Design Solutions
Mastercam Design is a computer-aided design solution that simplifies the creation of even the most complex parts with a robust suite of CAD tools. Design is included with Mastercam’s suite of CAM solutions. It is also available as a standalone product.
From fixing flaws in an imported model, to creating fixtures for work holding on a machine-and so much more, this powerful CAD engine includes modeling and prep tools for CAM programmers to get parts on and off machines quickly.
- Comprehensive CAD platform.
- Direct modeling, file import functionality, and model prep.
- CAD for CAM supports production efficiency.
A notable advantage of our integrated CAD for CAM is the ability to import files from virtually any computer-aided design source. Mastercam includes a large selection of CAD model importers, so no matter where a model was created, you can import and modify as needed for your machining purposes.
- Mastercam can read CAD files from ASCII, CADL, DWG, DXF, EPS, IGES, Inventor (IPT, IDW, IAM), KeyCreator Files (CKD), Parasolids, Rhino 3DM, SOLIDWORKS (SLDPRT, SLDASM, SLDDRW), SAT (ACIS solids), Solid Edge (PAR & PSM), SpaceClaim Files (SCDOC), STEP, STL, and VDA.
- Specialty data translators are available to read CAD files from UG/NX, CoroPlus®, Creo, and CATIA™.
- Full 3D CAD modeling.
- Import, create, and manipulate wireframe, surfaces, STL, and solids data.
- Mastercam Art makes it possible to work with files including JPG, TIFF, and raster-based images—and create a 3D relief based on user preference.
Learn how our design solutions can help solve your manufacturing challenges.
Features
Robust CAD
A comprehensive suite of tools for the creation/import and editing of models to modify and prepare for machining.
Direct-Editing Solids
This suite of tools found on the Model Prep ribbon allows you to modify solids that have no history to edit. You can select faces of a solid body to change the length, you can modify the radius of fillets or remove them all together. You can select bosses or cavities and move them, copy them, or eliminate them entirely.
Drafting
Dimensions, labels, and notes are part of our drafting functionality to communicate important design information to the shop floor.
Wireframe
Includes everything you need for the creation and editing of lines, arcs, splines, and points. Beyond 2D sketch creation, 3D capabilities offer unlimited flexibility to create the geometry you need with ease.
Surfaces
Surface modeling is an excellent way to create, edit, and display shapes from simple surfaces of revolution to complex organic shapes that cannot easily be done with wireframe. Mastercam gives you a powerful set of surface design tools for straightforward control over every detail of your work.
Free Software
Give the world’s #1 CAM software a test drive. Download Mastercam Demo/Home Learning Edition at no cost. Use it to learn Mastercam and get familiar with the latest advances in CAD/CAM – every step of the way up to actually machining a part!
Localized Support
Our Mastercam Resellers bring years of practical experience specific to various regions, manufacturing goals, and language requirements worldwide, to ensure that as a Mastercam user, you always have the support you need to get the most out of your CAD/CAM investment.
History-Based Solids
Allows you to construct models from the simplest wireframe sketches and to continue to edit the model to meet your desired result. These functions create a sequential history of individual operations that can easily be edited as required and update downstream operations automatically. These functions offer a great amount of flexibility for future change.
System Requirements
See the table below for minimum and recommended system configurations for Mastercam. These recommendations are based on systems we have in use at CNC Software for testing and evaluation purposes. Our recommendation is to get as much power (processor, video card, and memory) for your systems as you can afford.
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 or Windows 11 64-bit Professional | Windows 10 (version 20H2 or later) 64-bit Professional |
| Processor | Intel® or AMD 64-bit processor, 2.4 GHz or faster | Intel i7 or Xeon® E3, Kaby Lake or later, 3.2GHz or faster |
| Memory | 8 GB | 32 GB |
| Video | OpenGL 3.2 and OpenCL 1.2 support with 1 GB memory. No onboard graphics. | NVIDIA Quadro® or AMD FirePro™ / Radeon Pro card with 4 GB (or higher) dedicated memory. |
| Monitor | 1920 * 1080 resolution | 1920 * 1080 resolution, dual monitors |
| Storage | Solid State Drive (SSD) with at least 20 GB free and a USB 2.0 reader (for installation media) | NVMe Drive with at least 20GB free |
| 3D Mouse | 3Dconnexion 3D mouse |
Connection to Internet and email is recommended for installation, support, and updates.
OPERATING SYSTEMS
CNC Software continues to review the operating system (OS) requirements for Mastercam with a goal of providing the best possible user experience for our customers.
We recommend using Windows 10 64-bit Professional editions. While Mastercam may run on other Windows editions (such as Home Edition) or virtual environments (such as Parallels for Mac), it has not been tested on these configurations and is therefore not supported.
Mastercam X7 MU2 was the last release to support Windows 7 32-bit OS.
PROCESSOR
The processor speed will impact how fast the software will calculate and complete tasks. With each release, more and more aspects of Mastercam are becoming multi-core processor aware. Toolpath calculation and Simulation will generally run faster with a multi-core processor. We typically see a 50% reduction in toolpath calculation time with the latest Intel i7 or Xeon processors.
MEMORY
When Mastercam uses all available RAM, it switches to using virtual memory space, which is stored on the hard drive, and will dramatically slow the system down. We recommend a minimum of 8GB memory. For large toolpath generation and simulation, we recommend 32 GB of RAM.
VIDEO
When purchasing a new computer for Mastercam, one of the most important component is the video card.
We recommend an NVIDIA Quadro® or AMD FirePro™ / Radeon Pro card with 4 GB or more of memory. Other graphics cards can be used, but they must offer full OpenGL 3.2 and OpenCL 1.2 support. OpenCL is required for Mastercam to be able to hand off certain computation tasks to the graphics card to increase system performance.
We do not recommend or support the use of onboard graphics found with some PC configurations. These do not generally have the capability to drive graphics intensive applications such as Mastercam.
Make sure you are using up-to-date drivers from your card manufacturer. We often see issues that are resolved with updated video drivers. The driver version can have a great impact on how the card performs.
The latest drivers for NVIDIA and AMD can be found at the online links. We recommend using the automatic detect feature to detect which video card is installed. More information on configuring the graphics card can be found at this Mastercam knowledge base article.
MONITOR
The majority of our internal systems utilize dual monitors and we find this to be more productive. A second monitor allows applications such as Mastercam Simulator, Code Expert, Tool Manager and other applications to run on the secondary monitor while Mastercam utilizes the primary monitor.
The minimum recommended resolution for the primary display is 1920 * 1080 resolution typical of widescreen monitors available today. Mastercam will run on lower resolution screens but beware of potential sizing issues with larger dialog boxes and panels which may be awkward to work with. Lower resolution monitors may work fine as a second monitor in a dual screen setup.
Mastercam will run on large format displays, including 4K monitors and high-DPI devices however, we do some display issues with these configurations.
STORAGE
We have found that one of the best computer upgrades is to invest in a Solid State Drive (SSD). These drives are now priced at a point which makes them a good investment. Many of our test systems employ a smaller primary SSD for the OS and installed applications with a second large capacity conventional drive for data.
3D MOUSE
A 3D mouse improves the way you interact with your 3D application. It is designed to be used by your non-dominant hand in tandem with a standard mouse for a balanced and cooperative work style. You gently manipulate the 3D mouse’s controller cap to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D content while your standard mouse is free to select menu items or parts of the model. Additional technical and purchase information can be found on the 3Dconnexion
website.
ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE
Most computers today have some kind of anti-virus software to protect from unwanted malware. In some cases, these have been found to interfere with applications such as Mastercam which are running on the computer. CNC Software does not recommend specific anti-virus products, but if you see unexpected issues, it may be a conflict with anti-virus software. Try temporarily disabling the anti-virus software or setting an exception for Mastercam.
Case Studies
CADET at Kent Theodore Roosevelt High School
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Central Connecticut State University
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Diversified Metals Services, Inc.
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Flying S, Inc.
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Marcel Jordan
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Monsees Group
Learn MoreMastercam Community
When you choose the world’s most widely used CAM, you gain benefits beyond the technology driving our software. Our global community of Mastercam users, experts, educators, and enthusiasts helps you get the most from your investment.
- Online and local training
- Network of innovation
- Educational resources
- What’s New documentation for Mastercam and Mastercam for SOLIDWORKS®
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAM used for in design?
Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software is used in design to produce prototypes and production parts. Using a software like Mastercam, parts that are created in design software are prepared for machining. The CAM software generates the toolpaths that control a CNC machine to cut or 3D print parts to the specifications of the design.
How does CAD and CAM help designers?
From design through the manufacturing process, CAD and CAM increase productivity with digital solutions that help designers apply their creative and technical expertise. The limits of what CAD can be used to design is truly the human imagination.
Why is CAD CAM used in the design industry?
CAD/CAM software is used in the design industry because the technology enables rapid prototyping and iterative design processes. Using CAD/CAM, you could reach a production run in the time it once took to create blueprints.
What is the use of CAD CAM in product design?
CAD/CAM software is used in product design to bring digital flexibility and automation to design and manufacturing processes. The use of these technologies brings speed and efficiency to product design that can reduce the barrier to the market and improve the chances of successful market introduction as a result of digital iteration and rapid prototyping.
What can CAD be used to design?
Computer aided design software, called CAD, can be used to design everything from industrial production parts to art installations to everyday items you will find in your home. CAD is used to design parts for cars and the transportation industry, lifesaving parts and devices in the medical field, numerous components in the aerospace industry, and much more.
How has CAD affected the design industry?
The design industry has been empowered by advances in CAD technology. CAD software applications provide digital tools for improved design quality, streamlined productivity, and enhanced collaboration among designers.