X" series of versions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Big players – big news |url=https://assets.markallengroup.com/article-images/3562/BigPlayersBigNews.pdf |website=Machinery (UK)}}</ref> In the mid-2010s, independent sources highlighted the software’s ''Dynamic Motion'' toolpath technology, which reduces cutting paths based on material engagement to reduce cycle time and tool wear.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Albert |first=Mark |date=2014-05-20 |title=Dynamic Motion Moves Past Old Boundaries |url=https://www.mmsonline.com/articles/dynamic-motion-moves-past-old-boundaries |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803194211/https://www.mmsonline.com/articles/dynamic-motion-moves-past-old-boundaries |archive-date=2014-08-03 |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=Modern Machine Shop |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wanikar |first=Niraj |date=2015-06-15 |title=Mastercam X9 released |url=https://www.cnctimes.com/editorial/mastercam-x9-released |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221170013/https://www.cnctimes.com/editorial/mastercam-x9-released |archive-date=2024-02-21 |website=CNC Times}}</ref> Mastercam 2017, released in 2016, introduced a ribbon-style interface and marked a transition to year-based version naming.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wheeler |first=Andrew |date=2016-07-06 |title=CNC Software Releases Mastercam 2017 Into The Wild |url=https://www.engineering.com/cnc-software-releases-mastercam-2017-into-the-wild/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115033323/https://www.engineering.com/cnc-software-releases-mastercam-2017-into-the-wild/ |archive-date=2024-11-15 |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=Engineering.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
Subsequent releases introduced incremental changes. Mastercam 2023, for example, included a ''Unified Multiaxis'' toolpath and added B-axis contour turning.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-22 |editor-last=Osborne |editor-first=Angela |title=Mastercam 2023 Features Multi-Axis, Mill-Turn Advancements |url=https://www.productionmachining.com/products/mastercam-2023-features-multi-axis-mill-turn-advancements |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109072427/https://www.productionmachining.com/products/mastercam-2023-features-multi-axis-mill-turn-advancements |archive-date=2024-11-09 |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=Production Machining |language=en}}</ref>


Early versions of Mastercam were released for [[MS-DOS]] and the [[Apple_IIe| Apple IIe]] starting in the mid 1980s. <ref name="mastercam-hist"></ref>
=== Acquisition by Sandvik ===
Throughout the 1980s, Mastercam underwent significant development and improvements. It quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and the robustness of its toolpaths, making it a preferred choice in manufacturing industries. As the software evolved, it added more features, such as 3D milling and lathe turning, to accommodate a wider range of manufacturing needs and complexities.<ref name="mc-company-hist1"></ref>
In August 2021, Sandvik announced an agreement to acquire CNC Software.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-27 |editor-last=Pasion |editor-first=Chris |title=Sandvik to Acquire the Creators of Mastercam |url=https://www.mmsonline.com/news/sandvik-to-acquire-the-creators-of-mastercam |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828074231/https://www.mmsonline.com/news/sandvik-to-acquire-the-creators-of-mastercam |archive-date=2021-08-28 |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=Modern Machine Shop |language=en}}</ref> The acquisition was completed on September 30, 2021, and Mastercam was placed within Sandvik’s Manufacturing Solutions division.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bordonaro |first=Greg |date=2024-03-14 |title=Tolland software company announces leadership change |url=https://hartfordbusiness.com/article/tolland-software-company-announces-leadership-change/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.md/KvnRS |archive-date=2025-09-10 |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=Hartford Business Journal |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:MastercamV9-screenshot.jpg|thumb|MastercamV9 mill screenshot showing an example part]]
 
In its early days, Mastercam combined ease of use with powerful programming capabilities, allowing users to design parts and control CNC machines to manufacture parts precisely. The first version of Mastercam was released in 1983<ref name="mc-hist4"></ref> and was one of the first to introduce CAD/CAM software designed for both machinists and engineers, enabling the transition from drawing board designs to digital CNC programming.<ref name="mc-company-hist2"></ref>
== Key functions ==
Mastercam supports the programming of CNC machines for milling, turning, mill-turn, and multiaxis operations.<ref name="AMD"/> Its toolset includes model preparation, toolpath generation, simulation, and verification. Recent updates have introduced capabilities such as deburring and finishing toolpaths, hole-creation tools, and improved control over machining parameters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitra |first=Puja |date=2024-07-02 |title=Mastercam 2025 Released |url=https://www.engineering.com/mastercam-2025-released/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716144123/https://www.engineering.com/mastercam-2025-released/ |archive-date=2025-07-16 |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=Engineering.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Modernization===
=== Integrations, add-ons, ecosystem ===
Since the acquisition by Sandvik, several resellers and affiliated businesses have been acquired to enhance distribution and technical support. These include MCAM Northwest, ShopWare, the CAD/CAM business of OptiPro Systems, acquired in February 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitra |first=Puja |date=2025-02-03 |title=Mastercam Acquires MCAM Northwest, ShopWare, OptiPro’s CAD/CAM Business |url=https://www.engineering.com/mastercam-acquires-mcam-northwest-shopware-optipros-cad-cam-business/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250717161648/https://www.engineering.com/mastercam-acquires-mcam-northwest-shopware-optipros-cad-cam-business/ |archive-date=2025-07-17 |access-date=2025-11-19 |website=Engineering.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Additional acquisitions in March 2025 included Barefoot CNC, CAD/CAM Solutions, CamTech Engineering Services, and selected CIMCO business units.<ref name="Pasion">{{Cite web |date=2025-03-05 |editor-last=Pasion |editor-first=Chris |title=Mastercam Expands CAM Ecosystem With Acquisitions |url=https://www.productionmachining.com/news/mastercam-expands-cam-ecosystem-with-acquisitions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250401174530/https://www.mmsonline.com/news/mastercam-expands-cam-ecosystem-with-acquisitions-2 |archive-date=2025-04-01 |access-date=2025-09-10 |website=www.productionmachining.com |language=en}}</ref> CIMCO's post-processor and Probing products were later rebranded as Mastercam Probing.<ref name="Pasion" />


In the 1990s, Mastercam significantly expanded its capabilities, introducing 3D design and machining functionalities along with high-speed machining options to cater to the increasing demand for precision in manufacturing. The software saw enhancements in its user interface and began integration with solid modeling, streamlining the design-to-manufacturing process.{{cn|date=April 2025}}
[[File:MastercamX4.jpg|thumb|Mastercam X4 showing an example part and tool path]]
[[File:MastercamX4.jpg|thumb|Mastercam X4 showing an example part and tool path]] Mastercam's global reach and adoption grew during this period, supported by a network of resellers and educational partnerships.{{cn|date=April 2025}}


== Versions ==
== Versions ==
Line 40: Line 49:
{{Version |l |show=11100}}
{{Version |l |show=11100}}
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Mastercam for Windows release history<ref name="mastercam-versions"> </ref>
|+ Mastercam for Windows release history<ref name="mastercam-versions"/>
|-
|-
! Year
! Year
Line 51: Line 60:
|Mastercam "Meghan"
|Mastercam "Meghan"
|{{Version|o|0.0}}
|{{Version|o|0.0}}
|First version of Mastercam named after co-founder Mark Summers' daughter.<ref name="mc-hist3"> </ref><ref name="mc-hist4"></ref>
|First version of Mastercam named after co-founder Mark Summers' daughter.<ref name="mc-hist3"/><ref name="mc-hist4"/>
| [[Apple IIe]]
| [[Apple IIe]]
|-
|-
Line 141: Line 150:
|Mastercam X6
|Mastercam X6
|{{Version|o|X6}}
|{{Version|o|X6}}
|First version with 64-bit CPU support. Introduced Xform Fit. <ref name="X6-release"></ref>
|First version with 64-bit CPU support. Introduced Xform Fit. <ref name="X6-release"/>
| [[Windows 7]]
| [[Windows 7]]
|-
|-
Line 153: Line 162:
|Mastercam X8
|Mastercam X8
|{{Version|o|X8}}
|{{Version|o|X8}}
|Support ended in 2019<ref name="X8-release"></ref> Introduced Dynamic Motion technology<ref name="X8-info"></ref>
|Support ended in 2019<ref name="X8-release"/> Introduced Dynamic Motion technology<ref name="X8-info"/>
| [[Windows 7]], [[Windows_8| Windows 8]]
| [[Windows 7]], [[Windows_8| Windows 8]]
|-
|-
|2015 <ref name="X9-info"></ref>
|2015 <ref name="X9-info"/>
|Mastercam X9
|Mastercam X9
|{{Version|o|X9}}
|{{Version|o|X9}}
Line 210: Line 219:
| [[Windows 10]], [[Windows 11]]
| [[Windows 10]], [[Windows 11]]
|-
|-
|2024 <ref name="2025-info"></ref>
|2024 <ref name="2025-info"/>
|Mastercam 2025
|Mastercam 2025
|{{Version|c|2025}}
|{{Version|c|2025}}

Latest revision as of 22:43, 19 November 2025

Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Template:3rd party Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Main other Mastercam is a suite of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and CAD/CAM software applications developed by CNC Software, LLC. Founded in Massachusetts in 1983, CNC Software are headquartered in Tolland, Connecticut.[1]

Mastercam is CNC Software's main product. It started as a 2D CAM system with CAD tools that let machinists design virtual parts on a computer screen and also guided computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools in the manufacture of parts. Mastercam has been ranked by CIMdata Inc. as the most widely used CAM package in the world since 1994.[2]

File:MastercamV9-screenshot.jpg
MastercamV9 mill screenshot showing an example part

History

Founding and early development

CNC Software, LLC was founded in 1983 by brothers Mark and Jack Summers; their brother Brian joined later.[3] In the same year, the company released Mastercam as a PC-based 2D CAM application with integrated CAD capabilities.[4] Over time, the software expanded to include support for 3-axis, multiaxis, and turning operations.[5][6]

Major milestones and product evolution

In 2005, CNC Software released Mastercam X, initiating the "X" series of versions.[7] In the mid-2010s, independent sources highlighted the software’s Dynamic Motion toolpath technology, which reduces cutting paths based on material engagement to reduce cycle time and tool wear.[8][9] Mastercam 2017, released in 2016, introduced a ribbon-style interface and marked a transition to year-based version naming.[10]

Subsequent releases introduced incremental changes. Mastercam 2023, for example, included a Unified Multiaxis toolpath and added B-axis contour turning.[11]

Acquisition by Sandvik

In August 2021, Sandvik announced an agreement to acquire CNC Software.[12] The acquisition was completed on September 30, 2021, and Mastercam was placed within Sandvik’s Manufacturing Solutions division.[13]

Key functions

Mastercam supports the programming of CNC machines for milling, turning, mill-turn, and multiaxis operations.[5] Its toolset includes model preparation, toolpath generation, simulation, and verification. Recent updates have introduced capabilities such as deburring and finishing toolpaths, hole-creation tools, and improved control over machining parameters.[14]

Integrations, add-ons, ecosystem

Since the acquisition by Sandvik, several resellers and affiliated businesses have been acquired to enhance distribution and technical support. These include MCAM Northwest, ShopWare, the CAD/CAM business of OptiPro Systems, acquired in February 2025.[15] Additional acquisitions in March 2025 included Barefoot CNC, CAD/CAM Solutions, CamTech Engineering Services, and selected CIMCO business units.[16] CIMCO's post-processor and Probing products were later rebranded as Mastercam Probing.[16]

File:MastercamX4.jpg
Mastercam X4 showing an example part and tool path

Versions

Mastercam has been released for different machine types and at times sold as stand alone components such as CAM or CAD individually.

Summary

Template:Version

Mastercam for Windows release history[17]
Year Name Version Comments OS
1983 Mastercam "Meghan" Template:Version First version of Mastercam named after co-founder Mark Summers' daughter.[18][19] Apple IIe
1984 Mastercam V1 Template:Version First Version released. Apple IIe
1986 Mastercam V2 Template:Version First Version for MS-DOS MS-DOS
1990 Mastercam V3 Template:Version MS-DOS
1992 Mastercam V4 Template:Version MS-DOS
1994 Mastercam V5 Template:Version MS-DOS, Windows NT
1996 Mastercam V6 Template:Version Released as version 6. Windows NT, Windows 98
1998 Mastercam V7 Template:Version Released as version 7. Windows NT, Windows 98
2000 Mastercam V8 Template:Version Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP
2002 Mastercam V9 Template:Version Windows 2000, Windows XP
2005 Mastercam X Template:Version Renumbered versions to X instead of V Windows XP
2006 Mastercam X2 Template:Version Windows XP
2008 Mastercam X3 Template:Version Windows XP, Windows 7
2009 Mastercam X4 Template:Version Windows XP, Windows 7
2010 Mastercam X5 Template:Version Windows XP, Windows 7
2011 Mastercam X6 Template:Version First version with 64-bit CPU support. Introduced Xform Fit. [20] Windows 7
2013 Mastercam X7 Template:Version Windows 7
2014 Mastercam X8 Template:Version Support ended in 2019[21] Introduced Dynamic Motion technology[22] Windows 7, Windows 8
2015 [23] Mastercam X9 Template:Version Added Dynamic Motion improvements, multiaxis enhancements, and many Design and System features Windows 7, Windows 10
2016 Mastercam 2017 Template:Version Naming changed to match year released. Added a ribbon interface, similar to the Microsoft Office Windows 10
2017 Mastercam 2018 Template:Version Windows 10
2018 Mastercam 2019 Template:Version Windows 10
2019 Mastercam 2020 Template:Version Windows 10
2020 Mastercam 2021 Template:Version Windows 10
2021 Mastercam 2022 Template:Version Windows 10, Windows 11
2022 Mastercam 2023 Template:Version Windows 10, Windows 11
2023 Mastercam 2024 Template:Version Windows 10, Windows 11
2024 [24] Mastercam 2025 Template:Version Windows 10, Windows 11

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:CAM software

  1. ↑ Mastercam.com: About Us
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  17. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named mastercam-versions
  18. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named mc-hist3
  19. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named mc-hist4
  20. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named X6-release
  21. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named X8-release
  22. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named X8-info
  23. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named X9-info
  24. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named 2025-info
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