Developed by CNC Software, Inc., Mastercam is the world’s most widely used CAM software. It bridges the gap between a 3D computer model (CAD) and the computer numerical control (CNC) machine that cuts the metal or plastic. Founded in 1983 by Mark Summers and Jack Sumner, Mastercam started as a simple 2D drafting and machining system on early personal computers. While competitors focused on expensive UNIX workstations, Mastercam bet on the PC. This gamble paid off.

It remains the industry standard because it solves the one problem that matters most: For any serious manufacturing engineer or machinist, Mastercam isn't just a tool—it's the language of the trade.

In the world of manufacturing, precision is paramount, and speed is currency. At the heart of this ecosystem lies Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software, which translates digital designs into physical parts. For over four decades, one name has consistently led this industry: Mastercam .

The software is famous for its . The "Mastercam Certified" credential is the manufacturing equivalent of a Cisco certification. High schools, technical colleges, and universities (like MIT and Purdue) use Mastercam to train the next generation of machinists. The "Post Processor" Ecosystem A hidden secret of Mastercam’s dominance is its Post Processor system. Every CNC machine speaks a slightly different dialect of G-code (e.g., a Haas mill vs. a Mazak lathe). Mastercam’s "Post" translates generic toolpaths into machine-specific code.