Mastercam is a suite of

computer-aided manufacturing Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) also known as computer-aided modeling or computer-aided machining is the use of software to control machine tools in the manufacturing of work pieces. This is not the only definition for CAM, but it is the most ...

(CAM) and

CAD/CAM CAD/CAM refers to the integration of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). Both of these require powerful computers. ''CAD'' software helps designers and draftsmen; ''CAM'' "reduces manpower costs" in the manufacturi ...

software applications developed by CNC Software, LLC. Founded in Massachusetts in 1983, CNC Software are headquartered in

Tolland, Connecticut Tolland ( ) is a suburban town in Tolland County, Connecticut, United States. The town is part of the Capitol Planning Region. The population was 14,563 at the 2020 census. History Tolland was named in May 1715, and incorporated in May 172 ...

. 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 Computer numerical control (CNC) or CNC machining is the automated control of machine tools by a computer. It is an evolution of numerical control (NC), where machine tools are directly managed by data storage media such as punched cards or ...

(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.

History

Early Versions

Early versions of Mastercam were released for

MS-DOS MS-DOS ( ; acronym for Microsoft Disk Operating System, also known as Microsoft DOS) is an operating system for x86-based personal computers mostly developed by Microsoft. Collectively, MS-DOS, its rebranding as IBM PC DOS, and a few op ...

and the Apple IIe starting in the mid 1980s. 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. MastercamV9-screenshot

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 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.

Modernization

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. MastercamX4

Mastercam's global reach and adoption grew during this period, supported by a network of resellers and educational partnerships.

Versions

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

Summary

References

External links

CNC Software/Mastercam
{{CAM software Companies based in Tolland County, Connecticut Software companies based in Connecticut Computer-aided manufacturing software Technology companies of the United States Tolland, Connecticut Numerical control 1983 establishments in Massachusetts Software companies of the United States