| CNC Software/Mastercam | |
| Website: | Official web page |
| Developer: | CNC Software, LLC |
| Latest Release Version: | Mastercam 2024 |
| Operating System: | Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10(x64) |
| Language: | Multi-language |
| Genre: | Computer-aided manufacturing |
| License: | proprietary |
Mastercam is a suite of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and CAD/CAM software applications developed by CNC Software, LLC. Founded in Massachusetts in 1983, CNC Software are headquartered in Tolland, Connecticut.[1]
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 (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.[2]
Early versions of Mastercam were released for MS-DOS 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.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.
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. Mastercam's global reach and adoption grew during this period, supported by a network of resellers and educational partnerships, which helped prepare the next generation of machinists and engineers. This era marked a transformative phase for Mastercam, solidifying its position as a leading CAD/CAM software through technological advancements and a focus on meeting the evolving needs of the manufacturing industry.
Mastercam has been released for different machine types and at times sold as stand alone components such as CAM or CAD individually.
| Year | Name | Version | Comments | OS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Mastercam "Meghan" | First version of Mastercam named after co-founder Mark Summers' daughter. | Apple IIe | |||
| 1984 | Mastercam V1 | First Version released. | Apple IIe | |||
| 1986 | Mastercam V2 | First Version for MS-DOS | MS-DOS | |||
| 1990 | Mastercam V3 | MS-DOS | ||||
| 1992 | Mastercam V4 | MS-DOS | ||||
| 1994 | Mastercam V5 | MS-DOS, Windows NT | ||||
| 1996 | Mastercam V6 | Released as version 6. | Windows NT, Windows 98 | |||
| 1998 | Mastercam V7 | Released as version 7. | Windows NT, Windows 98 | |||
| 2000 | Mastercam V8 | Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP | ||||
| 2002 | Mastercam V9 | |||||
| 2005 | Mastercam X | Renumbered versions to X instead of V | Windows XP | |||
| 2006 | Mastercam X2 | Windows XP | ||||
| 2008 | Mastercam X3 | Windows XP, Windows 7 | ||||
| 2009 | Mastercam X4 | Windows XP, Windows 7 | ||||
| 2010 | Mastercam X5 | Windows XP, Windows 7 | ||||
| 2011 | Mastercam X6 | First version with 64-bit CPU support. Introduced Xform Fit. | Windows 7 | |||
| 2013 | Mastercam X7 | Windows 7 | ||||
| 2014 | Mastercam X8 | Support ended in 2019 Introduced Dynamic Motion technology | Windows 7, Windows 8 | |||
| 2015 | Mastercam X9 | Added Dynamic Motion improvements, multiaxis enhancements, and many Design and System features | Windows 7, Windows 10 | |||
| 2016 | Mastercam 2017 | Naming changed to match year released. Added a ribbon interface, similar to the Microsoft Office | Windows 10 | |||
| 2017 | Mastercam 2018 | Windows 10 | ||||
| 2018 | Mastercam 2019 | Windows 10 | ||||
| 2019 | Mastercam 2020 | Windows 10 | ||||
| 2020 | Mastercam 2021 | Windows 10 | ||||
| 2021 | Mastercam 2022 | Windows 10, Windows 11 | ||||
| 2022 | Mastercam 2023 | Windows 10, Windows 11 | ||||
| 2023 | Mastercam 2024 | Windows 10, | Windows 11 | |||