Founded in Massachusetts in 1983, CNC Software, Inc. is one of the oldest developers of PC-based computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software. They are one of the first to introduce CAD/CAM software designed for both machinists and engineers. Mastercam,
CNC Software’s main product, 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. Since then, Mastercam has grown into the most widely used CAD/CAM package in the world. CNC Software, Inc. is now located in Tolland, Connecticut.
Mastercam’s comprehensive set of predefined toolpaths—including contour, drill, pocketing, face, peel mill, engraving, surface high speed, advanced multiaxis, and many more—enable machinists to cut parts efficiently and accurately. Mastercam users can create and cut parts using one of many supplied machine and control definitions, or they can use Mastercam’s advanced tools to create their own customized definitions.
Mastercam also offers a level of flexibility that allows the integration of 3rd party applications, called C-hooks, to address unique machine or process specific scenarios.
Mastercam’s name is a double entendre: it implies mastery of CAM (computer-aided manufacturing), which involves today’s latest machine tool control technology; and it simultaneously pays homage to yesterday’s machine tool control technology by echoing the older term master cam, which referred to the main cam or model that a tracer followed in order to control the movements of a mechanically automated machine tool.
CAM is computer-aided manufacturing (or computer-aided machining in some circles). It serves as the link between CAD and physical manufacturing, CAD being computer-aided design. After a designer or engineer creates a model of a part in their CAD program, they then export that file into a CAM system. This CAM system writes the code to control the manufacturing machinery that creates the part. It tells the machine exactly where and how to move so that the part is made perfectly to specs.
What are the advantages of using CAM?
Functionally, CAM is the automation of programming machining motion. It calculates the best tool motion for a given part with a given toolpath, reducing the pressure on programmers without replacing them. Instead of painstakingly creating the NC code by hand, programmers can leave the menial work to their computer. A solid CAM system can help with all of the following:
Machining accuracy: Human error is all but eliminated with CAM, and computer-generated toolpaths are inherently more precise.
Faster job completion: Not only does CAM software save hours of hand-programming time, it also helps to reduce cycle times by offering optimized toolpaths.
Material and tool savings: The best CAM systems reduce accidental gouges, continuously analyze stock material for warping or other issues, and use tools as efficiently as possible to extend their life.
Digital review: In-software simulation checks for possible programming errors as well as presents a visual model of the machining process.
What are the industries using CAM?
Originally, CAM was a technology mainly employed by the aerospace and automotive industries, as they had higher expectations for complexity and accuracy in their parts than other sectors. As CAM software evolved, though, it started to spread. More and more manufacturers started to use it as they realized how it simplified and sped their production process. Now, the vast majority of manufacturing companies use CAM in some way. It’s become affordable for shops of all sizes, and it often equips small family-owned businesses with the profit margins and accuracy needed to become larger manufacturers able to cater to international customers.
What are the processes that use CAM?
CAM can be used in both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes. Additive processes are those that create parts by adding material onto itself. 3D printing is the prime example of this, as it involves layering molten plastic (or sometimes other materials) in a specific pattern and order to build models, prototypes, or even finished parts. Subtractive processes work by removing material from a stock piece in order to “reveal” the part underneath. Milling, turning, routing, waterjet and laser cutting, and wire EDM are all examples of subtractive manufacturing, and each can benefit from using CAM.
Mastercam CAM Solutions
Mastercam is currently the most widely used CAM software in the world. Designed for and by machining experts, Mastercam CAM products offer solutions for milling, turning, mill-turn, Swiss turning, wire EDM, and routing. Add-ons for specialty parts and for multiaxis machining are available as well.
From fixing flaws in an imported model, to creating fixtures for work holding on a machine-and so much more, this powerful CAD engine includes modeling and prep tools for CAM programmers to get parts on and off machines quickly.
Comprehensive CAD platform.
Direct modeling, file import functionality, and model prep.
CAD for CAM supports production efficiency.
A notable advantage of our integrated CAD for CAM is the ability to import files from virtually any computer-aided design source. Mastercam includes a large selection of CAD model importers, so no matter where a model was created, you can import and modify as needed for your machining purposes.
Mastercam can read CAD files from ASCII, CADL, DWG, DXF, EPS, IGES, Inventor (IPT, IDW, IAM), KeyCreator Files (CKD), Parasolids, Rhino 3DM, SOLIDWORKS (SLDPRT, SLDASM, SLDDRW), SAT (ACIS solids), Solid Edge (PAR & PSM), SpaceClaim Files (SCDOC), STEP, STL, and VDA.
Specialty data translators are available to read CAD files from UG/NX, CoroPlus®, Creo, and CATIA™.
Full 3D CAD modeling.
Import, create, and manipulate wireframe, surfaces, STL, and solids data.
Mastercam Art makes it possible to work with files including JPG, TIFF, and raster-based images—and create a 3D relief based on user preference.
Successfully serving CAD/CAM education requires clarity, good teaching tools, and real-world solutions. From middle school, high school and technical schools to colleges and universities, everyone requires CAD/CAM software that can live up to the increasing demands of the classroom.
Mastercam delivers a powerful set of industry-standard toolpaths and teaching aids to schools worldwide ranging from local extension classes to centers of higher learning:
Specially packaged to deliver CAD, mill, turn, router and wire EDM.
Educational pricing makes the software highly affordable.
QuickPart introductory module gets students cutting fast.
Wide variety of teaching aids and learning tools.
Students learn the world’s most widely-used CAM software.
Software that is ideal for CAD/CAM education is only one ingredient for success. A global community of Mastercam users, experts, educators and enthusiasts helps you get the most from your investment.
Our Educational Division and local Mastercam Educational Resellers bring years of practical experience, helping to ensure that you’re getting what you need today, while preparing students for tomorrow.
Mastercam is a software program that allows you to program CNC machines. It can even program 5 axis machines. It takes a little training and a little practice, oh and a little patience. I did some three axis programming and I was always amazed how you can manipulate the software to overcome all kids of different machining problems. The beauty is you can do some incredibly sofisticated machine operations with ease once you know how to use it.
MasterCam is a CAD/CAM computer software program. CAD or CADD is computer aided drafting or computer aided drafting and design. CAM is computer aided manufacturing. CAD is the design side and CAM is the production side. Together the two (CAD/CAM) help a person use a computer and a robot to make things. Years ago the process was a subtractive process; that is, a part was cut from a block of material, but today more and more is the additive process. That is, the CAD/CAM process is used to add material to make a part as in 3D printing.
Mastercam successfully incorporates a number of computer-aided tools in order to provide machinists with the ability to manufacture a variety of parts. These tools include:
Design
Included in the Mastercam products below are powerful 3D computer-aided design capabilities, including geometry modeling, blending, trimming and variable filleting. As an add-on to the products below, CNS offers a Parasolid-based design tool. This tool offers a history tree as well as excellent shelling and chamfering capabilities.
Mill
The mill tool allows for a variety of functions such as single and multi-surface roughing and flexible pocketing.
Lathe
The lathe tool permits machinists to execute the cuts of a traditional lathe using computer-based automation. Capabilities of the lathe tool include roughing, threading and boring.
Router
The router tool provides for excellent engraving as well as single and multi-surface roughing and finishing.
Wire
This tool contributes to the creation of complete 2- and 4-axis wirepath.
Art
The art tool is an available add-on to the mill and router tools. It facilitates the efficient conversion of 2D artwork into 3D shapes.
Mastercam software offers several benefits to designers and manufacturers, making it a popular choice in the industry. Here are some of the most significant benefits of Mastercam:
1. Increased Efficiency
Mastercam offers intelligent toolpaths and advanced design tools, which help to reduce machining time and increase efficiency. In fact, this, in turn, reduces manufacturing costs and increases productivity.
2. Precision and Accuracy
Mastercam offers precision and accuracy in the manufacturing process. For instance, the software provides designers with tools that ensure parts and products are created to the exact specifications, minimizing errors and improving quality.
3. Flexibility
Mastercam is a flexible CAD/CAM solution that can be used for various manufacturing applications. Generally, the software can create parts and products for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy sectors.
4. Cost-Effective
Mastercam is a cost-effective solution for designers and manufacturers. In fact, the software’s advanced tools and features are available at a reasonable price, making it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.
Mastercam offers several features that make it a popular CAD/CAM software in the industry. Here are some of the most prominent features of Mastercam:
1. Advanced Design Tools
Mastercam provides designers with a wide range of advanced design tools, including 2D and 3D modeling, surface modeling, solid modeling, and more. These tools allow designers to create complex parts and products with ease and precision.
2. Intelligent Toolpaths
Mastercam offers intelligent toolpaths that help to reduce machining time and improve surface finish. It includes high-speed machining, dynamic milling, and other features that make the manufacturing process more efficient.
3. Multiaxis Machining
Mastercam offers multiaxis machining capabilities, which allow for the creation of complex parts with multiple curves and angles. It also supports 5-axis machining, which is used for machining parts with rotational symmetry.
4. Customizable Post Processors
Mastercam provides customizable post processors, which allows for the creation of custom machine code for specific machines. This feature ensures that the code is optimized for a specific machine and minimizes the chances of errors.
Mastercam is one of the world’s most popular CAD and CAM software packages. It allows machinists to design and manufacture parts using a highly-sophisticated tool-control technology. more computer numerical control (CNC) programmers use Mastercam than any other computer-automated design or manufacturing program in the world.
Mastercam delivers innovative CAD/CAM software and solutions that solve the world’s manufacturing challenges. Intuitive and easy to use, every one of our data-driven solutions offers a depth of features geared for performance and tackling the most complex jobs. From the wide range of industries we serve, to community resources and more, Mastercam provides comprehensive manufacturing software tools and support for industrial and educational users.