Mastercam

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Mastercam
DevelopersCNC Software, LLC
Initial release1983
Stable release
Mastercam 2026
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]

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]

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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  1. ^ a b 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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b c "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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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. ^ 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.
  13. ^ a b Mitra, Puja (2024-07-02). "Mastercam 2025 Released". Engineering.com. Archived from the original on 2025-07-16. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
  14. ^ 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.
  15. ^ a b 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.
  16. ^ 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.
  17. ^ "Mastercam 2024 Is Released". Digital Engineering 24/7. 2023-06-06. Archived from the original on 2024-11-10. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  18. ^ "Mastercam 2021 is Now Released". Digital Engineering 24/7. 2020-06-04. Archived from the original on 2024-05-20. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  19. ^ "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.
  20. ^ "CNC Software Launches Mastercam 2018". Digital Engineering 24/7. 2017-04-28. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  21. ^ "Design, Multiaxis Programming Progress in Mastercam X9". American Machinist. 2015-10-01. Archived from the original on 2025-04-19. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  22. ^ 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.
  23. ^ "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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