Mastercam

Last updated
Mastercam
Developers CNC Software, LLC
Initial release1983
Stable release
Mastercam 2026
Operating system Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
Available inMultilingual
Type Computer-aided manufacturing
License Proprietary commercial software
Website www.mastercam.com

Mastercam is a computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software suite developed by CNC Software, LLC. The software runs on 64-bit Microsoft Windows and is used to generate toolpaths and numerical control (NC) code for milling, turning, mill-turn, and multiaxis machining. CNC Software and the Mastercam portfolio were acquired by industrial engineering group Sandvik in 2021. [1]

Contents

Independent trade coverage has reported that CIMdata’s annual CAM market analysis has ranked Mastercam as the most widely used CAM package worldwide, including in 2022. [2] First released in 1983 as a 2D CAM system with integrated CAD tools, Mastercam has since expanded to support 3D and multiaxis applications. [3]

MastercamV9 mill screenshot showing an example part 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. [4] In the same year, the company released Mastercam as a PC-based 2D CAM application with integrated CAD capabilities. [5] Over time, the software expanded to include support for 3-axis, multiaxis, and turning operations. [3] [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]

In January 2026, it was announced that Mastercam had acquired Advanced Mechanical Engineering AB (AME), a long-standing channel partner in Sweden and Norway. Following the acquisition, AME was integrated into Mastercam’s operations and rebranded as Mastercam Sverige, supporting the company’s move towards direct customer engagement in the Nordic region. [12]

Acquisition by Sandvik

In August 2021, Sandvik announced an agreement to acquire CNC Software. [1] 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. [3] 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]

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

Release history

Mastercam for Windows (selected releases)

YearMarketing nameNotable changes
2025Mastercam 2026 [17] Improved machining capabilities; added AI assistance tools.
2024Mastercam 2025 [14] Introduced a Deburr add-on for automated edge finishing; added finish passes to 2D Dynamic Mill and Area Mill.
2023Mastercam 2024 [18] Interface and workflow refinements (e.g., Gview cube, setup updates).
2022Mastercam 2023 [11] Unified Multiaxis toolpath; B-axis contour turning.
2020Mastercam 2021 [19] Added new holemaking and multiaxis options, including Advanced Drill and Chamfer Drill (with other turning/mill-turn improvements).
2019Mastercam 2020 [20] 3D Blend toolpath and improvements to Equal Scallop.
2017Mastercam 2018 [21] New 2D/3D milling capabilities along with design, turning, and mill-turn updates.
2016Mastercam 2017 [10] Switch from "X" series to year-based naming; ribbon-style UI.
2015Mastercam X9 [22] Multiaxis updates; other design/system improvements.
2011Mastercam X6 [23] Introduced a native 64-bit build.
2005Mastercam X [7] Start of the "X" series.

Adoption and market position

In October 2022, Cutting Tool Engineering reported that CIMdata placed Mastercam first in both industrial and educational sectors, with over 300,000 installed seats. [2] A similar report in November 2021 noted that Mastercam had maintained this position for 27 consecutive years and had nearly twice as many installations as the next-largest provider. [24]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Pasion, Chris, ed. (2021-08-27). "Sandvik to Acquire the Creators of Mastercam". Modern Machine Shop. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  2. 1 2 "Mastercam tops worldwide ranking for CAM usage | Cutting Tool Engineering". Cutting Tool Engineering. 2022-10-17. Archived from the original on 2025-05-16. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  3. 1 2 3 "Meghan Summers-West named president of CNC Software". Aerospace Manufacturing and Design. 2015-04-09. Archived from the original on 2025-09-10. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  4. ↑ "CNC Software Inc. celebrates anniversary". Cutting Tool Engineering. 2018-03-03. Archived from the original on 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  5. ↑ "Mastercam Celebrates 35 Years in Business". www.productionmachining.com. 2018-02-27. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  6. ↑ Koenig, Karen (2013-04-03). "Mastercam Developer CNC Software Commemorates 30th Anniversary". Woodworking Network. Archived from the original on 2025-09-10. Retrieved 2025-11-18.
  7. 1 2 "Big players – big news" (PDF). Machinery (UK).
  8. ↑ Albert, Mark (2014-05-20). "Dynamic Motion Moves Past Old Boundaries". Modern Machine Shop. Archived from the original on 2014-08-03. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  9. ↑ Wanikar, Niraj (2015-06-15). "Mastercam X9 released". CNC Times. Archived from the original on 2024-02-21.
  10. 1 2 Wheeler, Andrew (2016-07-06). "CNC Software Releases Mastercam 2017 Into The Wild". Engineering.com. Archived from the original on 2024-11-15. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  11. 1 2 Osborne, Angela, ed. (2022-08-22). "Mastercam 2023 Features Multi-Axis, Mill-Turn Advancements". Production Machining. Archived from the original on 2024-11-09. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  12. ↑ "Mastercam completes strategic acquisition to strengthen presence in Europe". Machinery. 2026-01-06. Retrieved 2026-01-06.
  13. ↑ Bordonaro, Greg (2024-03-14). "Tolland software company announces leadership change". Hartford Business Journal. Archived from the original on 2025-09-10. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  14. 1 2 Mitra, Puja (2024-07-02). "Mastercam 2025 Released". Engineering.com. Archived from the original on 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  15. ↑ Mitra, Puja (2025-02-03). "Mastercam Acquires MCAM Northwest, ShopWare, OptiPro's CAD/CAM Business". Engineering.com. Archived from the original on 2025-07-17. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  16. 1 2 Pasion, Chris, ed. (2025-03-05). "Mastercam Expands CAM Ecosystem With Acquisitions". www.productionmachining.com. Archived from the original on 2025-04-01. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  17. ↑ Chakraborty, Srabanti (2025-07-02). "Mastercam 2026 launches with productivity and CAM updates". Engineering.com. Archived from the original on 2025-07-10. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  18. ↑ "Mastercam 2024 Is Released". Digital Engineering 24/7. 2023-06-06. Archived from the original on 2024-11-10. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  19. ↑ "Mastercam 2021 is Now Released". Digital Engineering 24/7. 2020-06-04. Archived from the original on 2024-05-20. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  20. ↑ "Mastercam 2020 Streamlines Machining from Setup to Completion". Modern Machine Shop. 2019-06-05. Archived from the original on 2021-06-15. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  21. ↑ "CNC Software Launches Mastercam 2018". Digital Engineering 24/7. 2017-04-28. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  22. ↑ "Design, Multiaxis Programming Progress in Mastercam X9". American Machinist. 2015-10-01. Archived from the original on 2025-04-19. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  23. ↑ Hessman, Travis M. (2012-08-17). "IMTS 2012: CNC Software's Mastercam X6 Brings New Control to 3D Toolpaths". IndustryWeek. Archived from the original on 2025-04-22. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  24. ↑ "Mastercam tops worldwide list of CAM suppliers". Cutting Tool Engineering. 2021-11-17. Archived from the original on 2024-12-09. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
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