Mastercam

Mastercam is a CAD/CAM software system designed for programming CNC machine tools. It can be used to design, calculate, and simulate toolpaths, then generate NC code suitable for a specific machine using a machine-specific postprocessor. Mastercam is suitable for applications such as milling, turning, multi-axis machining, Mill-Turn multitasking machines, Swiss-type automatic lathes, and wire EDM.

Mastercam is well suited for a wide range of CNC machine tools. It can be used to program 3- and 5-axis machining centers, horizontal-spindle machines, CNC lathes, lathes equipped with live tooling, Mill-Turn multitasking machines, Swiss-type automatic lathes, vertical lathes, wire EDM machines, and CNC routers. The required features depend on the Mastercam license and machine environment being used.

Yes. Mastercam is also highly suitable for conventional 2D and 2.5D machining. It can be used to program pockets, external and internal contours, grooves, shoulders, planar surfaces, drilling, tapping, boring, and chamfering, and, when needed, 3D surface machining can be combined on the same part.

Mastercam’s powerful roughing and finishing strategies can reduce machining time, control tool load, and extend tool life in standard machine shop production as well. Mastercam is therefore not intended only for machining 3D surfaces or complex 5-axis parts—it is also highly suitable for everyday 2D and 2.5D machining.

Yes. Mastercam can be used to program 3+1-axis, 3+2-axis, and continuous 5-axis machining, as well as advanced Mill-Turn multitasking machines.

Depending on the machine, the Mill-Turn environment can control multiple spindles, turrets, the B-axis, and operations across different channels, for example. Mastercam offers dedicated licenses and machine-specific environments for these applications.

Mastercam offers licenses and add-ons designed for different machining methods and machine environments. The selection includes solutions for milling, turning, Mill-Turn multitasking machines, Swiss-type automatic lathes, wire EDM, CNC routers, and multiaxis machining, as well as Mastercam Design.

The Mastercam solution can be configured to match your company’s existing machine fleet and programming needs, and expanded later as requirements change.

Yes. Mastercam can be purchased either as a perpetual license or as a time-limited subscription license.

A perpetual license remains available to the customer even if annual Mastercam CONNECT maintenance is not renewed later. A subscription license is valid for the agreed subscription period and expires if the subscription is not renewed.

With a perpetual license, the customer obtains an ongoing right to use the Mastercam license in question. When Mastercam CONNECT maintenance is active, new software versions and the services included with maintenance are also available.

With a subscription license, the right to use the software is obtained for a fixed period. The initial investment is generally lower than with a perpetual license, and the license package can be modified more flexibly. If the subscription is not renewed, the right to use the software expires.

Mastercam CONNECT is a maintenance program for perpetual Mastercam licenses. An active CONNECT maintenance plan entitles you to new Mastercam versions, software updates, and the Mastercam services and materials included in the maintenance program.

If CONNECT maintenance is not renewed, the perpetual Mastercam license will continue to function, but use can only continue with the software version available at that time.

A local license is primarily intended for a single CAM workstation.

With a network license, a company’s Mastercam licenses can be managed centrally and accessed from multiple workstations. When a user starts Mastercam, an available license can be checked out from the shared license pool. Network licensing is particularly well suited to environments where Mastercam is used by multiple programmers.

The price of Mastercam depends on the required licenses, machining methods, number of users, and selected licensing model. For example, the solution needed for conventional 2D milling differs from one designed for five-axis machining, a Mill-Turn multitasking machine, or a Swiss-type automatic lathe.

In Finland, Camcut determines the Mastercam package that best meets the customer’s needs and provides a quotation based on it. The package may also include machine-specific postprocessors and Mastercam CONNECT maintenance, for example.

Yes. Mastercam includes 2D and 3D CAD capabilities for creating and editing wireframe geometry, surfaces, solids, and more.

These CAD capabilities can also be used to repair and prepare models imported from other design systems. This makes it possible to create the auxiliary geometry and modifications needed for machining directly in Mastercam, without separate CAD software.

Yes. A free student version of Mastercam is available, allowing users to practice with the software in much the same way as with an industrial license. For example, the student version can open various file formats, create and edit 2D and 3D geometry, create tools, and generate and simulate toolpaths.

The student version cannot be used for production because it cannot post-process toolpaths into NC code for use on a CNC machine. In addition, Mastercam files created with the student version cannot be opened with an industrial Mastercam license.

The student version is an excellent way to explore Mastercam, learn how to use the software, and practice CAM programming.

Yes. A postprocessor, or NC code translator, converts the toolpaths designed in Mastercam into NC code understood by the machine tool and CNC control.

The postprocessor must match the machine tool, CNC control, programmable axes, and machine configuration being used. A machine-specific postprocessor is especially important for multiaxis machining centers, lathes, and multitasking machines.

To create a Mastercam postprocessor, or NC code translator, basic information about the machine tool and its configuration is required. The necessary information includes the machine tool’s manufacturer and exact model, the CNC control manufacturer and model, the programmable axes, and any additional equipment and machine-specific features.

For example, the information can be provided as follows:

• DMG MORI NLX 2500, FANUC 21i, X and Z axes, C-axis and driven tools, no sub-spindle, bar feeder
• Hyundai WIA KF4600II, FANUC 0i-F Plus, 3-axis vertical machining center
• Quaser MV204-II, Heidenhain TNC 530, 3+1-axis vertical machining center with a rotary table

Based on this information, a Mastercam postprocessor suitable for the specific machine tool and CNC control can be configured.

Camcut is Mastercam’s official reseller and training provider in Finland. We provide Mastercam training, software implementation, and technical support for companies and educational institutions.

Training can be conducted at the customer’s own production facility, remotely, or through Finnish-language training videos. The training content can be tailored to the Mastercam licenses in use, the machine tools, the users’ skill levels, and the customer’s own parts.