CNC Software Celebrates 30th Anniversary
The Mastercam developer was founded in 1983.

Software Simplifies Setups and Gauging
CNC Software’s Mastercam X7 includes a new turn-mill function said to simplify machining on high-powered turning centers and full-function machining centers.

Machining Software Offers Lathe Support
Mastercam X7 for Solidworks features updated lathe support and workflow improvements.

Native CAD Files Improve Pump Manufacturer’s Productivity
Implementing an integrated CAM package helped a pump manufacturer improve fixture design, offer single setup manufacturing processes and better communications and submissions to third-party vendors.

Mastercam Announces National Competition
Students and young adults can win cash toward education expenses.

CAM to Conversational to CAM
Despite having turning centers with conversational controls, this gear manufacturer has benefited from going back to CAM as its primary method of programming those machines.

Consistency Is Key to Titanium
An important part of this shop’s successful approach to titanium machining is a toolpath strategy that keeps the load on the cutter constant. Another important element is the way this shop captures and reapplies what it learns about how effective it can be in this metal.

Software Offers Variable Depth Roughing and Other Enhancements
X6 Lathe from Mastercam delivers a suite of enhanced features designed to increase productivity.

CAM Software Keeps “Grave Digger” Alive
Talking shop with visitors to Mastercam’s Booth E-3340 all day Wednesday and Thursday is a departure of sorts for Pablo Huffaker, a monster truck driver whose public appearances are typically more about pulverizing metal than shaping it. However, when he’s not crushing cars, buses or even mobile homes from behind the wheel of the crowd-favorite Grave Digger, he and the rest of the team at the RaceSource fabrication shop in Tomball, Texas, rely extensively on Mastercam CAM software to keep the black-and-green behemoth in working order.

Shop Thrives on Evolving CAM Capabilities
High speed, turn-mill and “hybrid” tool paths that combine functionality are among the Mastercam CAM software features that help keep this shop competitive.

Mastercam Announces Competition Winner
High school student Zachary Roy received a $1,000 scholarship and a trip to Taylor Guitars' factory in California.

CAM Update Covers Bladed Parts, Small Parts and More
New capabilities in Mastercam X6 include Blade Expert, Swiss Expert, 3D high speed tool path, hybrid-finish filler passes and new stock models.

CAM Update Covers Bladed Parts, Small Parts and More
New capabilities in Mastercam X6 include Blade Expert, Swiss Expert, 3D high speed tool path, hybrid-finish filler passes and new stock models. 

Vector Programming Eases Five-Axis Aerospace Machining
Because the CNCs on this shop’s largest five-axis machining centers accept vector coordinates as program input instead of traditional G codes, critical jobs can be shifted readily from machine to machine.

Software Update Features New Stock Models, Among Other Improvements
Developed by CNC Software, Mastercam X6 features new stock models designed for viewing and verifying work.

Software Update Includes New Stock Models
Mastercam X6 from CNC Software features new functionality for stock models, multi-bladed parts, Z-level cuts and more.

Mastercam Announces 2012 “Innovator” Competition
Mastercam CAM system developer CNC Software (Tolland, Connecticut) announces the 2012 edition of the Mastercam Innovator of the Future (IOF) competition.

Software Add-On Creates Head Porting Toolpaths
Mastercam's Port Expert add-on is designed to create accurate, efficient engine cylinder head porting toolpaths on port surface or solid data.

Glimpse into an Unreal Machine Shop
Mastercam’s machining test lab operates unlike any ordinary machine shop for extraordinary reasons. The shop’s manager explains why it does so.

Mastercam Announces IOF Winner
CNC Software, developer of Mastercam CAD/CAM software, has announced the winner of its 2010-2011 Innovator of the Future (IOF) competition: Scott Harrel, a student in the Computer Integrated Machining Technology program at Rowan Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, North Carolina.  

Skills Shortage: Different Means to the Same End
Companies and organizations are pursuing different strategies to address the critical shortage of skilled technical personnel.

CAD Design Tools Provide Flexibility, Ease of Use
Mastercam Design X5 from CNC Software features a suite of design tools, including 3D surfacing and solids analysis, that enables users to easily model and edit geometry.

How Micromachining Patience Speeds Prototype Production
A molder of tiny, silicone components for the medical industry explains how a patient, conservative approach to micromachining enables it to deliver prototypes faster.

Cycle Efficiency
Automated machining processes enable this maker of high-performance mountain bike parts to manufacture efficiently with minimal staff.

Mastercam Offers Latest Software at imX
Mastercam developer CNC Software will demonstrate the latest release of its CAM system at the inaugural imX (interactive manufacturing experience) industry event.

Flexible CAD/CAM Supports Flexible Machining
Programming offline using Mastercam CAM software supports the flexibility that accounts for much of this shop’s success.

CAD/CAM Maintenance Update Expands Flexibility
CNC Software says its Mastercam X5 MU1 maintenance update provides expanded machining flexibility and an increased emphasis on speed and automation.

Minimizing Turnaround Times for Big Parts
The key to success (and the primary challenge) for any job shop is minimizing turnaround time for non-repeating work. This Indiana shop shares some of its strategies for reducing lead times for the various large-scale jobs it encounters.

The In-House Advantage
A shop that introduced its own product realizes the advantages of designing and machining a part under the same roof.

CAD/CAM Integrates into SolidWorks
CNC Software’s Mastercam X5 for SolidWorks enables operators to use its tool paths and machining strategies to program parts directly in SolidWorks.

Going Lean in Order to Grow
This shop has a plan for dramatically expanding its contract machining business in high-value markets.

Software Helps Students Learn CAD/CAM
Mastercam QuickPart, a standalone product developed on the Mastercam Demo/Home Learning Edition platform, is designed to offer students a fast, easy way to design and cut parts while learning the principles of CAD/CAM through step-by-step instructions.

Mastercam Opens Facility in Switzerland
Mastercam developer CNC Software (Tolland, Connecticut) has opened a new division in Switzerland that is dedicated to the development of Mastercam Swiss Expert, a programming system for Swiss-type turning machines.

Hey Students, Let’s See What Kind of Chops You’ve Got
Attention students. Mastercam wants to see how much design and machining talent you’ve got. And there’s $1,000 at stake.

CAM Software Offers New Techniques, Interfaces
Capabilities introduced in Mastercam X5, the latest version of the company’s CAD/CAM software, include new techniques for dynamic milling, high speed roughing, multi-axis machining, smart hybrid finishing and more.

How Do You Equip a Startup Micromachining Shop?
A response to a reader’s question includes a checklist for launching a small shop focused on micromachining.

Enhancements to CAD/CAM Software
Mastercam X5’s 3D surface, high speed OptiRough toolpath technique is designed to remove large amounts of material quickly using its dynamic milling motion.

Mastercam Touts Varied Training Tool Offering
CAM system developer Mastercam (Tolland, Connecticut) says its selection of learning tools enables customers get up-to-speed with its software at their own pace and via their own preferred learning methods, whether online, through video or through reading.   Online offerings include Mastercam University, CamInstructor and Streamingteacher.

Software Upgrade Features Dynamic Milling Techniques
Mastercam X5 from CNC Software features dynamic milling techniques, multi-axis machining, smart hybrid finishing and more.

A Refined Approach to Roughing
Mastercam's OptiRough roughing feature starts with a small tool that cuts very efficiently at an initial depth using the full length of its flute.

CAM Features Facilitate Five-Axis “Hog-Outs”
A point of pride for this shop is its ability to take on projects others wouldn’t touch. Recently, capabilities within Mastercam CAM software enabled the company to overcome challenges with a difficult aerospace component and, more significantly, to bring in new, similar work.

Software/Tooling Partnership Promises Easier HSM
High-efficiency parameters are calculated automatically—partly using a slider that lets the programmer set the level of aggressiveness.

CAM Offers Dynamic Milling Techniques, Supports Multi-Axis Machining
The X5 version of the company’s CAD/CAM software introduces significant new capabilities, including new dynamic milling techniques, multi-axis machining, Smart Hybrid Finishing and more.

Online Training Teaches Efficient CAM Programming
Mastercam CAM software developer CNC Software (Tolland, Connecticut) offers Mastercam University, an affordable, online learning tool that provides 24/7 access to training materials for the CAM package.

Notes on Posts
A software engineer from CNC Software, makers of Mastercam programming software, discusses what a postprocessor is and what it does. He explains the different types of postprocessors, the different types of postprocessor users, and the different levels of functionality in postprocessors.

Partners in THINC Welcomes First CAD/CAM Supplier Member
Mastercam/CNC Software is the first CAD/CAM developer to join Partners in THINC.

Multi-axis Machining Increases Speed and Finish
Mastercam’s multi-axis machining offers a range of both basic and advanced strategies.

First CAD/CAM Supplier Joins Partners in THINC
CNC Software/Mastercam is the first CAD/CAM developer to join Partners in THINC.

Software Saves Time, Prolongs Tool Life
Mastercam's Dynamic Machining is said to create a constantly adapting toolpath that delivers more-consistent cutting conditions and allows use of the entire tool flute length, often eliminating the need for multiple depth cuts.

When to Mill Keeps Changing
Technology improvements steadily expand the range of tool and die parts that justify high speed machining.

Competition Aims To Motivate Students
Mastercam CAM system developer CNC Software (Tolland, Connecticut) says its 2009-2010 Mastercam Innovator of the Future (IOF) competition will entice students with a real-world manufacturing challenge, celebrity judges and a chance to win a scholarship and a trip to a NASCAR team headquarters.

It Takes Firm Resolution To Master The Micro
This shop’s experience of successfully machining a micro aneurysm clip in silicon nitride ceramic points out the need to have CAD, CAM and CNC capability at high resolution—plus the commitment to pull it all together.

Competition Aims To Motivate Students
Mastercam CAM system developer CNC Software (Tolland, Connecticut) says its 2009-2010 Mastercam Innovator of the Future (IOF) competition will entice students with a real-world manufacturing challenge, a celebrity judge and a chance to win a scholarship and a trip to the judge’s headquarters.

CAM Software Improves Productivity, Lead Times
Implementing Mastercam CAM software has enabled this manufacturer to improve productivity and lead time despite limited staffing resources.

Toolpath Refinement Produces Finer Finish
CNC Software’s Mastercam X4 provides expanded machining flexibility and an increased emphasis on speed and automation. It also introduces 3D surface toolpath refinement, a technique that is said to deliver a much finer finish on complex parts.

Justin Amos Wins “Innovator of the Future” Contest
The developer of Mastercam sponsors this contest each year to get students excited about CAD/CAM and the manufacturing process. 

Software Emphasizes Speed, Automation
Mastercam X4 from CNC Software expands machining flexibility and increases emphasis on speed and automation with a suite of new toolpaths, multi-threading ability and other enhancements. Dynamic machining creates an active toolpath that delivers more consistent cutting conditions and allows use of the entire tool flute length, saving both time and money, the company says.

Multi-Axis Machining Increases Speed, Finish
Mastercam offers a range of basic and advanced multi-axis machining strategies with enhancements to the Port5ax and Flow5ax tool paths, TrueSolids five-axis Verify improvements and more. The Port5ax and Flow5ax tool paths include features that allow an overlap or blend to be added at the beginning and end of a tool path.

Software Aids Transition To Production Mindset
Over the years, aerospace manufacturer Costa Precision has developed a reputation for taking on large, complex parts that other shops can’t handle. However, overly optimistic customer expectations and lengthy cycle times led Costa to struggle with generating revenue on the manufacturing side of its business. With a new production-oriented mindset and CAD/CAM software from Mastercam, the shop was able to maintain the high precision for which it is known while improving manufacturing efficiency and profitability.

CAM Upgrade Offers Milti-Threading Support
Due out in the second quarter of 2009, Mastercam X4 brings users a suite of new tool paths, multi-threading ability and more. The release’s dynamic machining technique allows utilization of the entire flute length of the cutting tool, saving both time and money, the company says. Dynamic machining offers flexible retract options to keep the tool down for smaller parts and rapid retract for larger parts.

2D High Speed Tool Paths
Mastercam X3 offers a suite of six 2D high speed tool paths—peel mill, core mill, area mill, rest mill, blend mill and facing—all of which are optimized for high speed machining and hard milling. The 2D tool paths are said to make processes more efficient and automated while minimizing programming and cycle times. According to the company, all tool paths deliver efficient, low-stress motion without using a high speed machine.

Fully Integrated CAM For SolidWorks
Mastercam for SolidWorks is a fully integrated CAM system that is said to run seamlessly in SolidWorks. SolidWorks users can program their parts directly within SolidWorks using Mastercam’s tool paths and machining strategies. The CAM system includes a suite of cutting strategies, including Feature Based Machining (FBM) and 3D, high speed machining tool paths.

Software Emphasizes Efficiency, Automation
Mastercam X3 Mill, developed by CNC Software, offers expanded machining flexibility and an increased emphasis on speed and automation. Feature-based machining (FBM), high speed tool motion and faster toolpath generation combine with additional enhancements in a package designed to improve shopfloor productivity. Valuable for experienced users and easy enough for new users, FBM evaluates a part’s features and automatically designs an effective machining strategy to mill and drill solid models, the company says.

Software Supports Cell-Based Production Process
Implementing advanced manufacturing cells can help a shop improve productivity, but the cells themselves may be only part of the solution. That’s the case at Wilcox Industries, which combined advanced manufacturing capabilities of automated machining with the flexibility of Mastercam CAD/CAM software to keep up with continuing growth.

CAD/CAM Software Expands Machining Flexibility
CNC Software’s Mastercam X3 is designed to increase machining flexibility by emphasizing on speed and automation. With feature-based machining, high speed tool motion and faster toolpath generation, X3 is said to improve shop-floor productivity. The software’s feature-based machining capability allows automatic milling and drilling of solid models because it can evaluate a part’s features and automatically develop a machining strategy.

Read Autodesk Inventor Files Within CAD/CAM
MasterCAM is a Windows-based CAD/CAM software package, developed by CNC Software, for two- through five-axis milling and turning; two- and four-axis wire EDM; 2D and 3D design, surface and solid modeling; artistic relief cutting; and 2D and 3D routing. MasterCAM X2 features a direct add-in for Autodesk Inventor. This add-in module is free to users in the MasterCAM and Autodesk communities.

CAD/CAM Software Now Offers Feature-Based Machining
The X3 version of the company’s CAD/CAM software is designed to increase machining flexibility by placing an emphasis on speed and automation. With feature-based machining, high speed tool motion and faster tool paths, X3 is said to improve shop-floor productivity. The software’s feature-based machining capability allows automatic milling and drilling of solid parts because it can evaluate a part’s features and automatically develop a machining strategy.

Machining And Operator Productivity Get A Boost From Mastercam
This magnetic workholding manufacturer wanted an advanced CAM package to go along with some new machine tools it recently purchased. Mastercam not only kept these machines operating to their full potential, but also breathed new life into the shop’s older CNC equipment. 

Versatile CAD/CAM Software Helps Small Shop Excel At Overnight Prototyping
This shop needed a CAD/CAM package with the versatility to take on a wide range of prototyping jobs. MasterCAM X's multitasking capabilities has enabled the shop to turn around a variety of complex parts overnight.

Software Enhancements Accommodate By-Region Machining

Milling CAM Application Features Z-Oscillation, Other Enhancements

Successfully Feeding The Medical Market
This medical shop has adopted five-axis, bar-fed machining technology to adapt to compressed delivery schedules and increasingly complex part geometries.

Cycle Shop Streamlines Startup With CAD-CAM
This start-up motorcycle manufacturer is an offshoot of Lucas Oil, a private oil marketer that supplies truckers, auto-racers and bike racers with oil formulations that are designed to offer protection while enhancing engine performance. Having already attended bike shows and racing events with its own promotional motorcycle, the company says it felt that introducing its own line of bikes and apparel seemed like a logical brand extension.

CNC Machining Fuels Guitar Innovations
Could Ron Thorn produce a gorgeous electric guitar completely by hand? Sure. Would he now that he has a “metalworking” CNC machine tool? Probably not.

Everything Changes
Through a sweeping transition to high speed machining, a Maryland contract shop realizes its goal of same-day, "in by 9, out by 5" turnaround.

CAD/CAM Software For Wire EDM Programming

Mainstream Technology Keeps Shop On Track
In its toolroom, Branchline Trains takes a practical approach to machining with end mills as small as 0.005 inch in diameter.

Pursuing Lean With On-Machine Inspection
After decades of tinkering with the machined part process, some might consider it nearly impossible to improve on the methodology. Not so, states Michael Angulo, an applications engineer in the Manufacturing Research Division, aeronautics sector at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (Palmdale, California). The quintessential troubleshooter, Mr. Angulo and a team of quality engineers focused on evaluating the company's manufacturing and dimensional inspection operations, and also on creating a time reduction plan for the machined parts process.

CAD/CAM Speeds Design And Machining For Cycle Shop
To stay competitive on the street and the strip, this aftermarket motorcycle parts manufacturer takes advantage of CAD/CAM software to develop customized racing parts that it would otherwise not be able to produce.

Turning Ideas Into Parts
To get maximum leverage from its manufacturing know-how, Krieger Machine, a CNC shop in Stuart, Florida, draws on all of its software resources - CAD, CAM and shopfloor programming. The shop relies on KeyCreator from Kubotek as its main CAD resource. Mastercam from CNC Software is its main CAM resource. On the shop floor, conversational programming on the Hurco vertical machining centers proves to be another vital resource. All three systems help the shop succeed as a reliable producer of precision parts for a variety of industries.

Five-Axis Machining When You Want It
This California job shop has managed to demystify the application of five-axis machining. Using a portable trunion attachment on a vertical machining center, five-axis capability can be on the machine or off the machine as the production mix dictates.

Boat Parts Production Is More Precise With Five-Axis Machining Software
With Mastercam and Vericut CNC simulation software, this company was able to produce even the tightest of tolerances for its demanding boat parts.

The Right Tool For Milling Titanium
Milling titanium is different from other metals because of the risk of heat build-up. Thanks to the metal’s low thermal conductivity, overly aggressive milling may even pose a risk of combustion. With titanium, in other words, there may be more than one reason why the cutting speed can’t be increased. And yet the speed of production still can be increased.

Speeding To Success
Using a company-wide mantra of faster, faster, faster, some innovative processing techniques and a rationalized deployment of personnel, this Detroit mold maker is snatching success from the jaws of competition.

Getting To Know Knowledge-Based Machining
The term refers to different levels of automation that CAM software developers are building into their NC programming software.

Plugging Into STEP NC
CAM software companies are offering software programs that allow their users to read STEP-NC files into their existing CAM software to generate the tool path and output for specific CNC machines. These "plug-ins" make many of the benefits of STEP-NC available to the average machine shop today.

The Right Start For A Fine Finish
Developers of CAM software have introduced many programming features for the initial removal of excess stock prior to finishing operations. By preparing the workpiece surface for more effective finishing, these roughing routines often determine how efficiently a CNC machining center can perform.

Start With Waterjet For More Effective Milling
For aircraft components machined out of plate stock, this shop roughs with abrasive waterjet before finishing with conventional milling. Removing roughing from the machining center cuts cost and lead time.

Shop Owes Growth To CAD/CAM Versatility
This shop's programmer/operators, equipped with the most versatile CAD/CAM software they could choose, moved on to the tool path and cut more combinations of amazingly diverse parts, as a company confident of its ability to meet any of its customers' molding, machining or manufacturing needs.

Plunge Roughing Right Now
This mold shop makes plunge roughing work using the kind of machine and the kind of tooling it’s been using all along. In other words, this shop achieved a faster metal removal rate just by changing direction.

CAD/CAM Design, Cylinder Head, Lead To Faster Motorcycle
Major corporations had been trying to top eight seconds for the quarter-mile on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This explains how some shop smarts and a CAD/CAM package did it.

Company Provides Fast Turnaround For Molds For Sunglasses
Bausch and Lomb, the optics manufacturer, needed aluminum rapid prototype molds for the introduction of its Inertia Combo Ray-Ban sunglasses line. The schedule allowed for less than four weeks from completion of the geometry to the first molded plastic parts. The company turned to the two-year-old ROMOLD, Inc. for quick turnaround of the plastic injection molds from Bausch and Lomb's Unigraphics design files.

CAM Smoothes Project's Ups And Downs
An in-depth look at how a CAM package, along with talent and experience, were applied successfully to a challenging mold job.

CAM And California Manufacturer Aim For 'Any Mold In Ten Days'
If self threading screws, accumulated out-of-tolerance buildup, warpage, impact resistance, cosmetic appearance, assembly to other parts and snap fits are not perfect, it's the scrap bin for expensive production.

Programming Complex Port Surfaces Helps Dragsters Consistently Achieve 300 MPH
The designers of top fuel dragsters are constantly trying to squeeze more speed from their creations. Until recently, they rarely broke the 300 mph barrier.

Machining In Circles
By converting conventional point-to-point contouring programs to arcs, shops are slashing program lengths, boosting average feed rates, and getting better surface finishes.

• Video: Milling with Full Flute Length

  A shop captured this footage of the way a software feature permits deep cutting in steel.