Mastercam

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Mastercam
DevelopersCNC Software, LLC
Initial release1983
Stable release
Mastercam 2026
Repository
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Engine
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    Operating systemWindows 10/11 (64-bit)
    Available inMultilingual
    TypeComputer-aided manufacturing
    LicenseProprietary commercial software
    Websitewww.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]

    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]

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

    History

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    Founding and early development

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    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

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    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

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    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.[12]

    Key functions

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    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.[13]

    Integrations, add-ons, ecosystem

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    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.[14] Additional acquisitions in March 2025 included Barefoot CNC, CAD/CAM Solutions, CamTech Engineering Services, and selected CIMCO business units.[15] CIMCO's post-processor and Probing products were later rebranded as Mastercam Probing.[15]

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

    Release history

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    Mastercam for Windows (selected releases)

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    Year Marketing name Notable changes
    2025 Mastercam 2026[16] Improved machining capabilities; added AI assistance tools.
    2024 Mastercam 2025[13] Introduced a Deburr add-on for automated edge finishing; added finish passes to 2D Dynamic Mill and Area Mill.
    2023 Mastercam 2024[17] Interface and workflow refinements (e.g., Gview cube, setup updates).
    2022 Mastercam 2023[11] Unified Multiaxis toolpath; B-axis contour turning.
    2020 Mastercam 2021[18] Added new holemaking and multiaxis options, including Advanced Drill and Chamfer Drill (with other turning/mill-turn improvements).
    2019 Mastercam 2020[19] 3D Blend toolpath and improvements to Equal Scallop.
    2017 Mastercam 2018[20] New 2D/3D milling capabilities along with design, turning, and mill-turn updates.
    2016 Mastercam 2017[10] Switch from "X" series to year-based naming; ribbon-style UI.
    2015 Mastercam X9[21] Multiaxis updates; other design/system improvements.
    2011 Mastercam X6[22] Introduced a native 64-bit build.
    2005 Mastercam X[7] Start of the "X" series.

    Adoption and market position

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    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.[23]

    See also

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    References

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