Mastercam

CNC Software, LLC

Company type	Private
Industry	Software, Computer-aided manufacturing
Founded	1 January 1983 (1983-01-01) in Massachusetts, United States
Headquarters	Tolland , United States
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Mastercam (CAD/CAM software)

Mastercam represents a collection of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and CAD/CAM software products created by CNC Software, LLC. Established in Massachusetts in 1983, the company is currently based in Tolland, Connecticut.

As CNC Software's premier offering, Mastercam began as a 2D CAM solution equipped with CAD functionalities, allowing machinists to digitally design components and operate computer numerical controlled (CNC) machinery for manufacturing parts. Since 1994, CIMdata Inc. has consistently recognized Mastercam as the world's most widely adopted CAM software.

Initial Releases

The earliest iterations of Mastercam were launched on MS-DOS and the Apple IIe platforms during the mid-1980s. Over that decade, it gained traction due to its intuitive interface and reliable toolpath generation, becoming a favored tool in the manufacturing sector. To address evolving production requirements, the software incorporated advanced features such as 3D milling and lathe turning.

Mastercam distinguished itself by combining user-friendliness with sophisticated programming capabilities, enabling users to create part designs and precisely manage CNC equipment. The original 1983 release was among the first CAD/CAM products designed specifically for machinists and engineers, facilitating a transition from manual drafting to digital CNC programming.

Advancements

Throughout the 1990s, Mastercam expanded its functionality by integrating 3D modeling and machining options alongside high-speed machining capabilities to satisfy increasing accuracy demands. Enhancements to the user interface and better integration with solid modeling software improved the overall design-to-manufacture process. During this era, Mastercam broadened its international presence through reseller partnerships and collaborations with educational institutions.

Versions

Mastercam has been developed for multiple types of machinery and is sometimes marketed as separate CAM or CAD modules.

Overview

Mastercam for Windows release timeline

Year	Product Name	Version	Notes	Operating System
1983	Mastercam "Meghan"	0.0	Named after co-founder Mark Summers' daughter; initial release.	Apple IIe
1984	Mastercam V1	1.0	First formal version.	Apple IIe
1986	Mastercam V2	2.0	Debut on MS-DOS platform.	MS-DOS
1990	Mastercam V3	3.0		MS-DOS
1992	Mastercam V4	4.0		MS-DOS
1994	Mastercam V5	5.0		MS-DOS, Windows NT
1996	Mastercam V6	6.0		Windows NT, Windows 98
1998	Mastercam V7	7.0		Windows NT, Windows 98
2000	Mastercam V8	8.0		Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows XP
2002	Mastercam V9	9.0		Windows 2000, Windows XP
2005	Mastercam X	X	'X' series introduced with renumbering.	Windows XP
2006	Mastercam X2	X2		Windows XP
2008	Mastercam X3	X3		Windows XP, Windows 7
2009	Mastercam X4	X4		Windows XP, Windows 7
2010	Mastercam X5	X5		Windows XP, Windows 7
2011	Mastercam X6	X6	'Xform Fit' feature introduced; first version supporting 64-bit systems.	Windows 7
2013	Mastercam X7	X7		Windows 7
2014	Mastercam X8	X8	'Dynamic Motion' technology debuted; support discontinued in 2019.	Windows 7, Windows 8
2015	Mastercam X9	X9	Enhanced 'Dynamic Motion', multiaxis capabilities, plus new design and system tools.	Windows 7, Windows 10
2016	Mastercam 2017	2017	Renamed to reflect release year; introduced ribbon-style interface similar to Microsoft Office.	Windows 10
2017	Mastercam 2018	2018		Windows 10
2018	Mastercam 2019	2019		Windows 10
2019	Mastercam 2020	2020		Windows 10
2020	Mastercam 2021	2021		Windows 10
2021	Mastercam 2022	2022		Windows 10, Windows 11
2022	Mastercam 2023	2023		Windows 10, Windows 11
2023	Mastercam 2024	2024		Windows 10, Windows 11
2024	Mastercam 2025	2025		Windows 10, Windows 11

External links

• CNC Software/Mastercam