Cimatron

What is Cimatron?

Cimatron is an integrated CAD/CAM software used especially for the design of molds, stamping tools, and other demanding tooling structures, as well as for programming their CNC machining. In practice, Cimatron brings together 3D modeling, manufacturability analysis, and CAM programming into one environment, allowing both the CAD designer and the CAM programmer to work with the same data without unnecessary file transfers and rebuilding. This workflow is typical in the machine shop industry, where changes to the 3D model directly affect toolpaths, machine settings, and ultimately the G-codes.

Cimatron and Its Background in the Machine Shop Industry

Cimatron’s background dates back to the early 1980s: the company originated from a player called MicroCAD, and the Cimatron name was adopted in 1987. The software has been owned by several companies through various mergers and acquisitions, and currently, Cimatron is part of the Sandvik Group through the Cambrio acquisition (Sandvik acquired Cambrio on October 18, 2021). This ownership structure is generally reflected to machine shops as a focus on long-term development: the software emphasizes workflows for mold and toolmaking, while also supporting general CNC machining and production NC programming.

Cimatron CAD Features and the 3D Model as the Basis for Production
The CAD side of Cimatron is built on the concept of hybrid modeling: the same assembly can be handled as a solid, as surfaces, or, if needed, as wireframe geometry. This is practical for mold and tooling projects, where source data may come in many forms and vary in quality. Typical everyday situations include repairing STEP or IGES files, “stitching/healing” surfaces, defining the parting line, and editing various inserts, slides, and cavities. When the 3D model is the shared "source of truth" for both design and manufacturing, it’s crucial for the machinist and the machine shop that any changes made to the model are systematically updated on the CAM side as well.

Cimatron CAM and CNC Programming in Cimatron

The CAM environment in Cimatron is designed for NC programming, where 2D and 3D toolpaths, tool management, and machining sequences are directly tied to the model. In real machine shop situations, this means you can work on 2.5D drilling and pocketing, 3D surface finishing, and 3+2 or continuous 5-axis machining all in one project. The postprocessor is a crucial part of the process since the final NC program must be tailored to the machine type and controller; that’s why programming, simulation, and post-processing are typically seen as one single chain, not separate disconnected phases.

In many mold and tool applications, the value of the CAM side comes from being able to tie roughing and finishing operations to the updated “stock” condition, making rest-machining and surface finishing more predictable. At the same time, HSM-type strategies—like aiming for a consistent chip load and using trochoidal milling—are standard methods for improving process reliability when working with hardened steels and complex cavities.

Cimatron Mold and Die Features in Cimatron

Cimatron is especially known for its workflows targeted at mold (mold) and die design, where the interface between design and manufacturing is continuous. On the mold side, key features include parting line design, undercut detection, creation of cavities and cores, and fitting of various assembly components. For die tools, the focus is on strip layout and process planning, analysis of deformation, and overall tool management. In these projects, Cimatron’s core idea is that design decisions can be checked and transferred to manufacturing without needing to rebuild the same geometry in a separate CAM application.

Cimatron Electrodes and EDM Workflows in Cimatron

In mold making, EDM remains a core technology, and Cimatron offers dedicated tools for electrode design and preparation for manufacturing. This includes identifying burn surfaces, creating electrode geometry, managing spark gaps, and generating setups and documentation. When electrodes are created from the same 3D model as other mold components, machinists can manage the project as a whole: the same project covers milling, possible wire EDM, and electrode manufacturing without losing geometry between files.

Cimatron Simulation, Collision Checking, and Production Reliability in Cimatron
Simulation and verification in Cimatron essentially act as “insurance” for daily life in the machine shop: with complex 3D shapes and multi-axis jobs, the biggest risks are collisions between holders and parts, over- or under-machining, and achieving the planned surface finish. When CAM simulation, collision checks, and machine kinematics are handled before running the job, setup time and the number of test pieces typically decrease. This is especially critical in 5-axis machining, where tool tilting and holder selection directly impact safe machining.

Cimatron and Data Management from CAD to CAM

The Cimatron workflow emphasizes the idea of consistent data from design to production: the same model, changes, and project flow through the CAD and CAM phases. This supports Industry 4.0 thinking in practical terms, as documents, setup sheets, tool lists, and NC reports can all be generated from one system and shared with machinists in a clear format. In recent years, Cimatron has also introduced new tools, such as CAD-AI-based feature detection for certain mold and tool tasks, and DieQuote—a cloud-based solution for estimating die tool costs.

Summary

Cimatron is a CAD/CAM software focused on mold, die, and tooling projects, with its strength being a seamless workflow from 3D modeling to CNC programming. In the machine shop, Cimatron’s value lies in the fact that CAD design, CAM programming, simulation, post-processing, and project documentation can all be managed within the same environment, reducing data disconnects and making change management easier. At the same time, the software supports a wide range of 2.5D to 5-axis CNC machining as well as the specific needs of the mold industry, such as parting lines, cavities, and EDM electrodes.