Mastercam

Mastercam is a Windows-based manufacturing CAD/CAM solution for aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, die/mold, composites, and consumer products industries that can handle 2 through 5 axis milling/routing, mill-turn, turning, 2D and 3D design, 2 & 4 axis wire EDM, and surface and solid modeling.

As one of the oldest PC-based computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing software available on the market, this tool represents a valuable tool that was built from the ground up to serve the needs of both engineers and machinists.



Relentlessly upgraded since its original release in 1983, the modern version of Mastercam manages to deliver solutions to all needs of its customers, including formidable programming software and practical shop floor experience for projects of all sizes. By being an innovator in the CAD/CAM space, enabling engineers to design their product on the computer screen and also guide the computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine tools, the app managed to capture the attention of the worldwide engineering and machinist community and become the number one CAD/CAM package in the world.

Today, this great app provides full design access and machining mastery over the comprehensive sets of predefined toolpaths, which include contour, drill, pocketing, face, peel mill, engraving, surface high speed, advanced multiaxis, and others. As expected from such an industry-leading solution, this tool also allows users to create their own control definitions that best suit their machines and tools.

After several decades of operation as a DOS-only application, the software moved to native Windows space in 2005 and was completely redesigned more than a decade later with the release of Mastercam 2017. That release introduced a new UI design that resembled that of Windows Office tab format, and a much more streamlined tool operation that promoted the faster operation, quicker iteration, and more responsive deployment of final designs to the CNC machines. As a part of the suite, users can access various products (apps) that are focused on particular elements of product creations, official add-ons, and 3rd party addons.

In addition to purchasing a full package, users are also encouraged to download and try FREE Mastercam Demo/Home Learning Edition (HLE).

Installation and Use

The latest 2024 version of this software is distributed to end-users in an archive that almost reaches 1.5 GB in size. To run this app on your PC, you will have to have at least a 2.4GHz processor, 8GB drive, and 20 GB of free space on your local storage. For the handling of more complicated designs, it is highly recommended to give this app access to more modern and faster PC hardware, especially faster multi-core CPU and a larger amount of RAM memory.

The user interface of the CAD app is very intuitive, featuring streamlined visual elements that resemble those of the Windows Office tab format. This helps both novices and seasoned users to quickly get accustomed to all the tools, features, and services that are available inside Master cam and its add-ons.

Features and Highlights

• An award-winning suite of CAD/CAM software applications.
• Available on the market since 1983, upgraded regularly to keep in touch with all the modern advances in design and tool handling.
• Most widely-used CAD/CAM package in the world.
• A wide array of tools, services, and addons that serves the needs of both engineers and machinists.
• Full support for multi-axial machining and milling.
• Full support for importing CAD designs from other software.
• Huge built-in library of pre-designed pieces.
• Available for FREE via trial demo.

How to Download Mastercam CAD/CAM Software for Free

Ready to download your free CAD/CAM software?

Here’s how to get started:

• Check to make sure your computer meets the system requirements.
• Enter your email on the Mastercam Free Download page.
• Log in or create your free account at my.Mastercam.com.
• Answer a few questions to customize your experience.
• Activate your Demo/HLE version.
• Explore your new software!

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit Professional minimum; Windows 10 (version 1903 or later) 64-bit Professional recommended
• Processor: Intel or AMD 64-bit processor 2.4 GHz or faster minimum; Intel i7 or Xeon E3 3.2 GHz or faster recommended
• Memory: 8 GB minimum; 32 GB recommended
• Video: OpenGL 3.2 and OpenCL 1.2 support with 1 GB memory and no onboard graphics minimum; NVIDIA Quadro or AMD FirePro/Radeon Pro card with 4 GB or higher dedicated memory recommended
• Monitor: 1920 x 1080 resolution minimum; 1920 x 1080 resolution with dual monitors recommended
• Storage: Hard drive with at least 20 GB free USB and/or DVD drive (depending on installation media and licensing method) minimum; Solid State Drive (SSD) with at least 20 GB free recommended
• 3D Mouse: none required, but a 3Dconnexion mouse is recommended

PROS

Versatility: Mastercam is a versatile software that supports a wide range of machining processes, including 2D and 3D modeling, multi-axis machining, turning, mill-turn, and more. This makes it suitable for various industries, from aerospace to automotive.

User-Friendly: It has a user-friendly interface with a well-organized layout, making it relatively easy for users to learn and navigate the software.

Large User Base: It has a large user community, which means there are plenty of resources available for learning, troubleshooting, and getting help with the software.

Integrated CAD and CAM: It integrates both CAD and CAM functionalities, allowing users to create designs and generate toolpaths for machining within the same software, streamlining the design-to-manufacturing process.

Customization: Users can customize toolpaths and machining strategies to suit their specific needs, which is essential for optimizing efficiency and achieving high-quality results.

Post-Processing: It provides tools for creating custom post-processors, enabling compatibility with various CNC machines, controllers, and manufacturing environments.

Robust Simulation: The software includes advanced simulation capabilities that allow users to visualize and verify their machining processes before sending them to the CNC machine, reducing the risk of errors and collisions.

CONS

Cost: It can be expensive, both in terms of initial purchase and ongoing maintenance and updates. This cost can be a barrier for smaller businesses or individuals.

Steep Learning Curve: While it is user-friendly compared to some other CAM software, it still has a learning curve, especially for beginners. Users may require training to harness its full potential.

Hardware Requirements: Mastercam's system requirements can be demanding, requiring a powerful computer to run smoothly, which can be an additional cost.

Limited 3D Modeling: While the program can handle 3D modeling, it may not be as robust as dedicated 3D modeling software. Users who need highly complex 3D modeling may need to use additional CAD software in conjunction with the software.

Lack of Real-Time Collaboration: Collaboration features are somewhat limited, which may make it challenging for teams working remotely or in distributed environments.