2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Mastercam CAD/CAM software!
How did it all begin?
In 1983, two brothers, Mark and Jack Summers, developed a new concept for programming CNC (Computer-Numerical-Control) machine tools. A third brother, Brian Summers, soon joined and together developed a PC-based CAD/CAM software package that laid the foundation for what is Mastercam, the world’s most widely used CAD/CAM software.
Mark Summers, Advisor of Mastercam, says, “It started out as a simple idea. I was a machinist. My brother was a mathematician. We combined our experience to put what was out of reach for most shops – NC programming software – right onto their desktops.”
In the 40 years that followed, Mastercam has advanced dozens of important new technologies for those shops, including “smart” toolpaths, hybrid machining, mill-turn, multiaxis, their proprietary Dynamic Motion technology, as well as basic packages for milling, turning, and wire EDM.
The Evolution of Mastercam
We first called the software program “Meghan,” after Mark Summers’ eldest daughter. It was later changed to “Mastercam” as a clearer descriptive of the software’s primary function. Currently, Meghan is the President and CEO of the company, and Mastercam is the most widely used CAD/CAM software in the world, closing in on over 300,000 installations at the end of 2022.
Input from users is what helps drive innovation at Mastercam. We are in constant contact with shops, machine tool builders, educators, tooling suppliers, and they all help us focus on what shops need the most now, and in the future so that we can deliver the most competitive software.
Mastercam’s Success
Mastercam has one of the largest, most knowledgeable Reseller channels in the manufacturing industry. “One of the biggest reasons for our success is our global Reseller network – probably the largest and most experienced in the CAM industry,” says CEO Meghan West. “They are true partners with our customers, offering advice, training, and applications experience to Mastercam users around the world. We’re also extremely proud to be the number one CAD/CAM program taught by technology teachers in schools, colleges, and universities. Helping to train the next generation of skilled manufacturing personnel is an important mission of ours.”
About Mastercam’s Global Headquarters
Shortly after starting in Massachusetts, the company moved its base of operations to an office in Vernon, Connecticut. After a brief move to an industrial park, corporate headquarters were built in Tolland, Connecticut. When it outgrew that space, the Summers established the company’s corporate headquarters and training facility in a new 38,000 sq. ft. building in the same town. The building was thoughtfully designed as a world-class “green” facility and built for expandability and environmental friendliness. In 2007, ground broke for a 12,000 sq. ft. addition to house a fully functioning Manufacturing Lab with advanced equipment for Mastercam product research and development.
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