CNC Software, Inc., Developer of Mastercam®, Celebrates 30th Anniversary
CNC Software, Inc. is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2013. Two brothers, Mark and Jack Summers incorporated the company in 1983 with a new programming concept for CNC (Computer-Numerical-Control) machine tools. They developed a PC-based CAD/CAM software package with an emphasis on the CAM side. During that time, most of the programs were more CAD-oriented and expensive.
“Ours was developed with the machinist and the design engineer in mind,” says Mark Summers, President. “I was a machinist. It’s a direct approach – design the parts and generate the toolpaths to machine them.”
They called the software program “Meghan”, named after Mark Summer’s eldest daughter, and then changed it within the first year to “Mastercam” as a clearer descriptive of the software’s primary function. A third brother, Brian Summers, soon joined the company and now serves as Vice President.
Today, Mastercam is arguably the most recognized and best selling brand of CAD/CAM software in the world and has the highest number of seats installed – 165,000 at the end of 2012. The company continually uses its success to reinvest in new Mastercam versions, improved features and ease of use, its infrastructure of more than 400 dealers worldwide, its world-class “green” facility, and its intellectual property from what they call “the best minds in software development.”
The first version of Mastercam was a two-dimensional CAM program. Now, Mastercam offers solutions for designers and programmers involved in multiaxis milling, turning, wire EDM, router programming, plasma and laser cutting, 3D design and drafting, Swiss machining, and more. CNC Software’s customers range from one-person job shops to Fortune 100 manufacturers. Mastercam is also ubiquitous in high schools, vocational/technical schools, colleges, and universities. The company’s educational division operates out of Gig Harbor, Washington.
“Certainly one of our biggest reasons for our success is our exemplary and loyal global dealer network – all of those congenial experts who sell and support Mastercam,” says Mark Summers. “Some of these people, really friends now, have been with us since the very beginning. They have helped shops grow and enjoy a true collaboration with our customers, offering advice, training, and applications experience to Mastercam users around the world.”
Shortly after CNC Software started in Massachusetts, the company moved its base of operations to an office in Vernon, Connecticut. After a brief move to an industrial park, CNC Software built corporate headquarters 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 and built for aesthetics, functionality, and environmental friendliness. In 2007, ground broke for a 12,000 sq. ft. addition to house a fully functioning machine shop with advanced equipment for Mastercam product research and development.
“I’ve had a passion for doing whatever I can to minimize environmental impact for as long as I can remember,” says Mark Summers. “We review everything, from the kinds of organic fertilizers we apply to our grounds to the kinds of recycled paper we use to our geothermal heating system. Virtually everything here has been chosen consciously with the environment in mind.”
To learn more about Mastercam, please visit:
www.mastercam.com
To view a video about their 30th Anniversary, please go to:
http://tinyurl.com/Mastercam30th
